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Heavy Equipment Operations

Students outside with excavator.
Person operating Caterpillar bulldozer outside in the winter.
Heavy machinery sitting outside while it's snowing.
People working on adding roof to new building construction.
People working outdoors preparing ground for construction.
People outside with heavy machinery digging hole in ground.
Man working on concrete for building foundation.
Person driving heavy equipment fill area with dirt.
People mixing concrete in form for building foundation.
People working on construction site to spread gravel with shovels.
Man inside excavator on work site.
People use crane to position trusses on new building construction.

Load up on success with a heavy equipment operations career.

At Alfred State, you’ll gain the hands-on training to operate and manage heavy equipment in New York’s top-ranked program and the #2 program in the nation (U.S. News & World Report). You’ll learn equipment operation, safety, maintenance, blueprint reading, and site layout while training on industry-standard machines and simulators. With practical experience and real-world preparation, you’ll graduate ready to meet employer demand in the construction and highway industries.

2 Years Associate in Occupational Studies

Pioneer Quotes:

"This program gives students the hands-on experience and classroom theory needed to be successful in the trade." -Tyler Wright, '1

ASC Heavy Equipment Ops Facebook Page

Heavy Equipment in Action
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Alfred State Heavy Equipment Operations
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PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

Length of Program:

2 years

Department:

Building Trades Department

Required Tool List

Academic Location:

Wellsville Campus

Student Residency:

Alfred Campus

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Program Details

Courses You May Take

BLCT3322: Advanced Operations

Credits: 2

This course presents the use, safe operation, and maintenance of excavators, trucks, and trailers. The course content will explain and demonstrate the use of excavators in ditching, grading, and slope-finishing operations, describing various operating techniques, and describes the types of trucks used in highway/heavy construction; these include rigid frame trucks, such as dump trucks, transit-mix trucks, and tractor-trailer trucks. The trailers discussed include bulk haulers and flatbed trailers. Truck controls and components, preventive maintenance and operation, and required licensing regulations are also covered. This course will continue to reinforce the operation of backhoes, bulldozers, and front-end loaders.

BLCT4402: Wheeled Finishing & Grading

Credits: 2

In this course students will learn how motor grader controls work and function at industry standards as well as the various types of controls for motor graders. Students will learn about wheeled dozers and their effects as well as various controls and types. Students will learn about wheeled excavators and how they are used in grading.

BLCT4406: Heavy Equipment Lab IV

Credits: 6

This applied learning lab builds off skills acquired in HEO Lab pt. III. Students will gain understanding of underground excavation while maintaining proper grade from a pipe laser. Students will also use dual sloping lasers to industry standards. Students will setup and utilize GPS systems while safely operating a motor grader. Job management and completion of day-to-day operations on a construction site while following all safety standards in an organized manor will also be included.

See All Required Courses

Entrance Requirements

Recommended

  • Algebra
  • Geometry

Students will be accepted for the heavy equipment operations program based on the strength of their application. Criteria for consideration will include high school average, regents exam scores (if a New York State student), grades in related course work, and results of standardized tests (if available).

People working on adding roof to new building construction.

SKILLS YOU'LL LEARN

In heavy equipment operations, you’ll learn how to select and safely operate machinery for excavation and earthmoving projects. You’ll practice reading blueprints, setting up survey equipment, and estimating materials. Training also emphasizes OSHA standards, PPE use, problem-solving, and supervisory skills, building the confidence and technical expertise needed for careers in construction and equipment operations.
People outside with heavy machinery digging hole in ground.

Facilities and Labs

Alfred State provides labs, equipment, and learning spaces that mirror the tools and technology used in the real world.


With 200+ labs on campus and experiential learning in every major, you’ll work with the same resources the pros use and be ready for the workplace on day one.

LAND A GREAT CAREER

Wondering where your skills can take you? Our career tool lets you explore real job titles, key skills, salary ranges, and job outlook data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics nationally or for New York State.

See how your Alfred State degree connects directly to in-demand careers and start planning your future with confidence.

MEET OUR FACULTY

Photo of Daniel R Helveston
Dan Helveston Instructor and Department Chair

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

You've seen our wide variety of majors at Alfred State, our great faculty who help you build your skills, and that you can do it at an incredible low cost. Now's the time to become an Alfred State Pioneer.

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