Bulldozer Operators Also Soil Specialists

The bulldozer is still one of the most popular machines when it comes to heavy equipment careers. For many, the dream of operating a bulldozer starts with one of their first toys as a child. That sense of power – being able to push around a lot of dirt in one machine appeals, and whilst it is a popular career choice, there is still strong demand for bulldozer operators.

When it comes to construction, bulldozers are used everywhere. Whether it’s a new road, a new factory, or a housing development, bulldozers are the machine of choice to do all the preparation work. That means removing vegetation, large rocks, tree roots and excess soil, and there’s no doubt that a bulldozer is the machinery best equipped for that job.

Whilst it may look easy, operating a bulldozer is not just about pushing levers and pedals. Bulldozer operators need to learn a lot about dirt – at least, the different types of dirt. They need to learn how to clear an area of vegetation; how to handle rocks, or more particularly, large boulders; and how to deal with surfaces such as clay compared to sand or volcanic soil – they all react differently when being worked by a large blade.

Bulldozer operators become masters at assessing a plot of land and how best to clear and level that plot ready for the next stage of a development. A correct assessment means the operator can quickly clear the plot without causing any lasting damage to the plot, or his equipment.

It’s not difficult learning how to operate a bulldozer. When it comes to soil, the lessons never end – a bulldozer operator will always come across a plot of land that reacts a little differently because of its make up. You can train to operate a bulldozer. We can even teach you about the different soils and environments an operator is likely to face. However, it’s not until you get into the workplace that you’ll really understand that soils are not the same.