Heavy Construction Machinery Training at the Diggerland Plant Training School

heavy construction machinery

The global heavy construction equipment market was valued at just over 176.2 billion dollars in 2020. It is estimated that this will increase to 273.5 billion by the end of the decade. 

When it comes to construction projects, it is primarily heavy construction machinery that is used. Of course, this is due to the versatility of the machines, and the time it saves in comparison to using smaller machinery. We guarantee that having the correct training to operate the equipment will be extremely beneficial for any operator.

TYPES OF HEAVY CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY

Let’s take a look at the different types of heavy construction machinery available, and the courses we have available at our plant training school in Kent. 

EXCAVATORS

Excavators are one of the most utilised types of machinery on any construction site. There are 4 types of diggers when it comes to size: Mini, Midi, Standard and Large. Anything generally over 45 tonnes is considered heavy machinery, for example a Komatsu PC490 LC-10.

We can offer operators the choice of training using a digger below or above 10 tonnes. If you are specifically looking to operate heavy machinery, then be sure to request this when booking. 

What are they used for?

An excavator is generally used to dig trenches, holes and foundations. With a heavy construction excavator, you’ll be able to imagine the scale of the project, and how quick it would be to dig a large section of the land/surface. They are particularly efficient when it comes to demolition, river dredging and even landscaping on a large scale.

Excavators are available with rubber roadliner pads and steel tracks, however it will depend on the type of work you are intending to do with the machine. 

DUMPER TRUCKS

Again, similar to excavators there are different types of dumper trucks, and not all of them come under the heavy construction machinery category. Operators can choose from mini dumper trucks, tracked dumper trucks, articulated dumper trucks and rigid dumper trucks. 

Heavy dumper trucks are often described as large off-road dumpers with large wheels and a spacious skip to carry materials. A Hydrema rear tipping dumper is an excellent example of this type of machinery. 

What are they used for?

Dumper trucks work hand-in-hand with excavators on a construction site. An excavator will be used to load the dumper with material, ready to transport to another area or to offload waste. 

If you’re looking to learn how to operate a rear tipping dumper truck then we have the perfect course for you. Check out the full course details on our website

BACKHOE LOADERS

Backhoe loaders are similar to excavators in relation to the type of work they carry out. Whilst there is a front loading bucket, there is also  a backhoe connected to the rear of the machine, to carry out additional digging. 

What are they used for?

With the assistance of the backhoe, this particular loader is fantastic for digging trenches below the level of the machine, and loading and unloading material. Should you wish to change the attachment at the back, then a backhoe loader is more than capable of breaking up asphalt, pacing roads and even demolition work.

Our instructors can carry out training using a JCB 3CX backhoe loader. View the course information for this type of machine on our website

CRANES

Along with graders, bulldozers and pavers, cranes are another type of heavy construction machinery found on construction and demolition sites. A crane is often equipped with a hoist rope, chains or wire ropes in order to safely transport objects.

What are they used for?

Cranes are often used to construct and demolish tall buildings. They are a unique type of heavy construction machinery that can carry out these tasks that couldn’t be completed by any other plant equipment. They are used to lift and move heavy objects with ease.

Unfortunately we do not have the facilities on site to offer crane training, however we can train operators to use an excavator as a crane. We would typically use a Komatsu PC138 to practice safely lifting materials. This will eliminate using several types of machinery to complete a task. 

TELEHANDLERS

Telehandlers are comparable to cranes in some respects. The telescopic arm can extend and retract to reach new heights, which is perfect for sites. Telehandlers are most commonly used within the construction, agriculture and waste and recycling sectors, however you may have seen them used a lot on TV. Did you know that sports such as Formula One and even film sets make use of a telehandler? 

What are they used for?

As mentioned previously, the telehandler arm is perfect for lifting heavy materials up to the required height on a site. Telehandlers are often fitted with a forklift type attachment, making it easier to lift loads. Telehandler attachments are now becoming more widely used within the industry to adapt to the job at hand.  

OTHER NPORS TRAINING COURSES AVAILABLE

If you’re not in the construction industry, then we still have plenty of training courses to suit you in your workplace. 

Health and Safety is vital within any company, so it’s important that employees have the necessary training in place. Individuals can choose from the following Health and Safety courses: 

View all of our NPORS accredited courses on our website today.

BOOK YOUR COURSES TODAY!

Here at the Diggerland Plant Training School we conduct all of our courses at our main site in Kent. We can however offer the option of training at our other UK locations in Devon, Durham and Yorkshire. If this is of interest to you, then be sure to get in touch with us today to enquire. 

Alternatively, we can offer off-site training for your operators. Our skilled instructors can travel to a site of your choice, using your equipment.

Contact a member of the team today, and discuss your requirements. Email us or give us a call on 01634 295355.

We also advertise any last minute spaces on upcoming courses on our social media. Give us a follow!

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