Backhoes are one of the most versatile machines in use when it comes to construction. They excel at digging trenches, particularly in tight areas where an excavator may not fit easily. Backhoes are also good at carrying stuff around a construction site. They help move dirt, often being called on to dig a trench then dump the excess dirt into dump trucks. There is one other job that backhoes (and excavators) do that most people don’t consider.

Digging a trench is a real skill. The trench starts at point A and ends at Point B. It also has to be a certain depth. That’s all in a days work for a backhoe – it’s what they were created for. However, what happens once the workers have finished working in the trench? Naturally, the trench has to be backfilled – anyone got a shovel? I don’t fancy doing it by hand – do you?

Now the backhoe has a scoop at the front that could do a great job of backfilling that trench. There is one problem, however. The workers have laid gas pipeline in a trench that is five feet deep. Do you want dirt and rock falling five feet to crash into sensitive gas (or sewerage) pipelines? Gas, of course, is under pressure so it will soon make its way through any weakness. Guess it is a job for a manual shovel.

Actually, the backhoe is well suited to fulfilling this role as well. It can use its bucket to life dirt and lower it into the trench and, for a machine, gently empty its contents into the trench. Having dirt and rock drop a couple of inches causes far less damage than having it drop 3, 4 or 5 feet. Not only that, experienced operators can manipulate the bucket so that it sprinkles the dirt back into the trench. It’s actually an interesting experience watching a backhoe operator carefully backfilling a trench. Of course, once the pipes have been covered sufficiently, you can use the front scoop to just push the dirt in.

Training to become a backhoe operator gives you the opportunity to learn a diverse range of skills. Backhoes, because of their versatility, get a lot of the interesting jobs on a construction site – and they are reasonably well paid as well.

Some people ask why crane operator certification is worth the effort. Operating a crane is one of the most demanding jobs on a construction site with some cranes able to lift loads of 300 tons. Can you imagine having a 300 ton load slipping from the crane’s grasp? There would be two effects (probably more). The first, of course, is the 300-ton load hitting the ground – it would be a like a mini-earthquake for blocks. The second effect could be just as catastrophic. With the load suddenly released, the crane’s hook would suddenly spring back in the reverse direction – this could actually topple the crane itself.

That may give you some indication as to why crane operator certification is worth the effort. If you need any more convincing, you may consider that in many states, certification is a requirement before you can step into a crane’s cab. Safety isn’t the only reason for obtaining certification. From one perspective, whilst crane safety is very important, having a qualification that is recognized throughout the country has to be an important consideration.

In the past, a crane operator who was qualified to operate in one state may not have been considered qualified in a neighboring state. Too bad if you lived close to the state lines and could work on either side. With a qualification that is universal around the country, not only are you ready to work anywhere, your certification is valid anywhere.

Having a portable qualification is one of the best weapons you can have in your skills toolbox. It means that even in hard times, you are able to find employment somewhere. If you are undertaking crane operator training, don’t forget to sit for your crane operator certification at the conclusion of your training. If your training provider doesn’t offer it – then change provider. ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools are accredited to deliver crane operator training to deliver crane operator certification testing at the conclusion of your training. Everything under the one roof – what more could you ask for?

I could be glib and tell you to sign up for one of our heavy equipment training programs. Of course, becoming a bulldozer operator is not quite as easy as that. Mind you, it’s not all that difficult either. Let’s have a look at the steps required:

• Desire – you have to have a desire to work as a bulldozer operator. You’re here reading this so that is a start.
• Training – you will never get any job these days without some form of training. Completing a heavy equipment operator course only takes three weeks so the training commitment is not huge.
• Experience – experience has two components – in the cab and on the job. Your training provider should give you as much experience as possible inside the cab. On completion of your training you should look around to see what on the job experience you can get.
• Employment – once you have completed your training and gained some experience you can call yourself a bulldozer operator and gain employment wherever opportunities exist.

There are many employers around who will let you gain your experience whilst employed as full-fledged bulldozer operators. There are other operators who may take you on for a trial period allowing you to gain some experience in the type of work they do. If you are up to it they will then take you on permanently.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools have a good reputation for producing well trained heavy equipment operators. We also have a job placement service to help you find that first job. Becoming a bulldozer operator is not that difficult – you just need the desire and to then sign up for one of our heavy equipment training courses.

You may not realize it, but there is a strong link between mobile crane operators and environmental protection strategies. One area that mobile crane operators may like to consider is emergency services. These operators are responsible for clearing accident scenes and this may involve vehicles with dangerous loads.

