Heavy machinery operator

[swick1]

If I do get into operating I would love to sit and run machinery but once in a while I would be happy to pick up a shovel and I will ask him that. In the winter he does snow removal so in the neighborhood so if hes out one day ill ask him if hed like my help

Also, tell him you want to be an operator one day but for now you are a paigeboy and just want to shovel and learn to maintain.

 

[dave1949]

People that run heavy equipment seem to be very polarized regarding operator schools. Some like them and others hate them. Either way work experience is what counts. You should be doing excavating or landscaping part time while going to school. Even being a Mexican backhoe operator for a while is okay. On the heavy equipment forums a gal graduated operators school and she's a trench worker now. She has been riding a roller for a year or so now with no apparent room to move up. I think she needs a new job. Working part time in a mechanics shop sweeping floors would also be beneficial for you at this point.

The guy I have hired for dirt work has a son who could decently run all his Dad's equipment by the time he was 12 or so. After high school, he attended an operator's school just to get certification needed to bid/work on state and county jobs. So, that is something that may play a role in school/no school. He certainly didn't need to be taught how to be an operator.

 

[rubes2311]

I wish I could be that kid but unfortunately my dad doesnt own a lot of machinery

 

[dave1949]

I wish I could be that kid but unfortunately my dad doesnt own a lot of machinery

Yes, he is fortunate. But, his father started on a shoestring. He worked for the local town highway crew and noticed they always had trouble getting heavy equipment contractors lined up for odds and ends jobs. So, he thought he could fill that niche, which worked out for him. He already had dump truck and snowplowing experience.

He told me he looked at old excavators in the price range he felt comfortable with, and decided he didn't want to buy worn-out scrap iron, but the CAT dealer made him an offer on a newer but used machine to try out. He had to make the decision to take a little risk, that's usually the way it works in many cases. The trick is to take reasonable, advisable risks I guess.

He didn't go head over heels in debt for equipment then hang out a shingle, he knew there was a need he could fill before committing to his plan. The hard work part is following up on your plan. During the boom years, 2000-2005, he would show up at 4am! He recognized times were good and burnt the hours to take advantage of that instead of working regular hours and turning down jobs. It is a cyclical business as was mentioned earlier.

 

[sdkubota]

I grew up in a family owned construction company and probably started operating heavy equipment around the age of 12 years old. It has its pluses and minuses...ie: school holidays meant work. At the age of 17 I was running 1/2 million dollar jobs and the main excavator operator on site.

 

[rubes2311]

Thats good though it mean you always had a job right?

 

[sdkubota]

Thats good though it mean you always had a job right?

Yes, I always did. Operators are much harder to find now in my opinion and I know many companies have a hard time finding good help.

 

[rubes2311]

Now when you say operators are harder to find do you mean goo dependable ones or just operators period?

 

[swick1]

Now when you say operators are harder to find do you mean goo dependable ones or just operators period?

In every industry there is a shortage of skilled, dependable, cheerful workers with management skills. The trick is proving you are one before being hired. That's why previous experience is a requisite for many jobs, so your future boss has someone to call to ask how good you are. At smaller companies you are more likely to get a chance than larger ones.

 

[sdkubota]

Now when you say operators are harder to find do you mean goo dependable ones or just operators period?

There are plenty of people who claim to be an operator yet can't read a grade stake or grade finish grade to within 1/2". A good road grader operator is worth his weight in gold and they are as hard to find as Sasquatch. Anyone can gouge dirt but getting it to grade without wasting diesel fuel and time is another matter.

 

[ovrszd]

There are plenty of people who claim to be an operator yet can't read a grade stake or grade finish grade to within 1/2". A good road grader operator is worth his weight in gold and they are as hard to find as Sasquatch. Anyone can gouge dirt but getting it to grade without wasting diesel fuel and time is another matter.

Very true. A lot of people can "run" a blade, but few can "operate" a blade. Big difference.

 

[davidhall27]

Hello "Rubes2311". I'm a heavy equipment operator with over 5 years experience. I have extensive grade checking experience and have about 7 years experience as a grading foreman on mostly public works projects. When considering a career it is wise to make sure you are aware of both the good and the bad of this job. When you are going to becoming a heavy machinery operator, one of the best ways to start a career in this industry would be with heavy equipment operator training. Skilled employees are very much in demand in this industry.

 

[rubes2311]

Ok thanks, do you guys think I should go straight to school or work with a construction crew for a year and see where that takes me?

 

[rubes2311]

Ok thanks, do you guys think I should go straight to school or work with a construction crew for a year and see where that takes me?

 

[crashz]

Both. Start working part time and summers while you are in high school and continue through trade school. This will be a good start and you'll most likely know if it's for you by the time you get through high school.

 

[sdkubota]

Crashz gave you good advice. It may turn out that operating heavy equipment and all that accompanys that isn't right for you. Life is an adventure with many turns and twists.

 

[IndyIan]

Ok thanks, do you guys think I should go straight to school or work with a construction crew for a year and see where that takes me?

Talk to your co-op teacher in your high school, I bet the Drain Brothers would take a co-op student, or Accurex, or Kawartha Capital. That way you can get some experience and have a contact in the business. I hear good things about the Fleming College Heavy Equipment program as well, I went there for Geographical Information Systems and the college is always in direct contact with employers and their courses cover what employers want. I got a job within a couple weeks of finishing.
If you do get a co-op placement find out who does the hiring and ask them how to get a job there, what they are looking for, and then go do it.

 

[ertmvr]

I just retired as a member of Local 139 IUOE. I got into the union when I was 33 and have been a member for 30 yrs. If you live in a right to work state you would most likely be working for substandard wages for several years but if your any good as an operator you can probably keep busy if your willing to travel. If your in a state that has a IUOE local with any clout definitely apply for the apprentice program when your old enough and be prepared to work your butt off and take any and all training classes that are offered. Meanwhile, pay attention in school, especially geometry and trig. The industry is becoming more and more technical all the time and these classes will only make your skills more valuable to any contractor. Be willing to travel and if you get laid off from one contractor find where the work is and go there. If your good the bosses will remember you and be glad to put you to work when they have a seat to fill. Networking in construction is a great way to sell your abilities. It can be a great life. Good luck

 

[rubes2311]

Thanks everyone I will go talk to the co op office and I have seen the drain bros around here a lot. Also my dad and step dad know the bosses of local construction companies so that might help me

 

[justadam]

This is the first time I've noticed this thread.

I'm a heavy equipment operator for a local municipality; specializing in water and sewer infrastructure. I've been at it for about 5 years and it's getting old. At only 31 years of age I've got arthritis in my left shoulder and two bad knees that need replacing. In my line of work being a "heavy equipment operator" means you get as much time on the smart end of a hand shovel as you do in the seat. You may get lucky and find a job that gives you 10 hours of seat time a day, but that's a good way to get fat. The alternative is to be like me and get a little bit of it all (including driving commercial trucks) but I go home sore and tired at the end of the day.

I'm lucky that I went to college and got two bachelor's degrees before I started working. I've got those to fall back on and now that my 31 year old body feels like a 61 year old body I'm looking for an exit strategy. With a little luck I'll be back in school for a masters degree in a medical field within the year.

Good for you for having motivation, direction, and ambition. If you keep it up with those three attributes you'll do great in life. Please don't rule out school for something beside equipment operating. Think of degrees that will keep you happily employed- any of the trades, anything in the medical fields, (nursing, etc). There's nothing wrong with wanting to be an HEO but be open minded to other paths.