Skip to main content

Heavy Equipment Operations

Overview

Heavy Equipment Operations covers the foundational skills of safety, pre- and post-operation checks, site planning and layout, and operations for a range of light-duty and heavy equipment.

Heavy Equipment Operations supports multiple unique training pathways and credentials for Utility Tractors, Forklift, Loader, Dozer, Motor Graders, and more.

The three-level Heavy Equipment Operations curriculum is designed to be used flexibly in conjunction with other craft training material.  It also complies with the U.S. Department of Labor’s standards for apprenticeship programs.

Craft Snapshot

Journey Level
Assessment Available
REVISED
2020, 3rd Edition
NCCERconnect Deliver instruction using our pre-loaded content and course management tools, streamline training, and track results through the online gradebook. Students learn using the interactive eTextbook and Media Library with Active Figures that bring the material to life, anytime and anywhere they choose.
Available
LANGUAGES
English

Curriculum Details

 

Total Recommended Hours
Competencies & Objectives Lists
3rd Edition:

  • Levels 1-3: 557.5, includes Core hours
Orientation to the Trade
5 Hours

Module ID 22101: Provides an overview of heavy equipment terminology, operations, operator responsibilities, career opportunities, and basic principles of safety.

Heavy Equipment Safety
10 Hours

Module ID 22102: Provides a comprehensive overview of safety requirements on job sites with emphasis on OSHA, MSHA, and NIOSH requirements. Presents basic requirements for personal protection, safe equipment operations and maintenance, and HAZCOM.

Identification of Heavy Equipment
5 Hours

Module ID 22103: Instructs trainees in the care and use of the different types of hand and power tools they will use on the job. Gives trainees the information they need to select the appropriate tools for different tasks, and reviews tool maintenance and safety issues.

Basic Operational Techniques
27.5 Hours

Module ID 22104: Covers prestart checks of a machine’s hardware (frame, body panels, tires or tracks, and safety equipment), driveline components, hydraulic system components, electrical components, and controls. Reviews machine safety issues. Explains how to safely start, move, steer, stop, and shut down different types of machines.

Utility Tractors
17.5 Hours

Module ID 22105: Covers operation of general utility tractors in the construction industry. Describes duties and responsibilities of the operator, safety rules for operation, the attachment of implements, and basic preventive maintenance practices.

Introduction to Earthmoving
12.5 Hours

Module ID 22201: Provides a broad introduction to the process of planning and executing earthmoving activities on various types of construction projects. The use of heavy equipment such as bulldozers, scrapers, excavators, and loaders is explained.

Grades
15 Hours

Module ID 22106: Introduces the concept of preparing graded surfaces using heavy equipment. Covers identification of construction stakes and interpretation of marks on each type of stake. Describes the process for grading slopes.

Vertical-Mast Sit-Down Counterbalance Forklifts
7.5 Hours

Module ID 22107: Covers operation of vertical-mast Sit-Down Counterbalance (SDCB) forklifts, commonly known as conventional forklifts. Describes duties and responsibilities of the operator, safety rules for operation, and distinguishing features. Includes operation for both indoor and outdoor environments.

Rough Terrain Forklifts
22.5 Hours

Module ID 22206-13: Covers the uses of forklifts on construction sites. Includes instructions for lifting, transporting, and placing various types of loads, as well as safety, operation, and maintenance procedures.

On-Road Dump Trucks
20 Hours

Module ID 22202-13: Covers uses, inspection, startup, shutdown, operator maintenance, and operation of dump trucks used to carry loads on public highways. Includes operation of dump trucks in normal and emergency situations.

Excavation Math
17.5 Hours

Module ID 22207-13: Covers basic math skills required for site excavation work. Includes methods and practice in calculating the areas and volumes of various geometric shapes, as well as formulas and methods used to calculate cut and fill requirements on a job.

Interpreting Civil Drawings
20 Hours

Module ID 22209-13: Explains how to read site plans to calculate cut and fill requirements. Provides instruction and practice in interpreting both roadway and construction site drawings used for excavation and grading work.

Site Work
20 Hours

Module ID 22210-13: Expands on information covered in Level 1 in relation to setting and interpreting grade stakes. Also provides information and instructions on controlling surface water and ground water on a job site, as well as the layout of foundations and laying of pipe.

Soils
10 Hours

Module ID 22308-13: Describes soil classification systems and explains how shrink and swell factors affect equipment selection. Discusses how soil conditions affect equipment performance and explains techniques for working with various types of soils.

Skid Steers
22.5 Hours

Module ID 22212-13: Describes the many uses of skid steers and the attachments available for these machines. Covers safety practices, as well as inspection, startup, shutdown, and operation of skid steers.

Loaders
17.5 Hours

Module ID 22205-13: Covers the uses of wheel and track loaders, as well as operator maintenance, loader safety, and operating procedures. Includes procedures for using loaders in excavation, grading, and demolition work.

