Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to safely operate selected heavy construction equipment and use specialized equipment for site layout. Students also gain knowledge in preventative maintenance, efficient machine operation, cost estimating, and management techniques. Additional instruction in equipment systems includes engine maintenance and emission formalization, chassis maintenance, hydraulic system maintenance, electrical maintenance and preventative maintenance.
- School of Engineering Technologies
- Associate of Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)
- More Information about Heavy Construction Equipment Technology: Operator Emphasis
Career Opportunities
Heavy construction equipment operator for a construction company or natural gas industry, mine or quarry leasing company, solid waste or heavy construction equipment dealership, field sales representative for equipment distribution.
Recommended High School Subjects
Four years of English, two years of algebra and one year of chemistry/physics.
Special Equipment Needs
See program Tool List for major.
Laptop Computer Required
- Windows 11 or higher (recommended).
- Intel Core i5 or i7 (generation 10 or higher) processor (recommended).
- 8+ GB RAM (recommended).
- 250+ GB Solid State Disk (SSD) drive (recommended).
- Laptop must include a webcam and microphone (required).
- Laptop must include a wireless network card (required).
- Broadband Internet connection when working off campus (required).
- Additional plug-ins may be required (Information Technology Services Service Desk available for assistance).
- Chromebooks and other devices running Chrome OS are prohibited.
Remediation Strategies
All incoming students must meet placement requirements in math. Students are expected to remediate any deficiencies as explained in the College Catalog (see https://www.pct.edu/catalog/admissions-policy).
Transfer Procedures
This major is subject to the transfer standards established by the College (see http://www.pct.edu/catalog/TransferringCredits ). Exceptions must be approved by the school dean.
Program Goals
A graduate of this major should be able to:- use approved safety procedures in various work situations.
- correctly and safely use hand tools and some specialty tools.
- identify and explain the operation of various engine, powertrain, electrical, and hydraulic components.
- properly use transit, hand level, laser, and global positioning equipment related to construction site preparation and equipment operation.
- safely operate selected machines representing the earthmoving industry.
- correctly use blueprints to layout a construction site and/or project.
- explain the procedures for testing the compaction of soil.
- develop a soil erosion control plan for a construction site.
- perform routine daily and preventative maintenance on heavy construction equipment.
Curriculum
| First Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FYE101 | First Year Experience | 1 | .50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
| HEO100 | Tools, Hardware & Basic Safety | 2 | 2 | M | REQ | ||
| HEO111 | Diesel Engine Fundamentals & Maintenance | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| HEO141 | Heavy Equipment Electrical Systems | 2 | 1 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| HEO131 | Earthwork Site Preparation | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| CSC124 | Information, Technology & Society | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| MTH123 | Technical Algebra & Trigonometry I | 3 | 2.50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
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| MTH181 | College Algebra & Trigonometry I | 3 | 2.50 | 1.50 | S | REQ | |
| TOTAL CREDITS | 17 | ||||||
| Second Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| HEO120 | Site Engineering & Layout | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| HEO152 | Introduction to Heavy Duty Powertrain & Brake Systems | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| HEO161 | GPS for Earthmoving | 1 | 1 | M | REQ | ||
| HEO171 | Hydraulics for Operators | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| HEO181 | Safe Operating Techniques for Heavy Equipment | 4 | 3 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| HEO202 | Blueprints & Grade Stakes for Earthwork | 2 | 2 | M | REQ | ||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 16 | ||||||
| Third Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| HEO211 | Bulldozer & Track Loader Operation | 3 | 9 | M | REQ | ||
| HEO220 | Operation of Trenching Equipment | 3 | 9 | M | REQ | ||
| HEO231 | Haul Truck & Final Grade Equipment Operation | 3 | 9 | M | REQ | ||
| ENL111 | English Composition I | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| HYE | Directed Elective Heavy Construction Equipment Technology | 3 | M | HYE | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 15 | ||||||
| Fourth Semester | Credits | Notes | Lecture | Lab/Clinical | M/S | Type | |
| ENL201 | Technical & Professional Communication | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| SCI100 | Environmental Science | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
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| PHS103 | Physics Survey | 3 | 3 | S | REQ | ||
| ARP | Core Arts Perspective | 3 | S | ARP | |||
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| AAP | Core Applied Arts Perspective | 3 | S | AAP | |||
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| CDP | Core Global & Cultural Diversity Perspective | 3 | S | CDP | |||
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| HIP | Core Historical Perspective | 3 | S | HIP | |||
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| SSP | Core Social Science Perspective | 3 | S | SSP | |||
| HEO204 | Forklifts, Mobile Elevated Work Platforms & Scissor Lifts | 3 | 2 | 3 | M | REQ | |
| HYE | Directed Elective Heavy Construction Equipment Technology | 3 | M | HYE | |||
| TOTAL CREDITS | 15 | ||||||