Between a lack of skilled workers and an aging workforce, the construction industry is experiencing an ongoing labor shortage. The good news is that jobs in heavy equipment operation are widely available nationwide. If you’ve considered pursuing a career as a heavy equipment operator, now is the perfect time to enter the field. Heavy equipment operators are the backbone of
Table of Contents Malfunctioning forklift steering is one of the most common problems that forklift operators experience. The steering wheel controls every move of the forklift. When this control center malfunctions, mistakes, and injuries are more likely to occur. The key to ensuring worker safety is to detect steering issues in their early stages so they can be corrected. Need
Want to know what it takes to be a successful nighttime crane operator? Keep reading to learn more about the unique challenges of and solutions for this type of crane operation. Table of Contents Can You Operate a Crane at Night? While crane operation is ideal during daylight hours, some cranes are designed specifically for nighttime operation. They’re equipped with
Fixed cab cranes are used widely throughout the heavy equipment industry, particularly in industrial settings. As the name suggests, fixed cab cranes have a fixed cab that resembles a truck cab. Unlike swing cab cranes—which feature a 360-degree view swiveling cab—the cab on fixed cab cranes doesn’t rotate, resulting in operators only being able to see what’s directly in front
Heavy equipment is machinery that’s designed to perform heavy-duty tasks in various industries, including the construction industry. Heavy equipment comes in various types, sizes, and capabilities. It’s used for different tasks, like digging trenches and hoisting steel building frames. Safety standards and regulations in the heavy equipment industry are important because they: Prevent equipment damage Protect workers from injury and
If you live in Georgia, Oklahoma, California, or Washington and want to become a crane operator, find a comprehensive training program at Heavy Equipment Colleges of America (HEC). We offer training courses for tower cranes to hydraulic boom cranes and everything in between. Keep reading to learn about the history of cranes, various crane types, and crane safety. Table of
Backhoes are versatile pieces of heavy machinery, capable of drilling, digging, ripping, breaking, plowing, and more. Instead of using a fleet of machines to accomplish each of these tasks, construction crews will rely on backhoes. How does one machine do so much? This blog will cover the various attachments that allow backhoes to get so much work done. Table of
Heavy equipment operation isn’t something anyone off the street can do right away. It takes knowledge, skills to safely operate any piece of equipment. You can get all of that by completing programs designed to prepare you for what you’d face in the field. If you’re still wondering if a career in construction is right for you, take a few
The construction industry is vital to infrastructure. Yet, without skilled laborers, most of the projects couldn’t be completed nor can heavy equipment be operated properly. Unfortunately, that’s the situation the construction industry is facing. There are several ways companies can help resolve the growing shortage. Read on to learn more. Table of Contents Construction Industry Faced Huge Worker Shortage in
Bulldozers are one of the most common pieces of heavy equipment on any construction site. They aren’t as versatile as some machines, but what they do is provide a powerful force for moving or pushing materials and debris. You’ll probably note that a bulldozer has a resemblance to a tractor. However, instead of using large tires to navigate, bulldozers use
Read this post to discover how tower cranes are safely assembled for construction sites, from their setup process to reaching towering heights
The construction industry is full of opportunities. It’s one of the fastest-growing fields in the U.S. and roles often come with good benefits (see below). However, some of the more valued roles require specialized skills, training, and certifications. Although it can seem like a barrier to starting your career in construction or as a heavy equipment operator, obtaining the proper
Take a quick look at goals, interests, and skills to see if Heavy Equipment or Crane Operation is right for you. This easy quiz will guide you through the process.