A digger derrick is a type of truck that allows you to dig holes, lift heavy materials, and hoist long objects like utility poles. Associated Training Services now has a Digger Derrick Training Class where we teach potential operators how to operate the equipment safely, among other things. Here is a short rundown of some of the things you’ll learn in the Digger Derrick Training Class:

• All the different components of a digger derrick truck
• How to perform an inspection on your digger derrick
• Setting up your digger derrick to operate more efficiently
• Tips for stowing and unstowing the auger
• How to set a utility pole using the digger derrick
• Underground hazards and how to identify them
• Power tools to use with a digger derrick
• Overhead hazards and how to work around them

And much more.

The Principle Use of a Digger Derrick

The primary use for a digger derrick is for digging deep post holes, such as utility poles. The digger derrick is a crane-like truck with a huge boom on it, and its primary tool is the auger. The boom and auger are powered by a heavy and powerful hydraulic system.

The reason companies use a digger derrick is that it can dig holes quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively. With the right training, you can be a great digger derrick operator. Due to the specialized nature of this equipment, ATS offers a digger derrick training class where you can learn everything you need to know to operate a digger derrick safely and efficiently.

If you’ve been thinking about learning how to operate a lattice or mobile crane, then I can’t think of a better time than now. Christmas is coming up and you can start the new year on a good note. There are several good reasons why you might want to get your crane operator training through Associated Training Services (ATS) and get crane certified.

Here are 5 good reasons to choose ATS:

1. In-the-seat mobile crane training – We actually let you get in the operator’s seat. It’s okay to learn how to operate a crane from a book or by sitting in a classroom, but you’ll learn a lot more by actually doing it – under the care of an experienced operator, or course.
2. Fixed-cab instruction – You’ll learn how to operate a fixed-cab mobile hydraulic crane.
3. Swing-cab instruction – Our professional and experienced crane operators will teach you everything you need to know to operate a swing-cab mobile hydraulic crane.
4. Financial and housing assistance – We don’t just invite you to our training facility and make you pay out the ying-yang. We’ll provide you with housing assistance and financial assistance, if you qualify.
5. Career services – ATS also helps you get your first crane operator job. What more could you ask for?

There is no crane operator training school that takes more of an interest in our students’ future success. You can get your national crane certification from ATS and get your career off the ground in a matter of weeks.

Mobile crane operators have one of the most varied and interesting careers. Fixed rig crane operators tend to spend their days doing the same thing – the only time the job becomes really interesting is when the crane needs to be moved and then it’s back to the same role. Mobile crane operators are moving their crane constantly, and every job is very different to the last.

If you’re looking for a job that offers challenges, then mobile crane operators have that by the bag load. Every job brings new challenges. Fixing their crane so that it is stable can be tough enough. Then there are variable conditions such as weather and buildings, power lines and other obstacles. Fixed cranes are, as the name suggests, fixed in the one spot for extended periods. The weather can still be a challenging variable, however, the environment is fairly stable.

Even training to be a mobile crane operator has its challenges. You obviously need to learn how to operate a crane, and you will also need to learn how to drive a crane – and that will require a commercial drivers license. You will also need to pass the requirements to become certified as a crane operator – a requirement under state and federal regulations.

The best way to face those training challenges is by selecting a good quality crane operator training school.

Are you interested in a career as a crane operator? You will need to decide on the type of crane you want to operate since they come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and configurations. The two most common basic crane types are the mobile cranes and the fixed cranes. Some fixed cranes require assembly and dis-assembly before and after use. Mobile cranes can be driven to a work site and be readied for action quite quickly.

At ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Training Schools, we offer training in several different types of crane including:

• Fixed and Swing Cab Mobile Hydraulic Cranes,
• Lattice Boom (Crawler or Truck) Cranes, and
• Articulated Boom (Knuckleboom) Cranes

For an individual interested in becoming a crane operator, the training is only half of the story. You will also need to become certified before an employer can place you into a cab. This makes the training an important half (of the story) since you will need to pass tests to become certified. It also helps if your training provider is also accredited to undertake the assessments required to gain certification.

ATS is one of the oldest and biggest crane operator training organizations in the country. We have developed training programs that are accepted nationally and we are accredited to deliver practical and theory assessments for certification by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).

Employers recognize the quality of our training and the validity of our certification process, often coming to us when looking for new operators. If you are interested in a well paid career as a crane operator, then seek out the best training possible – it will set you up for a long and very successful career.

If you are from a non-English speaking background then you may feel that crane operator training is not for you. With a little patience, an open mind, and the willingness to learn, crane operator training and a career as a crane operator may be a perfect fit. Understanding English is important – don’t get me wrong. You do need to understand what is being asked of you when given a job to do. However, in most cases, once you have an understanding of what is involved with a particular task, the rest is easy.

Crane operators, whether they are operating a mobile crane or a massive tower crane, hardly speak a word whilst working. Instructions from those on the ground or around the actual lift are generally given through hand signals. These hand signals are the same in every language so whether you speak perfect English, or none at all, if you understand these signals there will not be a problem.

Where there may be a problem is in learning those hand signals. If you don’t have a clear understanding of the English language then you may struggle to get through your training. However, if you do have at least a basic understanding of the language then you should be able to get through the training.

