Powersports & Power Equipment Technology

Prepare for a career in power equipment repair in our Powersports and Power Equipment Technology program. Through classroom and lab experience, you’ll develop competence in repairing the most modern powersports equipment as well as chainsaws, lawn and gardening equipment and generators. In this Associate in Applied Science program, Master the skills needed to pursue a career in power equipment technology.

Receive diverse training that prepares you to repair a variety of two and four-cycle engines, powertrains and chassis. Learn how to maintain and repair powersport vehicles such as motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, snowmobiles and personal watercraft. Acquire the knowledge and skill-set needed to diagnose and service today’s powersport and power equipment.

Gain hands-on experience while working in our modern, high tech service lab and through student internship opportunities. You will receive the training needed, and earn specialized certifications while working on leading industry brands such as Polaris, Victory, Honda, Yamaha, Harley Davidson, Suzuki, Kawasaki, John Deere, Toro, Stihl, Echo and more!

Whether you choose to work at a power equipment dealer, rental center or run your own power equipment repair business, you’ll establish a strong foundation of skills and understanding of powersports equipment repair right here at Iowa Lakes. Prepare to thrive as a technician with plenty of hands-on experience to back you up.


Polaris Master Service Dealer Logo

Students complete the Polaris Master Service Dealer (MSD) certifications at the Bronze and Silver levels while enrolled in the program at Iowa Lakes.


One Of The 5 Best Motorcycle Mechanic Schools in the U.S.

Ranked Top Schools for Motorcycle Repair by Best Accredited Colleges. 

Faculty Contact

Matthew Bohl
Assistant Professor | Powersports & Power Equipment Technology
712-852-5230 | mbohl@iowalakes.educreate new email
Dustin Ross
Assistant Professor | Powersports & Power Equipment Technology
712-852-5260 | dross@iowalakes.educreate new email

Program Details

PROGRAM LENGTH: 5 terms

DEGREE: Associate in Applied Science (76 credits)

CAMPUS: Emmetsburg

Internship/Practicum

Did You Know?

Average Salary: $34,470

Projected Employment Growth: 0.2%

Special Certifications Available

Curriculum

Term 1

Credits: 3

Developing skills in reading, writing and listening as they apply to students’ vocational needs.


Credits: 2

This course provides knowledge of the fundamentals of electricity along with electrical testing procedures and equipment for the transportation and maintenance industry.

Corequisites: AGM 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Farm Equipment, AUT 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Automotive, MOT 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Powersports or MSE 332 – Fund. of Electricity Lab Marine


Credits: 1

This course provides application of the fundamentals of electricity along with electrical testing procedures and equipment on powersports and power equipment.

Corequisite: ELE 332 – Fundamentals of Electricity


Credits:

Basic electrical theory used in the motorcycle and small engine field. Study of Ohm’s Law, electrical symbols, problem solving, types of circuits, usage of a VOM and other electrical test equipment .Lecture and laboratory.

Corequisites: MSE 143 – Small Engines Theory


Credits: 3

Basic two- and four-stroke engine theory, design, and construction. All basic systems are studied, as well as troubleshooting, failure analysis, and repair procedures. Service literature, warranties, and engine identification are covered.


Credits: 3

Complete disassembly and reassembly of modern engines, troubleshooting, failure analysis, and proper repair techniques. Hands-on testing and inspection of engine systems.


Credits: 1

Safe shop practices and procedures, including safe equipment op­eration, proper tool usage, importance of personal protective gear and how to handle emergency situations.

Corequisite: MOT 121 – Small Engine Theory


Credits: 3

This course is an introduction to the various types of drives and power delivery systems that will be encountered in the outdoor power equipment industry. Construction, operation, maintenance, repair of outdoor power equipment, and other systems including transmissions, clutches, belt drives, chain drives, basic hydraulics, and hydrostatic transmissions. Assembly, disassembly, inspection, and repair of these systems are also covered.