Scrapers
17.5 Hours

Module ID 22204-13: Describes the types of scrapers used in site preparation, as well as the safe practices associated with the operation of scrapers. Covers operator inspection and maintenance requirements, along with startup, shutdown, and operating techniques.

Finishing and Grading
25 Hours

Module ID 22307-14: Provides training on common types of equipment and instruments used for finish grading; materials and methods used to stabilize soils and control soil erosion; and finishing and grading methods used for various applications.

Compaction Equipment
25 Hours

Module ID 22203-14: Provides training on common types of compaction equipment; the primary instruments, controls, and attachments of a roller; safety guidelines associated with compaction equipment; and prestart inspections, preventive maintenance, and proper operating procedures. Presents factors involved in work activities associated with a roller.

Backhoes
30 Hours

Module ID 22303-14: Identifies and describes the common uses, types, components, instruments, controls, and attachments of backhoes. Presents safety guidelines, prestart inspection procedures, and preventive maintenance requirements. Describes basic startup and operation, and covers common work activities associated with backhoes.

Off-Road Dump Trucks
30 Hours

Module ID 22310-14: Identifies and describes the common types, uses, and components of off-road dump trucks. Presents safety guidelines, prestart inspection procedures, and preventive maintenance requirements. Covers basic startup, driving maneuvers, loading, and dumping procedures for off-road dump trucks.

Dozers
30 Hours

Module ID 22302-14: Identifies and describes the common uses, types, and components of dozers. Presents safety guidelines, prestart inspection procedures, and preventive maintenance requirements. Describes basic startup and operation, and covers common work activities associated with dozers.

Excavators
35 Hours

Module ID 22304-14: Identifies and describes the common types, uses, and components of excavators. Presents safety guidelines, prestart inspection procedures, and preventive maintenance requirements. Describes basic startup and operation, and covers common work activities associated with excavators.

Motor Graders
40 Hours

Module ID 22305-14: Identifies and describes the common uses and types of motor graders. Presents safety guidelines, prestart inspection procedures, and preventive maintenance requirements. Describes basic startup and operation, and covers common work activities associated with motor graders.

Career Pathways

Heavy Equipment Operator has eleven possible career paths:

  • HEO Motor Grader
  • HEO Compaction Equipment
  • HEO Loader
  • HEO Scraper
  • HEO Backhoe
  • HEO Dozer
  • HEO Off-Road Dump Trucks
  • HEO Excavator
  • HEO Operations Craft Completion
  • HEO Forklift
  • HEO Skid Steer

Contributing Subject Matter Experts

Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are a vital part of NCCER’s Curriculum development process. SMEs are construction and maintenance professionals who have journey-level experience and have experience teaching their trades to others.

View Subject Matter Experts
Contributing Subject Matter Experts
Below is a list of subject matter experts for this craft:
D

Dan Nickel, Carolina Bridge Company, Inc.

Daniel (Dan) J. Tucker

J

Jon Goodney, John Deere

Joseph Watts, Southland Safety, LLC

L

Larry “Cowboy” Proemsey, Cowboyscranes.com

M

Mark Jones, Charah

P

Paul James, Bridgerland Applied Technology College

R

Robert Lodge, Turner Industries Group, LLC

Roger Arnett, Caterpillar, Inc.

S

Scott Fairchild, Performance Contractors, Incorporated

W

William C. Fuller III, ABC Greater Houston, Inc.

NCCERconnect

Optimize your classroom time, while accelerating knowledge for learners. NCCERconnect works to provide learners with always-available access to online training materials, including videos, interactives, a rich eText, practice quizzes and other engaging content.

  • Mobile access to the eText also allows for learning on-the-go.
  • Instructors can get started quickly with pre-built assignments, use the robust course tools for class management, and track student participation and results through the online gradebook.
  • Designed to help learner engagement in any classroom, whether a blended, virtual or traditional classroom environment.

Instructor Resources

Instructor Toolbox

NCCER’s Instructor Toolbox provides easy access to important instructional resources for your training program. You’ll find downloadable course planning tools, examples of classroom activities and projects, and instructor tips and best practices to help you enhance your program.

Academic Pre- and Post-Tests

Academic pre- and post-tests are created for secondary career and technical education. These tests are designed to be used as a diagnostic tool to gauge the trainee’s knowledge gained during the course of academic instruction.

Successful completion of these tests will not result in an NCCER credential.

Assessments

NCCER’s assessments evaluate the knowledge of an individual in a specific craft area and provide a prescription for upgrade training when needed. All assessments are based upon the NCCER Curriculum and have been developed in conjunction with subject matter experts from the industry. Click the assessment title below to open its specifications.

Heavy Equipment Operator: Backhoe