The best option is to find a training organization that has the patience to work with students from non-English speaking backgrounds. ATS Crane Operator School is one such organization. No matter what your background, if you have a reasonable understanding of the English language then we can help you through your crane operator training and into a lucrative career. Contact us to see if your language skills are sufficient to successfully complete a crane operator training program.

It may take several years to gain the experience and knowledge to operate one of those huge construction cranes. No matter who you are, it all starts with a crane operator training course and then your first job. From there, it’s all up to you and your ability to learn and grow within the industry. Like all careers, you have to start at the start and work your way through the ranks.

The crane operator training program is one of the most popular training program at ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools. Considering our long history in the field and the reputation we have developed, it is understandable. Add to this our accreditation to deliver certification assessments and we have the complete package to offer those seeking a career as a crane operator.

Whether or not you make it to the vast heights that some of these cranes climb to, you can be sure your career will be interesting and varied. Mobile crane operators have one of the most varied working lives when it comes to heavy equipment. One day you could be working on a construction site helping to unload trucks, the next you could be out on the highway somewhere helping to lift a vehicle out of a difficult situation.

If you have ever considered a career as a crane operator then now is the perfect opportunity to consider following up on it. Crane operators are always in demand and that demand is growing each year. Start 2010 by asking us when and where you can undertake a crane operator training program and you will spend the year working happily as a crane operator – perhaps even eying off the heights of some of those big rigs.

Winter can be a demanding time for crane operators, particularly mobile crane operators, and the snow can really test their crane operator training to the limit. Snow, of course, creates many problems. It can create havoc on our roads, although for mobile crane operators it is the snow on the sides of roads that causes more problems.

This time of year seems to give way to strange accidents, no doubt often caused by black ice on our roads. Cars and trucks skid, overturn and wind up in strange places – places where often a tow-truck can’t retrieve them. This is when a mobile crane may be called in to help retrieve the vehicle. Even then it’s not plain sailing since the mobile crane needs to be able to find some firm footings before attempting to lift.

Road accidents are not the only problems caused by snow. Building can start to feel the effects of the weight of snow and often require assistance from cranes. Mobile cranes are called in to support the wall or roof until construction crews resolve the problem. Once again, snow under foot makes life challenging for crane operators and tests their crane operator training and experience.

Having to work under challenging conditions is another reason why national certification has become important. Operators holding a national certificate are able to demonstrate that their skills and knowledge meet a specific national standard. ATS Heavy Equipment Operator Schools conduct accredited crane operator training. We are also accredited to perform assessments and to award crane operator certifications.

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?

One of the biggest fears that people experience prior to undertaking crane operator training is whether or not they will actually find a job once their training has been completed. It is a rational fear given the talk surrounding the economy. However, there are several things working in favor of new graduates, one of the most important being the amount of money going into new projects at present. Even more important is having someone who knows the industry providing a free job placement service.

ATS have a reputation for producing well trained crane operators. Because of this reputation, employers listen when graduates are promoted for possible operator vacancies. ATS have also over 25 years experience training crane operators for industry. During this time we have developed a considerable database of possible future employers, a database that graduates can access to gain contact details.

Each of our training centers has a job placement service. Students who wish to use the service are interviewed prior to training and provided with a job placement assistance package. Job placement is one of our priorities at ATS since your success is effectively a measure of our success.

Crane operator training will provide the skills necessary to gain entry level employment into the industry. With the demand for all types of heavy equipment operators on the increase employers are looking to training organizations like ATS to supply the current shortfall – crane operators as well. In fact the demand at present is probably greatest for mobile crane operators.

If you are considering a career change and the role of a mobile crane operator appeals to you, give us a call to discuss the training options and ongoing employment prospects. Crane operator training can have your work ready is as little as three weeks – are you ready? Our job placement service is!

Mobile crane operator training is quite indepth and covers a range of topics. These topics include various safety aspects along with various operating requirements. Electrical grounding has actually got two definitions when it comes to mobile crane operations.

The first is, as the name suggests, a technique to ground the crane in case of electrical contact. One of the hazards of operating any type of crane, but mobile cranes in particular, is the risk of coming into contact with overhead power cables. This contact can have a life threatening impact on the operator and those around them.

By utilizing an electrical grounding system the harm from any contact can be minimized. When a crane comes into contact with overhead power cables, electricity flows from the cable into the crane. This passes through the operator as well as anyone who happens to be touching attached to the crane in any way, either through direct contact with the crane itself or through any wiring such as a communication system. Grounding directs the current to the ground bypassing the operator.

The second form off electrical grounding is a system that grounds the crane in the real sense. It is a stabilizing system that ensure the crane is balanced on uneven ground. Mobile cranes have a series of ‘feet’ that are lowered to the ground in much the same way we use car jacks to raise a cars wheel off the ground.

An electrical grounding system lowers these feet sufficiently to ensure the crane is sitting firmly and is well balanced – and important safety aspect when it comes to lifting heavy weights. The next time you see a mobile crane in use, have a look to see whether or not the crane has been balanced using an electrical grounding system. As I mentioned at the start, mobile crane operator training covers a lot of topics – electrical grounding is just one of them.