Tag Archives: Heavy Equipment Operator

Know the Educational Requirements to become a Proficient Heavy Equipment Operator

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

A heavy equipment operator needs to operate complex Heavy Equipment for various construction and mining projects in the building site. They need to undertake comprehensive and in-depth formal training in order to be skilful and dexterous in this field. Read this article carefully to learn if you are a heavy equipment operator.

Apprentice programs

Generally the heavy equipment operators start their career as apprentice or trainee. The apprenticeship training is given at various technical colleges and trade unions. Also post secondary institutions as well as professional associations are available. The technical and community colleges offer programs that are accredited by National Joint Apprentice and Training Committee and approved by state labour departments. The eligibility of the students enrolling for this course has to be 18 years of age and must have a driving license. The driving licence is required since sometimes the heavy equipment needs to be operated on roads. The duration of the courses span up to 4 years. According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics the students undertaking the apprenticeship programs have better chances of landing jobs, as they are well equipped and have comprehensive knowledge about varieties of heavy equipments than the college goers.

Classroom Job Training

In the classroom job training students wanting to become heavy equipment operators are given education on safety processes and policies. The safety procedures include operation of safety equipments as well as pre functioning process. The courses thoroughly comply with guidelines laid by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. The courses also give emphasis on eliminating hazardous wastes.

Among other popular courses heavy equipment protection and repairing them. Operators are given training on greasing machine parts or joining machine parts by soldering or welding.

Practical Training

Like other professional courses practical training is very important for the heavy equipment operators to hold them in good stead and prepare them for a bright career ahead. Here they are given training on the application of the heavy equipment such as landscaping and grading a site using tractors or bulldozers.

 

 

Extra Requirements:

Operator’s need to have a  commercial driver’s  licence(CDL) since they sometimes will have to transport the equipments from one place to another in the construction sites.

Career Prospects:

Graduates can find lucrative careers as operators in pipeline operations, CPR and waste operations. They can also peruse their career as trouble-shooters or equipment repairer.

The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics has divulged that the average salary per annum for operating engineers is high and lucrative. Some years ago the highest -paying business organisations asked these heavy equipment workers to perform support activities for road shipping, scientific investigation services, health and surgical infirmaries, and generation of electricity. Each of these workers or operators was remunerated a per annum average salary of $58,500 or in excess of that.

The BLS predicts that employment prospects for construction heavy equipment operators will be enhanced by 19% between the year of 2012 and 2022. Operators accessible to work in urban areas with technical know-how are expected to be the most benefitted ones with bright employment prospects. The operator who knows to operate more than one heavy equipment is also believed to have optimistic career.

So if you are planning to become a heavy equipment operator undergo some practical training. It will prepare you for a bright and lucrative career ahead. With increase in construction projects it has already become a popular career option among many and in future it is likely to grow as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related articles across the web

Bridge Crane Operator – Know Job Duties and Errands

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Due to the rapid development of the construction industry all over the world, it is obvious that a huge percentage of teenagers now prefer to pursue their career in construction companies. In today’s world, often you can see that the construction firms are recruiting a large number of crane operators for accomplishing their construction site projects.

Bridge crane operator is one of the common vacancies in the list of construction companies. A bridge crane operator is generally employed by the heavy equipment manufacturing companies and construction firms to carry bulky industrial apparatus from one place to another. To become a skilled bridge crane worker, it is significant to take practical training classes on the job construction sites. In heavy construction equipment industry, they are also recognized as overhead crane machinists. There are some states that claim NCCCO certificate from the job seekers during the recruitment procedure whereas there are some regions where the construction companies directly hire the deserving candidates without asking for the NCCCO certificate.

Responsibilities of Overhead Crane Operator

The main errand of a bridge crane operator is to control the bridge crane in proper manner and transfer weight paraphernalia and people from one place to another. You can see this type of crane particularly in the industrial areas like in loading ports, construction sites, and warehouse units and so on. Normally, the working hours of the bridge crane workers are eight hours but during the abnormal climatic condition, they have to work over time. In comparison to the old dated cranes, modern bridge cranes are available with the runaway attachment that helps the operator to convey the equipment safely. If you take admission in any heavy equipment training school, it will teach you the exact method of stacking, loading, unloading and moving the materials with the help of overhead crane. As a bridge crane operator, you should know the skill of weighing loads, observing the working condition of the bridge crane and controlling the cargo while moving it.

Usually, the work of the bridge crane operator is fixed in a particular place. They even have to work in an open area with a small cabin sized room from here they have to manage the over bulky load. Sometime even they have to run the crane in overcrowded spaces.

