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. 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.
Students complete the Polaris Master Service Dealer (MSD) certifications at the Bronze and Silver levels while enrolled in the program at Iowa Lakes.
Faculty Contact
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Matthew Bohl Assistant Professor | Powersports & Power Equipment Technology 712-852-5230 | mbohl@iowalakes.educreate new email |
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Dustin Ross Assistant Professor | Powersports & Power Equipment Technology 712-852-5260 | dross@iowalakes.educreate new email |
Program Details
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Curriculum
Term 1
MSE 143 – Small Engines Theory
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.
MSE 146 – Small Engines Laboratory
Complete disassembly and reassembly of modern engines, troubleshooting, failure analysis and proper repair techniques. Hands-on testing and inspection of engine systems.
Corequisites: MSE 143 – Small Engines Theory
MOT 151 – Shop Safety & Procedures
Safe shop practices and procedures, including safe equipment operation, proper tool usage, importance of personal protective gear and how to handle emergency situations.
Corequisites: MSE 143 – Small Engines Theory
MOT 153 – Fundamentals of Electricity
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
MSE 155 – Drive System Fund Theory and Lab
This course is an introduction to the various types of drives and power delivery systems which will be encountered in the outdoor power equipment industry. Construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of outdoor power equipment, and other systems including transmissions, clutches, belt dives, sprocket and chain drive, hydraulics, and hydrostatic drives. Assembly, disassembly, inspection, troubleshooting, and repair of these systems are also covered.
Prerequisites: MSE 143 – Small Engines Theory
BUS 161 – Human Relations†
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.
WEL 334 – Trade & Industry Welding
Principles and applications of gas and MIG welding theory, safety and shop practices are covered. Lecture and laboratory.
Term 2
COM 723 – Workplace Communications†
Developing skills in reading, writing and listening as they apply to students’ vocational needs.
MOT 129 – Motorcycle Eng 2&4 Stroke Lab
Engine disassembly, reassembly, operation of various motorcycle and ATV engines. Includes adjustment and testing of engines.
Prerequisites: First semester of program
Corequisites: MOT 131 – Motorcycle Engine 2&4 Stroke
MOT 131 – Motorcycle Engine 2&4 Stroke
This course includes the construction and design of motorcycle engines, both two and four stroke. Correct service procedures, troubleshooting, failure analysis, and theory.
MOT 139 – Motorcycle Fuel Systems
Motorcycle fuel systems including carburetion, fuel injection and oil injection. Troubleshooting, testing, adjustments and disassembly/reassembly are covered. Proper service procedures are discussed, demonstrated and practiced. Lecture and laboratory.
Prerequisites: First two semesters of program
MOT 144 – Drive Systems/Chassis/Suspension
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.
MAT 772 – Applied Math
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
Term 3
MOT 146 – Motorcycle Ignition/Electrical Systems Theory & Lab
Study of the construction, principles of operation and design of motorcycle ignition and electrical systems.
MOT 910 – Cooperative Work Experience
Student is involved in a supervised cooperative work experience in a dealership.
† indicates a course that fulfills the diversity requirement. This course may also fulfill another general AA requirement.
