Once a bastion of male domination, the construction site is becoming an equal opportunity employer as more and more women join the workplace. Women have been driving trucks for a long time now so it is only natural they would…
The mining industry would not survive today if were not for the heavy equipment used. The world's appetite for raw materials is such that no amount of human power could ever hope to satisfy it. There are several different types…
As I have mentioned in previous posts, excavators come in a range of shapes and sizes including the mini or compact excavators. Although a lot smaller than their bigger brothers, and often the subject of many construction site jokes, the…
There are times when I get asked why I need heavy equipment operator training through a school and not just on-the-job. In reality, you can. However your training wont be complete, wont be recognized nationally and can harm future job…
Being a heavy equipment operator does not suit everyone. There are certain personal attributes that are almost essential if you wish to work in this area. So what are these personal attributes? The first attribute is simply a love of…
The federal government is updating crane regulations and at some stage over the next 12 months new standards will come into force. This will require all crane operators to have the proper training, either through a training school or on…
There is more to heavy equipment operation than just digging holes or shifting dirt. Sometimes you need to use your skills to get in and out of tricky situations. The following video shows how a backhoe operator uses his skills…
Loaders are one of the more common types of heavy equipment found on construction sites. They are similar to a tractor with the bucket on the front with the engine at the back as a counter weight. Unlike excavators, most…
Heavy equipment operators have a huge responsibility on their shoulders. They are sitting behind the controls of equipment that is often valued at more than half a million dollars. The tires on these vehicles can be valued in the 10's…
Once the excavator, backhoe or trench-digger have completed their task, it is time to call in the specialized pipe laying machines. These are relatively easy to operate when it comes to controls. Most units are comprised of a swing control…