How to Use Heavy Construction Equipment

Heavy equipment demands an attentive operator.

Construction rental stores lease heavy equipment to any adult with a checkbook and a way to haul the equipment. However, unless you’re an experienced operator, you could find yourself in a pickle when you get the equipment home. If you’ve just rented a skid-steer, a loader, a trencher or a lift, follow some general guidelines.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Heavy trailer
• Tow vehicle capable of pulling equipment
• Operator over 18 years of age

1. Make safety your first concern. There is a reason why heavy equipment operators go to school to learn the basics of running construction equipment. The rental store requires that no one under 18 operate the machinery. In addition, all operators must know the basic operating methods and safety hazards.

2. Ask for advice from the rental sales associate if you’re not familiar with the equipment. He can advise you as to which piece of equipment is suitable for your project and he can match you with one that reflects your operating knowledge.

3. Insist that the rental associates go over the operating instructions with you while you are still on the lot. If they won’t, rent your equipment elsewhere. Ask for a demonstration and request a chance to sit on the equipment and have them watch you start it and operate all the features. Leaving the lot with equipment you don’t know how to run is a recipe for disaster.

4. Inspect the equipment carefully before leasing it. Question a motor that runs poorly, hydraulics that do not operate smoothly or any features that concerns you. A reputable rental store will already know the problems with their equipment but unscrupulous renters may charge you for damage that was already present when you rented the equipment.

5. Unload the equipment once you get it home and run through the safety features and operating procedures. Take some time to acquaint yourself with the feel of the controls before tackling your project.

6. 

   Follow instructions posted on the heavy equipment at all times. For instance, a skid steer will tip over backwards if the bucket is too high while you’re going uphill. Keep balance in mind at all times with heavy equipment. Keep a heavy load in the bucket or back up a slope to prevent injury.

7. 

   Remove children from the area where you are working. Children and heavy construction equipment do not mix. Most equipment has a warning beep when backing up but a small child may not move. Lifts can sever a limb easily when the boom is lowered.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask for a complimentary manual to study before you operate the equipment.

• Consider the space in which you have to operate the equipment. A small piece of equipment with a Zero Turning Radius (ZTR) function works well in restricted areas but running a ZTR takes practice.

• Know your limitations. Don’t operate a piece of heavy equipment if you are not comfortable.

• Never allow a child to get on a piece of equipment, even for a photo op.