Prerequisite: MOT 121 – Small Engines Theory


Credits: 2

Principles and applications of gas and MIG welding theory, safety and shop practices are covered. Lecture and laboratory.


Choose ELE 332 & MOT 332 or MOT 153

Term 2

Credits: 3

A course in elementary mathematical skills for technicians. Topics covered include fundamental operations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and signed numbers; percents; geometric figures and basic constructions; area and volume formulas; English/Metric systems; measurements; and basic algebraic equations and applications.

Prerequisites: Appropriate placement score


Credits: 2

This course includes engine disassembly, reassembly, and operation of various power sports engines. Includes general repairs, maintenance, special tool usage, service manual usage, and testing of engines.

Prerequisites: First semester of program

Corequisites: MOT 131 – Powersports Engine 2&4 Stroke


Credits: 3

This course includes the construction, design, and theory of operation for power sports engines, both two and four-stroke. Parts identification, correct service procedures, inspection, troubleshooting, and failure analysis will be covered.


Credits: 3

Powersports fuel systems including carburetion, fuel injection, and oil injection. Topics covered will be troubleshooting, testing, adjustments, and disassembly/reassembly. Proper service procedures are discussed, demonstrated, and practiced. Lecture and laboratory.

Prerequisites: First two semesters of program


Credits: 4

This course covers the functions, construction, and operation of motorcycle drive systems, chassis, and suspension systems. Their importance in the safe operation and control of a motorcycle is discussed. Disassembly, assembly, troubleshooting, and repair of these components are covered.


Term 3

Credits: 3

Study of the construction, principles of operation, and design of Powersports ignition and electrical systems.


Credits: 4

Student is involved in a supervised cooperative work experience in a dealership.


Term 4

Credits: 3

In a Windows environment, the focus of this course is to use hardware and software as business productivity tools. Training includes a hands-on introduction to computer applications vital in business and industry .The course covers computer terminol­ogy, operating system, email, and Internet applications .Hands on training is provided for software business applications includ­ing word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software.


Credits: 3

The basic fundamentals of business. Basic business and economic concepts and terminology; management, marketing, finance, human resource management, accounting and other business areas.


Credits: 3

Introduction to ATVs and UTVs and all their systems including steering, suspension, accessories, transmissions, 4×4, and other drive system components. Proper service techniques, troubleshooting, assembly, and disassembly are covered along with a unit on performance work. Lecture and laboratory.


Credits: 3

This course includes tune-up procedures for power sports machines.


Credits: 3

This course includes dyno operation, dyno computer usage, data analysis, air-fuel ratio sampling, troubleshooting technique, tuning fuel systems, and computer tuning applications.


Credits: 3

This course will better prepare the student for real-life drivability and troubleshooting problems that they will encounter in the field.


Term 5

Credits: 3

Students are given the opportunity to apply human relations concepts and evaluate experience and observations. Social skills required in various occupational settings will be developed, emphasizing how appropriate personal attitudes lead to social and business success.


Credits: 3

This course provides the student with the advanced electrical diagnosis and troubleshooting skills needed to work in the Powersports and Power Equipment industry.


Credits: 3

This course will prepare the student to better diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair fuel systems. It will also better prepare them to be able to use diagnostic scan tools and computer diagnostic software.


Credits: 3

This course is the application of fundamental service, repair procedures, and systematic troubleshooting on various types of outdoor power equipment.


Credits: 3

Snowmobile systems including clutches, suspensions, engines, tracks and other components are studied. Proper service tech­niques, troubleshooting, assembly and disassembly are covered along with a unit on performance work. Lecture and laboratory.

Prerequisites: MSE 151 or MOT 151 – Shop Safety and Procedures


Credits: 3

Theory and hands-on lab for all systems in personal watercraft including jet pumps, engines and steering systems. Repair, troubleshooting and service procedures are covered. Lecture and laboratory.

Prerequisites: First two semesters of program


† indicates a course that fulfills the diversity requirement. This course may also fulfill another general AA requirement.