Training Require to Become an Overhead Crane Operator

If you want to pursue your career as a bridge crane operator, it is essential to complete the high school diploma course. In addition to this, if you want to get better jobs in crane operating field, it is advisable to do the apprenticeship courses from the Government registered institutes that are mostly offered by the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE). In US, most of the cities and states ask for the license from the candidates who are selected for the post of bridge crane operator. National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) provides certificate to the trainees who completed the bridge crane operation programme properly by passing the written, practical and physical exams.

As this web page, nears the bottom, surely you will get interest to become a bridge crane operator because it is one of the challenging tasks in the construction industry. But before you go for the interview, it is better to attain detailed information about the errands of the overhead crane machinists.

 

Related articles across the web

Check these steps to operate the useful heavy equipment- excavator

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Construction business has become very popular from last few years. Due to its amazing facilities and profit, it has made a very strong position in the market. Excavator is one of the most useful equipment of construction site that help the workers to perform many works. Without a proper excavator you cannot work on the construction sites. It actually makes your work smooth and easy. However, before using excavator in your site, you have to know how to operate this machine. It is very important to know every single detail of this machine and then use it in your worksite. Here are some tips on operating an excavator. Check this out-

  • At first you have to select a machine for your work. If you are going to work in a small place or you have to dig a ditch for irrigation projects then you can rely on the small or mini excavator. However, when you are required to dig a large landscape project, then it is good to purchase an excavator like Bobcat 335. It will make your work easier. You will get excavator in different sizes. You should buy the machine according to your work priorities.
  • It is very important to look on the manual and get familiar with the different description of the controls. You have to know how to control the machine. As it comes in different shapes and sizes, thereby, you should always know the different ways of controlling it.
  • You have to sit on the driver’s seat in order to familiar with the Gauges, controls and the restraint system of operator. On the right side of the machine you will find the ignition key. During the time of operation you should look on the oil pressure, fuel level and of course the engine temperature. There will be a seat belt for you and you can use it.
  • You have to know the detail of controlling the joysticks. It is important to know how to move or handle the joystick. Joystick helps to handle the bucket or boom assembly and the machine’s other function. When you will release the machine, it will come back to the neutral position. For operating the machine it is really important to get familiar with joystick.
  • There will be two long steel rods along with handles. These are the steer controls of drivers. Each one helps to control the rotation of the machine and help it to move forward. If you can push a stick forward then it will help the machine to turn in the opposite direction. If you can manage to push the controls more then the machine will start to move faster.
  • There is a small pedal or a button on the left side of the machine. It helps to control the high speed, and helps to move the machine from one location to another with high speed.

These are the basic steps of operating an excavator. If you can manage to learn these steps ten you will be able to operate this equipment properly.

 

Related articles across the web

How to Operate a Dozer? Get To Know the Basics

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Are you just about to make a foray into the construction industry? If yes, then the very first thing that you will probably want to do is getting to know about the various heavy construction equipment that from now on are going to be your companion for a major part of your day. And among the many heavy equipment that rule the construction fore, nothing is perhaps as significant as the dozer.

Dozer- An Essential Part of the Construction Industry

Perhaps the very first thing that you would want to know is what is a dozer all about? Short for a bulldozer, the dozer is perhaps the most commonplace earth moving equipment that is there on the block. Primarily consisting of a secure coop for the drivers, tracked chassis, a ripper claw at the back end and a number of front mounted blades, that the dozer makes use of in order to push the soil ahead.

Operating a Dozer- Getting To Know the Basics

Now comes in the next question- how are dozers operated? Well, the very first thing that one needs to understand in this context is that operating a dozer is quite complicated and should be entrusted to people who are well trained in this aspect. However, it is best to be aware of the basics before setting foot in the arena.

  • A majority of the controls are devised in such a manner so that they are able to operate the tractor; only one of the controls is devised to control the blade.
  • The operator would do well to be ready to bring the dozer to a halt any time after turning on the ignition.
  • You will have to make use of the joystick, usually on the left in order to make the bulldozer move in the direction that you want. You will also find a joystick to your left, primarily meant for controlling the blade.
  • The operator needs to lower the blade till it touches the ground, following which the joystick has to be operated in a manner so as to scoop
  • The joystick has to be manoeuvred in such a manner so that the blade is lowered and it touches the ground. The controls will then have to be moved in such a manner so that it successfully scoops a certain portion of the earth and leaves a flattened surface behind.
  • If the operator is new in the field and has just started off, it would be better if they do not run the dozer on a slope or a steep area. It would also do well to work on a piece of land that is not as important so that the operator can get used to the mechanisms of the dozer.

