Heavy equipment operators control heavy equipment. They do this by moving levers (such as a joystick) or foot pedals. They also turn switches and dials. Their job titles often reflect the types of machines they operate. A bulldozer operator works with a bulldozer. A grader operator works with a grader. However, one operator may work with several types of equipment. Some operators are required to check the equipment before use to be sure it’s in safe and efficient working order. This includes performing minor maintenance and changing attachments as needed.
Bulldozer operators operate crawler-tractors. These are fitted with large blades across the front. The blade is for moving obstacles. There may also be rippers on the back. These are for tearing up terrain. Bulldozers clear and level land. They are used on construction sites. They are also found on mining and forestry sites. They may push other equipment to provide traction and assistance. They may smooth land grades to finish up work on a job site.
Backhoe operators use a variety of tools on their backhoes. They can:
- dig trenches
- load heavy materials
- vibrate and break rock or concrete
- backfill excavations
- scoop and dump materials.
There are two types of backhoes: rubber tired and track. Track backhoes are also called excavators.
Front-end loader operators operate machines with buckets on the front. These are for picking up heavy loads and dumping them somewhere else. The loads might go into piles. They might go into excavations. Other times the loads go into trucks. Common loads include earth, rock, sand, gravel and snow.
Grader operators spread and level surfaces by controlling grader blades. They control the height and angle of the blades. This way, they can move and level earth, sand, gravel and rock. They also plow snow in the winter. It takes skill to level surfaces at a specified grade. They grade over the working area again and again. They improve the level each time by looking at stakes in the earth that show the goal. They also use level gauges in the machine. Hand signals from co-workers also help.
Paver operators operate asphalt paving machines. These lay down asphalt for roads, driveways and parking lots. The operators use stakes and level gauges to perfect their work.
Power shovel operators use a boom or crane that supports a handle with a large dipper. The dipper is used to scoop up dirt, rock and coal. It then drops it into trucks or piles.
Scraper operators scrape, load and haul earth. They do this on mining or construction sites. In addition to leveling work sites, they:
- haul soil for roads and rights-of-way
- haul coal and ore at mining sites
- build berms
- create lakes
- build large stockpiles.
Other types of operators include:
- tree harvesters
- skidders
- trench excavators.
Their work uses different heavy equipment. The tools may be suited to forestry or pipeline construction, for example.
Other types of heavy equipment operators are described in the occupational profiles Crane and Hoisting Equipment Operator and Surface Mining Equipment Operator.
