Backhoe Operator Requirements
- Education and Training. A backhoe operator should have a high school diploma or its equivalent, as well as have the physically ability to skillfully handle heavy machinery, notes the U.S. ...
- Licensing or Certification. ...
- OSHA Excavation Standards. ...
- Know Common Industry Equipment. ...
- 2016 Salary Information for Construction Equipment Operators. ...
How can I become a backhoe operator?
- Program name: Associate of Applied Science in Heavy Construction Equipment Technology
- Field of study: Caterpillar Equipment, Operator, Technician
- Program length: 2 years
- Tuition: $14,370 a year for a PA resident; 18,000 per year for an out-of-state person
- School Type: 4 year
- One College Avenue, Williamsport, PA 17701
- Phone: 570-326-3761
How to become a heavy equipment operator?
A Heavy Equipment Operator operates heavy machinery, such as a tractor, bulldozer, backhoe, or excavator, for the purposes of construction, demolition, or excavation. May be responsible for routine maintenance or repairs. Being a Heavy Equipment Operator may need state licensing. May require a high school diploma or its equivalent.
How to get a heavy equipment operator license?
What You Need to Do to Have a Heavy Equipment Operator License
- Obtaining Your License and Certification. You can receive your certificate of basic training in heavy equipment operation when you’ve completed it at the training school or vocational college or at ...
- Contents of the Training Course. ...
- Finding a Heavy Equipment Operator Job. ...
Who can certify forklift operators?
You can earn your forklift operator certification by taking an OSHA-approved course either in person or online. Many people choose to attend training in person through a vocational school or a local company. These courses include classroom work, a written test and hands-on training and evaluation.
What certification do you need to operate a backhoe?
Certification Options While backhoe operators don't need certification, they need to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) in order to drive their backhoes from site to site.
How do you become the operator of a backhoe?
You will need to enroll in a backhoe training course. These types of courses are offered at heavy equipment operators schools. In a backhoe training course, you will learn all about how to operate a backhoe and basic backhoe safety.
How long does it take to learn to operate a backhoe?
How long does it take to learn to operate an excavator? You can learn to operate an excavator in three weeks at an excavator school like HEC. You'll get to practice on excavators and other equipment like backhoes, skid steers and wheel loaders.
What does a backhoe operator do?
A backhoe operator is a construction worker who specializes in driving and operating backhoes, which are heavy construction machines that are commonly used to move large amounts of earth or to dig holes and trenches.
What jobs can you do with a backhoe?
Backhoe loaders can tackle landscaping jobs of all sizes and types, such as digging up trees and moving them to new locations, even keeping the root balls intact. They can also be put to work moving boulders, rocks, and gravel, or moving dirt and pushing topsoil into place.
Is heavy equipment operator a skilled trade?
Heavy Equipment Operator — Excavator is a trade named under the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021. This trade has an apprenticeship program that is administered by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
How much does heavy equipment operator school cost?
The cost of heavy equipment operator training is certainly a cost that comes with a decent-sized price tag for you and your organization. A typical training program will cost your organization anywhere between of $4000-$20,000, depending on the type of program you are signing up for.
How many hours is too many on a backhoe?
Backhoe Loader Typically, by 8,500 hours, 50% of the components in a backhoe loader have reached their end and fail within 3,500 hours.
What skills do you need to be a heavy equipment operator?
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required Ability to operate heavy equipment. Knowledge of light and heavy equipment operation and maintenance. Ability to use hand and power tools applicable to trade. Knowledge of basic vehicle inspection and maintenance including tire pressure, checking oil and water levels.
What is another name for heavy equipment operator?
Heavy Equipment Operator (Operating Engineer)
What is a load operator?
A loader operator is responsible for operating and driving multi-wheeled heavy vehicles to transport goods and services from the distribution centers to various locations. Loader operators must have excellent driving skills and a clean driving record to ensure smooth operations and timely deliveries.
How to become a backhoe operator?
If you meet the basic requirements, then you are all set to get started on becoming a backhoe operator. You will need to enroll in a backhoe training course. These types of courses are offered at heavy equipment operators schools. In a backhoe training course, you will learn all about how to operate a backhoe and basic backhoe safety. Topics in a course could include: 1 Safety 2 Walkaround inspections 3 Operator compartment 4 Startup and shut down procedures 5 Basic operating procedures 6 Earthmoving fundamentals 7 Maintenance
How to get a backhoe operator license?
