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

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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).

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.