“TIPS From The Pros^TM” - Video Series
Advanced Operating Techniques for the Backhoe Loader and Crawler Dozer
Transfering productivity techniques to the next generation of Equipment Operators

(September, 2001) Backhoe Loaders and Crawler Dozers are the first types of heavy equipment featured in a new series of VISTA Training, Inc. videos devoted to advanced operating techniques.  Each video, running about 15 minutes, focuses on proven techniques to achieve maximum machine productivity in a safe, equipment friendly way. The series promotes transfer of productivity techniques to the next generation of equipment operators.

In response to ongoing requests from heavy equipment owners and operators VISTA joined forces with a major manufacturer and a large association.  Collecting information from respected professional operators and video taping actual operating situations allowed seasoned professionals to demonstrate important operating TIPS.

Methods for efficient backhoe use in various soil types, terrain conditions, pavement work as well as in and around obstructions are discussed and clearly shown. Effective use of the loader bucket when backfilling, loading out spoil, digging in a bank or smoothing surfaces are some of the areas addressed for backhoe loaders. Dozing on side hills, pioneering work, tree and stump removal, grading and shaping TIPS are easy to understand in the new dozer video.

Research and development participants included, professional operator instructors from respected schools, manufacturer employed demonstrator and equipment proving ground operators along with several contractor employed operators and their supervisors. TIPS are based on ways to achieve maximum productivity in a safe, equipment friendly manner. Techniques address enhanced productivity without unduly stressing the equipment.

If successful, the series will be expanded to address wheel loaders, crawler excavators, skid-steer loaders, motor graders, trenchless equipment, and other types of heavy equipment as feedback is received.

Rick Longstaff, President of VISTA, said, “Having access to so much expertise through our industry contacts, including local operating engineers union staff, made this one of the easiest programs to research that we have ever produced.” Longstaff went on to say, “We invite all operators to participate in this process by contacting us with their suggestions for inclusion in the series. If enough suggestions are received we will produce sequels to the original series to help the industry capture important knowledge in an easily transferable format.”

VISTA, headquartered in Wisconsin, is dedicated to the development of training solutions for heavy equipment operation in the construction and mining industries. For additional information please contact us

Return to Home

You may reach us at: