Coffee with Pieter Human

In this exclusive video, we sit down with Pieter Human, a seasoned heavy equipment mechanic from Barloworld Equipment, to explore his journey through over 20 years in the industry. From practical maintenance tips to hard-earned career lessons, Pieter shares real-world insights that every aspiring technician, operator, and industry professional can learn from.

Below is a written recap of the questions we asked Pieter Human during our video session, along with his expert responses. For those who prefer to read or want to revisit key takeaways, this section offers a detailed look into his insights on heavy equipment operations, maintenance, and industry experience.

INTRO (Awah)

Hi everyone, and welcome back to Big Machines Today! Today I’m joined by someone who brings over two decades of hands-on experience in the heavy equipment industry— Pieter Human, Service Supervisor at Barloworld Equipment. Pieter started as an apprentice in 2004 and has since worked his way up to supervising some of the most advanced Caterpillar machines in operation today. Pieter, it’s a real pleasure to have you here.

SECTION 1: Pieter’s Journey.

Let’s start by going back to the beginning — because your story is one many aspiring mechanics can relate to.

Q1: You began as an apprentice at Barloworld in 2004. What inspired you to enter the heavy equipment field back then?

Raised on a farm and always being around machinery from Tractors, Harvesters and yellow machinery as they are fondly known, learning to operate machinery and to know their working inside and out.

Q2: Looking back, what would you say was your biggest challenge as a young technician — and how did you overcome it?

The day I started as a young apprentice working for a corporate company. Walking and being introduced to the product range, remember google was still in the phase that it was only accessible on a PC or Laptop in that time. Not like today in the palm of your hand started acquiring books, brochures and all literature that was available and started reading on specifications, engine sizes, hydraulics, drivetrains that was available at the time.

SECTION 2: Working With CAT Machines

Today you oversee new Caterpillar machines — and I know a lot of our viewers are fascinated by how these big machines are maintained behind the scenes.

Q3: What are some of the common issues you see on newer CAT machines that people often overlook?

With technology getting more and more advanced, artisans not having diagnostic tools will be struggling in the near future to do proper diagnosing and repair. The older equipment was very simple to maintain.

Q4: Is there one particular model or machine you’ve enjoyed working on the most — and why?

The Cat 6015 stands out as my favourite, assembling more than 20 in my tenure as the PDI supervisor. to see the beast transform from loose parts, chassis and tracks Building it and doing the customer specifications to it being loaded on a huge lowbed and leaving gives me a huge sense of pleasure when it leaves to the site.

Q5: From a service supervisor’s perspective, what sets CAT apart from other brands in the market?

Cat is the premium brand of choice around the world. they have one of the largest selection of models that is well suited for all jobsites from Construction to Mining.

SECTION 3: Lessons From the Field

You’ve been in this field for over 20 years. Let’s tap into some of that experience.

Q6: Can you share a story or moment from the field that taught you a valuable lesson — maybe something that changed the way you work?

My mentors that shaped me through my career taught me that mistakes do happen and learning from those mistakes in life will shape you in the person that you will become.

Q7: What’s one mistake you often see younger mechanics make — even after they’ve been trained?

The newer generation however do not read manuals and instructions with insight to understand the context and thus it creates poor quality workmanship and repeat works.

SECTION 4: Mentoring the Next Generation.

You’ve supervised quite a few young technicians over the years.

Q8: What qualities do you look for in a young apprentice or junior technician?

Firstly, it would be honesty, also be willing to work and to learn from others. I recently had the privilege of appointing a new team member and those was some of the qualities that made me choose the person to join our team.

Q9: If you were speaking directly to a 19-year-old apprentice right now, what’s the one piece of advice you’d give them?

The mechanical journey you are starting needs to be your passion and calling, not just a job. You need to be brand ambassadors and be passionate about your work as well as the brand you represent, I always have a saying in my team;

Put yourself in the customer shoes and ask yourself, am I happy with what I paid for?

SECTION 5: Industry Perspective

Looking forward — the industry is changing fast. Technology, automation, and smart diagnostics are growing fast.

Q10: How do you see the role of a mechanic evolving in the next 5 to 10 years?

The next 5 to 10 years is going to be very interesting regarding new technology like hydrogen, lithium powered vehicles and machinery, so technicians need to be not just mechanically minded but also technically minded catering for all the spheres in machinery.

Q11: What advice would you give to someone who wants to grow into a leadership role, like the one you hold now?

Be willing to step up when help is needed and to assist colleagues when help is needed. Actions always speak louder than words.

CLOSING

Pieter, thank you for sharing your time and insights with us today. Your journey is inspiring, and I’m sure many watching — whether students, apprentices, or seasoned pros — have learned something valuable. To everyone watching: If you’ve got a question for Pieter, drop it in the comments — and who knows, it might feature in our next video.

Tags: career insights Last modified: May 22, 2025