Construction Equipment Operator Training Simulators

Search SwRI

               SwRI Home

An effective and affordable PC-based approach for training construction equipment operators has been developed by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI). These simulators provide a cost-effective, safe and efficient way to train new operators in a risk-free environment. Detailed and realistic lessons teach proper operating technique, machine controls and safe operation in a virtual jobsite.

	The excavator operator training simulator is available in both commercial and military versions.
	The loader operator training simulator can be used to teach a full range of common loader tasks.
	The motor grader is one of the most complex machines on the jobsite. The motor grader operator training simulator allows students to learn the proper skills and techniques before they use the real equipment for the first time.

Key Features and Benefits of Construction Equipment Operator Training Simulators

• Hands-on training engages and motivates trainees

• Practice and assessment modes allow trainees to learn and test skills

• Real-world measures assess and track trainee performance

• Trainees learn skills and techniques before using actual equipment

• To emphasize safety, jobsite hazards are simulated, such as operating near:

  • Power lines

  • Open trenches

  • Other equipment

  • Other facilities

  • Other personnel

• Actual controls mimic function and feel of equipment

• Optional gaming controls provide low-cost alternative for excavator and loader simulators

• Scoring approach rewards trainees based on productivity and safety

• Sophisticated soil modeling supports a wide range of earth moving tasks

• Realistic dynamics accurately model equipment performance associated with bucket stalling while digging, moving heavy loads, and equipment tipping when load limits are exceeded

• Training opportunities are not limited by weather restrictions or equipment availability

• Free play area allows learners to practice additional techniques

• Simulators can be an effective employee screening tool

• Simulator stands include fully adjustable integrated seat (with option for actual equipment seat)

Excavator Operator Training Simulator

Commercial and military versions of this simulator support learning in a broad range of excavating techniques. Training lessons were designed by construction equipment training experts and tested by professional operators. Controls include joysticks and foot pedals.

Training Lessons

Training lessons for the excavator operator training simulator include:

• Controls familiarization

• Placement for trenching

• End-of-day parking

• Load trucks from a bench

• Dig a level trench

• Set a trench box

• Pick up and place a pipe

• Load onto lowboy trailer

• Load a truck with the bucket thumb (Available in the military version developed for and used by the U.S. Army Engineer School at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.)

Loader Operator Training Simulator

The loader operator training simulator models a full range of common loader tasks including both bucket and fork operations. Controls include:

• An adjustable steering wheel

• Total machine control joystick (with detents)

• Sealed switch module

• Accelerator and brake pedals

Training Lessons

Training lessons for the loader operator training simulator include:

• Controls familiarization

• Bucket loading

• Drive on a jobsite

• Move a load with narrow forks

• Unload a flatbed with forks

• Move a load with wide forks

• Feather bedding into a trench

• Load a truck

• Load onto lowboy trailer

Motor Grader Operator Training Simulator

This highly sophisticated simulator models one of the most complex machines on the jobsite. Controls include:

• An adjustable steering wheel

• Foot pedals

• Electronic armrest-mounted moldboard controls

Moldboard controls are arranged in the same pattern as traditional mechanical controls, so training facilitates skills development for machines employing electronic or mechanical style controls.

Training Lessons

Training lessons for the motor grader operator training simulator include:

• Controls familiarization

• Moldboard setup

• Maneuvering

• Level a parking lot

• Dig a V-ditch

• Road building

• Blue topping

• Cul-de-sac

• Load onto lowboy trailer

For more information about construction simulation capabilities and techniques at SwRI or how you can contract with SwRI, please contact Brian Fisher, at brian.fisher@swri.org or (210) 522-3762.