If you are in charge of the construction site, it is your responsibility to ensure that the operator hired by you is well up to the mark as operating a dozer is a tad bit complex job. However, there is nothing that cannot be simplified with the right kind of approach and training.

Related articles across the web

    Get a brief idea on how to operate a track loader

    Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

    Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

    The track loaders are the most useful equipment of construction companies. It helps the workers to work smoothly in the field. It actually uses in the construction sites for many different works. As the construction business is growing day by day, the demands of such equipment are also increased. So, many people have started their business in this field in order to get profit. Whoever is working on this ground requires using such heavy equipment. However, when you are going to use this machine, it is really important to know the process of operating it. If you can increase the undercarriage life and reduce the operating costs through this equipment then it is completely based on its operators. A well trained operator can fix any problem and handle the machine properly. It is the duty of an operator to control near about 60% of the operating cost of a track loader by his different operating techniques and different types of practices.

    Therefore, at first you need to hire a trained operator who can control the every part of this machine and by giving a preventive operation, he can save the maintenance costs. A good and reliable operator know how to make big turns, familiar with the surface, control the slippage and regulate the load.

    Some operators use track loader just as the skid steer. However, the processes of operating the skid steer and track loaders are not same. Usually in case of skid steer, the operators need to perform a number of counter rotate and spin the tires in order to fill the bucket. But compact track loaders have great traction therefore; it does not need any additional spin in order to fill the bucket. So, when you are going to use a track loader you should keep it in your mind.

    When you are operating a track loader in the underfoot condition then you should consider certain things.  If you are going to counter rotate the compact track loader, and then many materials will submerged in the undercarriage. You should be always careful about it and operate the machine properly without causing any damage to it.

    When you are going to control a track loader and operate it on the construction field then you have to use it smoothly. If you start to move it faster it can cause little damages and increase your maintenance costs. Therefore, you shouldn’t try to move the travel direction quickly by counter rotating. It can cause huge damages on the machine and its other components.

    These are the basic steps that an operator needs to follow before operating track loaders if you can manage to learn these steps then you will surely be able to handle the machine properly. It is the best machine to use on the slopes. However, you should always be careful on the different parts of the machine and handle it carefully.

    Job of a Heavy Equipment Operator

    Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

    Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

    Job of a Heavy Equipment Operator

    Working as a heavy equipment operator needs skill in the person who is doing the job. It is definitely not a cake walk for a person to first understand the complex function (though with time, there have been rampant technological changes that has led to simplify the functionalities and has made things quite easy for the operator) and then run the machine without doing a single mistake. The operator of the machine is well aware of the consequences that may happen if things go wrong from his hands. It may lead to some major casualty. But the important question is from where does one can get these brilliant operators and how can they test their ability to operate the machine efficiently.

    We would be discussing in length about what kind of training one has to go through to operate heavy equipment that makes him a competent operator.

    “Heavy Equipment Operators” are also known as “Operating Engineers” are required to clear their class room as well as hands on training where they are trained everything about the machine. The total duration of the course is around 4-5 years which includes vocational programs for 2 years and the rest is apprenticeship training of 3 years. In the apprenticeship, he gets to learn to work on multiple equipments and is also paid on-the job training. Let us now understand what kind of training one gets from classroom sessions and then from the practical ones.

    Trainings received in the classroom:  The classroom sessions are considered to be the most critical part of the training. It is here that the students are introduced to their future and they learn every smallest thing in great detail. Special consideration is given to teach the safety measures to students and all have to adhere to it during their practical sessions. They are also taught about the utilities of each machine and are given assignments to complete pertaining to what they have learnt in the office. They are also told about engines but that is not taken in detail as the students need a practical training to understand the different features of an engine and what lubricants are needed to keep them moving.

    Practical Training:  Once the students have completed their formal education to operate heavy equipment, they are moved to the next level which is to impart practical training and understand the machines they would be dealing with for their entire life. This is the phase that will decide how good an operator he would be. Here, the student would be taught to work on different form of machines. An experienced teacher would be with them throughout their journey of knowing the machines. Though, they won’t be asked to work on all the machines, the teacher would see which student is good in what sort of machine and accordingly, he would be helped in mastering that piece of steel.

    If the student successfully completes the training, he has high chances of getting a job via campus interviews where he needs to put his ability on display and convince the interviewers that they can’t get anyone better than him. This is how the combination of classroom training and practical training has an impact on the student that helps him develop into a class heavy equipment operator.