Skid steers are small, upright, rigid-framed vehicles that are common on almost any construction site you visit. They get their name from the simple way they have maneuvered around, with the wheels on each side mechanically locked together. Usually having four wheels, to turn a skid steer, the operator changes the rotation speed of the wheels on one side or the other, causing the faster rotating side to skid around and turn the vehicle.

On sites short of space this maneuverability is incredibly useful, they can turn within their own length so are ideal for even the tightest of spaces. They are also popular because skid steers are so versatile, and for operators, that means that every day is a little different, making it a varied career that people enjoy. While the most common fitment for a skid steer is a front loader bucket. This can be used for loading as well as pushing or transporting material, but for operators, it’s a very different experience than with traditional front loaders. Skid steers are used not just on construction sites, but are found on farms as well, and are used in large numbers for landscape gardening applications too.

The agility itself makes this an interesting vehicle to operate, but the small size also means that the lift arms actually pivot behind the operator, and this itself is something an operator must get accustomed to. Loading buckets are not the only attachment in use though, and skid steers are often seen using augers for drilling, and trenchers and are even used with snow blower attachments for clearing roads of snow in winter. You will see skid steers being used to dig holes from the inside, using ramps to remove material from the excavation. This approach is often used when space is restricted, such as in projects that require excavation underneath a building, or areas where site space is significantly reduced for some reason.

A career as a skid steer operator has a lot of potential, with varied work to keep interest high and good pay and the best way to launch that career is through effective training. As with all heavy machinery, operating skid steers accurately and importantly, safely within a site environment takes skills and understanding.

Our professional training course teaches both in the classroom and on-site, providing a broad view of skid steer operation in a variety of conditions, with a particular focus on maintaining safety for the operator and other workers around the vehicle during its operation. That training when successfully completed opens the door to so many career options, and with the skid steer in so much demand across so many different industries and situations, it really is a career that can build for a lifetime.

Heavy equipment operators are generally involved with the construction industry. Not all jobs, and there are occasional openings for jobs that can be a lot of fun. These jobs are often seasonal, lasting two or three months. Other seasonal jobs can last six months and if not ‘fun’, they are at least interesting. Some of these jobs include:

Snow field grooming – small bulldozer-like machinery is used to groom snow fields. This is generally done very early in the morning, and whilst it’s cold work, it’s certainly interesting and does require a lot of skills. Bulldozer operators are perfect for these positions, however, being specialized work, there are few vacancies and high demand. Related work that can give you some of the skills required includes snow plowing streets.

Beach grooming – like snow field grooming, beach grooming uses bulldozers of varying sizes to groom beaches. There is also often work available restoring beaches following heavy storms. Some heavy equipment operators move from the snow fields to the beaches each year.

Land restoration – there is a lot of work going on around the nation to restore land to its natural state. Bulldozers and backhoes are often found working in these areas along with smaller equipment like skid steer loaders.

Landscape gardening – skid steer loaders and backhoes are often found working as a part of a landscape gardening team. Team work is important as is following carefully designed plans.

Demolition work – there’s a little bit of the devil in all of us and that can often find an outlet in demolition work. The downside, you can’t just go in and destroy everything. These days, buildings are demolished carefully, sometimes because the materials removed are being recylced (or have the potential for recycling), or because there is a possibility of asbestos and other troublesome materials. Bulldozers, backhoes, loaders and excavators are often found working as a part of a demolition team.

Whilst there is not an abundance of work available in these areas, opportunities do arise. If you have gained good skills in heavy equipment operations, then you never know, you could find yourself working in a ‘fun’ or interesting job. It all starts with heavy equipment operator training and your first job.