The first step in obtaining a backhoe operator license is to ensure that you have your high school diploma or equivalent. Most jobs in the construction industry require you to have a diploma or a GED certificate. A college degree is not required.
What is a backhoe?
A backhoe is also known as a rear actor or back actor. It consists of a standard tractor with a boom connected to it and a digging bucket attached to that arm. This digging bucket is what makes it so useful and essential to the construction industry. The versatility of a backhoe is unmatched, which is why its use is so widespread in the construction industry.
What is a backhoe operator?
A backhoe operator is a construction worker who specializes in driving and operating backhoes, which are heavy construction machines that are commonly used to move large amounts of earth or to dig holes and trenches. Operators follow the instruction of construction supervisors to move dirt or dig holes needed for the construction of buildings, ...
How much does a backhoe operator make?
While figures for backhoe operators were not specifically available, heavy equipment operators earned a median salary of $63,763, according to Salary.com as of 2019. PayScale reports that 80 percent of those working as heavy machine operators earned roughly $29,000-$81,000.
How many people work as operating engineers?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that approximately 383,480 people worked as operating engineers and other construction equipment operators as of 2018. Around 28% worked in the ''other specialty trade contractor'' industry, 13% worked in local government.
What is required to operate a backhoe?
Becoming a backhoe operator requires training, understanding how to operate the machine, a keen sense of safety, and the ability to be aware of your surroundings and work with the people on the job site.
What does a backhoe operator do?
A backhoe operator has to have an understanding of how the machine operates and what safety procedures to follow. The operator must know how to drive, manipulate the bucket to dig and move dirt, gravel and other materials. Often operators work with other operators, sometimes they work alone.
How much does a backhoe operator make an hour?
A backhoe operator makes about $22 an hour based off of the national average. This number can vary by which state you are employed in and the amount of experience you have. Most backhoe operators also have the option to work overtime.
What is a backhoe used for?
These machines are commonly used in construction, agricultural projects, cemeteries, by swimming pool contractors and by the military.
Is it dangerous to work with a backhoe?
Yes, being a backho e operator is a dangerous job. When excavating, the ground around you can become unstable causing hazards to the operator and the other people on the job site. With any piece of large machinery there are risks and hazards.
Do you need a license to operate a backhoe?
No, in order to operate a backhoe, you do not need to have a license or a certification. However, you must be OSHA qualified. Being OSHA qualified comes with experience, training, and an understanding of the OSHA guidelines and how they pertain to backhoe operation.
What are the requirements to be a heavy equipment operator?
Besides undergoing training, you must also have a valid and unexpired commercial driver’s license, excellent communication and math skills, physical strength and stamina, and exceptional hand-eye coordination. The Department of Transportation requires heavy equipment operators to undergo and pass a physical exam to ensure that they are in the best condition. A heavy equipment operator’s job is grueling; it requires long hours on the road, so physical health is paramount. Some companies also require experience in order to qualify for a job. At least a year’s experience operating heavy equipment is required.
What is a heavy equipment operator?
A heavy equipment operator may operate one or more machinery, but he must have the right skills and qualifications to operate each . There are several types of heavy equipment with different uses in construction and road work.
Why is heavy machinery important?
The job of a heavy machinery operator is as important as those of other people in the construction project. Without them, a project will take a long time to finish or not be able to start at all. The job entails strict standards to ensure the safety of everyone on the construction site.
How long does it take to take a heavy equipment test?
Employees may "test-out" of heavy equipment courses by taking qualifying exams. These exams are "hand-on" and require approximately two hours to take. To see the lists of the skills to be tested, click on the course titles below. There is no charge to employees for taking the exams. Employees desiring to take the qualifying exams should ...
Is there a charge for taking the TQD exam?
There is no charge to employees for taking the exams. Employees desiring to take the qualifying exams should request them through their supervisors who will coordinate with district training coordinators. District training coordinators will then coordinate with TQD to schedule the qualifying exams.