Whenever possible, authorities work to remove as much of the load before trying to clear an accident scene. There will, however, always be residues. All workers on the scene, mobile crane operators included, have to work with great care to ensure that none of the residue that is left contaminates the area. Mobile crane operators often work with others to lift vehicles back onto the road. Sometimes they need to lift vehicles onto flat top trailers ready to be driven away.

Lifting vehicles, or parts of vehicles, can be a tricky job and a lot of care is required to ensure no further damage is done to the environment. This is why a crane is brought to the scene, to lift debris rather than dragging it and causing further damage.

Don’t expect to walk out of a mobile crane operator training school and walk into one of these jobs. It requires several years experience before an employer will consider you for a job such as this. However, don’t let that put you off since you have to start somewhere. Like all jobs, you start at a level that equates to your training and experience. The more experience you gain as a mobile crane operator, the better equipped you will be to apply for more challenging positions.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools can help you get the start you need. We offer you the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge to work as a mobile crane operator. We may even be able to help you find that first job so that you can start acquiring the on-the-job experience needed to succeed. The rest is up to you – if you’re up to it of course?

Does a truck driving career interest you at all? Local truck drivers have the best of all worlds. They get to spend their days driving around their area making deliveries and pick ups where necessary. At the same time, they are home for dinner each night – there is no overnight driving involved. Better yet, local truck drivers are well paid for their efforts – in this case, it’s three strikes and you’re in.

Did I say three strikes? There is more. Training to become a truck driver can be completed in just three weeks. When we say training, we are talking about comprehensive training that will have you ready to pass the commercial drivers license written test as well as the practical component. Our training focuses on the knowledge and skills required to be a good driver – anyone can drive in a straight line, but can you reverse a tractor-trailer? You will be able to once you have completed your training.

That is one skill that is obviously necessary. There are many others. Driving in traffic can be difficult given the unpredictability of other drivers. Being able to drive safely is an important consideration. Do you know how far a truck will go when full brakes are applied at 50 mph? You need to. Am I scaring you? I hope not. Once you complete a truck driver training program at ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools you will have all these skills.

As the oldest and most successful heavy equipment school in the country, we know exactly what skills are required to succeed in the work place. We know what employers want and we know what the licensing authorities want. We deliver to those requirements so you can start delivering to their requirements.

With over 45 years experience in truck driver training, we have built a large database of employers ready to hire our graduates. Complete your training and pass your commercial drivers license test and one of those employers could be your first boss. What are you waiting for? You could be driving a truck in just over three weeks.

Are there job opportunities for graduates following crane operator training? The answer is a big yes. The construction industry has been riding the crest of a wave in recent months and whilst in some areas it has slowed due to wintery conditions, come spring it will kick back in with renewed vigor.

It is a pretty good time to be considering a career in heavy equipment operations and this includes crane operations. The economy is slowly recovering from the downturn experienced over the last two years. The Federal government’s cash boosts to construction programs has been like a huge protein shot to a recovering athlete – you can’t keep them still.

There are road building programs planned all around the country along with new schools, hospitals and other basic infrastructure programs. This has led to a mini shortage of operators which can only be addressed by recruiting and training new blood to the profession. Job vacancies are there, it’s simply a matter of targeting the right employers.

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools can help you target the right employers through their job placement program. They have a huge database of potential employers and many of them are requiring operators. Because of the reputation that ATS has developed over the years, graduates often get a head start when applying for a position.

The work is there. The economy is set to boom again which will put further demand on crane operator requirements. If you are considering a career change, and heavy equipment operations is on your list, consider seriously a career as a crane operator. They are well paid and the job delivers a lot in the way of personal satisfaction. Contact us for further information related to crane operator training.

Do you know what skills employers are looking for in excavator operators. Just as importantly, do you know what skills your excavator training organization is going to teach you? It makes sense, when looking at training programs for excavator operators, to find out who delivers training that provides graduates with the skills that employers are looking for.

Is there a basic set of skills that employers are looking for? It seems I have all the questions – do I have all the answers? I sure do.

