Profession mobile crane operator

Mobile crane operators work with a variety of crane types that can be moved easily around the road, rail and water. Mobile cranes are often mounted on trucks.

Would you like to know what kind of career and professions suit you best? Take our free Holland code career test and find out.

Personality Type

Knowledge

  • Crane load charts

    Understand crane load charts which detail the features of the crane and how its lift capacity varies depending on distance and angle.

  • Mechanical systems

    Mechanical systems, including gears, engines, hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Their functions and likely defects.

  • Mechanics

    Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

Skills

  • Rig loads

    Safely attach loads to different types of hooks and attachments, taking into account the weight of the load, the power available to move it, static and dynamic tolerances of all instruments and materials, and the mass distribution of the system. Communicate with the operator verbally or with gestures to ensure the safety and efficiency of the operation. Detach loads.

  • Drive mobile heavy construction equipment

    Drive movable heavy equipment used in construction. Load the equipment onto low loaders, or unload it. Judiciously drive equipment on public roads when required.

  • Operate GPS systems

    Use GPS Systems.

  • Set up crane

    Set up cranes taking all safety measures into account.

  • Use safety equipment in construction

    Use elements of protective clothing such as steel-tipped shoes, and gear such as protective goggles, in order to minimise risk of accidents in construction and to mitigate any injury if an accident does occur.

  • Keep heavy construction equipment in good condition

    Inspect heavy equipment for construction projects before each use. Maintain the machine in good working order, taking care of small repairs and alerting the responsible person in case of serious defects.

  • Follow health and safety procedures in construction

    Apply the relevant health and safety procedures in construction in order to prevent accidents, pollution and other risks.

  • Interpret 3D plans

    Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in three dimensions.

  • React to events in time-critical environments

    Monitor the situation around you and anticipate. Be ready to take quick and appropriate action in case of unexpected events.

  • Work ergonomically

    Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

  • Inspect construction sites

    Ensure health and safety during the construction project by inspecting the construction site regularly. Identify risks of putting people in danger or of damaging construction equipment.

  • Secure heavy construction equipment

    Secure heavy equipment such as tower cranes or concrete pumps before, during, and after use to prevent damage to the machines, workforce or construction site. Take precautionary steps such as retracting the robotic arm of concrete pumps or bringing the hook block back to the jib.

  • Interpret 2D plans

    Interpret and understand plans and drawings in manufacturing processes which include representations in two dimensions.

  • Operate mobile crane

    Operate a mobile crane safely. Take into account the condition of the terrain, weather conditions, load mass, and expected manoeuvres.

Optional knowledge and skills

follow safety procedures when working at heights work in a construction team perform minor repairs to equipment keep records of work progress guide operation of heavy construction equipment set up temporary construction site infrastructure set up tower crane use remote control equipment process incoming construction supplies operate heavy construction machinery without supervision electricity keep personal administration transport construction supplies test soil load bearing capacity

Source: Sisyphus ODB