When it comes to core skills, there are four that every heavy equipment operator needs to possess. These are:

• Soil knowledge. Can you differentiate between different soil types? This is an important part of any heavy equipment operator’s working day. Different soils can often require different approaches. Sandy soils, for example, may need support to prevent the sides constantly filling a trench.
• Safety. I think it is fairly obvious that safety issues would be up amongst the most important skills required by an operator. It is not just knowledge of safety that is important – it is the ability to work putting in place safety practices.
• Site layouts. Understanding blueprints and how to access sites under construction is also important. You cannot just barge in and start work. Often you have to navigate in and around other areas of the site to get to your part of the job.
• Heavy equipment maintenance. Like safety, heavy equipment maintenance is an important issue. Every hour of down time is an hour of lost income for an employer. If they are working to a tight schedule, the employer may be forced to hire in a replacement machine. Preventative maintenance is key area of any operator’s job.

Of course, those four core skills form the basis for other skills. The fifth skill that I haven’t mentioned is machine specific and that of course relates to actually operating an excavator. Can you actually use an excavator or can you just tell me how to operate one? Naturally, being able to competently operate an excavator is the important skill.

If you don’t have all of these skills, don’t worry. At ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools we have you trained and ready for the workforce in next to no time. Furthermore, you will have all the skills that employers are looking for.

There are times when sending employees to a crane operator training school is simply not an option. There are any number of reasons for this including distance and work requirements. ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools have a specialized crane operator division that provides training under these circumstances.

We can organize training for your employees either at one of our training schools, at your workplace, or out on a work site. The training we provide can be in accordance with national guidelines or adapted to suit your specific circumstances. You would be surprised at how easy it can be to accommodate both, which gives your employees the added bonus of being able to receive certification as crane operators. We are approved by the NCCCO as a test site for both the NCCCO written and NCCCO practical exams for fixed and swing cab crane operators.

Specialized crane operator training is particularly useful if you have specific machinery that your operators need to be trained on, or specialized tasks that your employees need training to complete. We have a dedicated team of trainers who can sit down and discuss your needs and then translate them to a specifically written training program. They are able to travel to remote locations to deliver both the training and necessary assessments.

If you are a business owner that requires specialized heavy equipment training, including specialized crane operator training, then give us a call at ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools. We can sit down and discuss with you the training options available and the best way to deliver that training with the smallest possible impact on your business.

Building modern roads would be rather difficult without motor graders. One of the reasons we have such good highways is because of the work done by motor graders. They put the finish on the foundations of our roads.

When we drive along a highway, what we see is the finished product. What we don’t see is what is sitting below the road’s surface. In most cases, bulldozers and loaders work together to cut out a rough road. Motor graders then come in and cut that rough road back to a level and smooth base. If road base or other materials need to be added, it is the grader that levels this out, once again to a smooth surface.

I said that motor graders provide a level surface. This is not quite right. All roads have a slight slope to them. This slope is very precise since it is designed to help cars stay on the road yet encourage water to quickly run off the road. Motor graders use laser technology to get that precise slope in the road’s foundation.

Motor grader operators are amongst the elite when it comes to heavy equipment operations. The position is well paid when compared to other operations, the work more precise and hence more challenging, and they are a part of a well oiled team that steadily builds our highways.

Becoming a motor grader operator is not that difficult. Complete a heavy equipment operator training course that includes motor grader skills then hit the workplace to put your new skills into practice. Before you know it, you will be one of the elite operators on a construction team – leading the way to providing us with first class roads to drive on.

Crane operator training at ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools covers both fixed cab and swing cab mobile hydraulic cranes. Crane operator training is conducted over three levels with each level building on the previous. Training is designed to prepare graduates for both the written and practical exams for certification through the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).

As you can imagine, training for certification is fairly intense. However, the information is presented in an easy to understand format, which makes learning both enjoyable and uncomplicated. Training involves both classroom based activities and hands on in the operator seat training. Some of the material covered in training includes:

Level 1:
Basic Principles of Cranes
Crane Safety
Operating A Crane

Level 2:
Machine Power Flow
Preventive Maintenance
Computer Aids/Operator Aids

Level 3:
Advanced Operational Techniques
Emergency Procedure
Transporting Requirements

You can get a full module list with short description by visiting our crane operator training pages.

Crane operators are amongst the highest paid heavy equipment operators in the country and there is always a demand for operators. By enrolling in our crane operator training course you will also be entitled to access our job placement program. This program assists graduates in finding suitable employment once they have completed their training. You may also be entitled to financial assistance – this will depend on your circumstances at the time of enrolling.

Our crane operator training program is recognized nationally as is the certification process at the conclusion of your training. National recognition is important because it means your qualification as a crane operator will be recognized in all states. If a career as a crane operator sounds right for you – contact us for the dates of our next training program.