TRAL 2711 - Heavy Equipment Operations for Trails

Description
TRAL 2711 Heavy Equipment Operations for Trails is a specialized, applied course designed to
provide students with the practical skills and knowledge required to operate heavy equipment for
trail construction and maintenance projects. This hands-on course focuses on the safe and effective
use of heavy machinery to create and improve trail systems, preparing students to become proficient
operators in the field of trail development. Specifically, students will cover mechanized trail
building, or trail construction and maintenance with heavy equipment, environmental considerations
of mechanized building, trail design using heavy equipment, and equipment maintenance and care. By
learning the operation of heavy machinery in trail work, students will learn the importance of
developing and maintaining high-quality trail systems that cater to outdoor enthusiasts while
preserving natural landscapes.

Pre-Requisite
None

1 Credit Hour(s)

Contact Hours
10 lecture hours/10 lab hours

1 Faculty Load Hour(s)

Semesters Offered
Fall, Spring, Summer

ACTS Equivalent
None

Grade Mode
A-F

Learning Outcomes

Upon completing this course, students will be able to
• Identify and explain the functions of various types of heavy equipment used in trail
construction and maintenance, including mini-excavators, skid steers, trail dozers, front loaders,
motor graders, compaction equipment, backhoes, and off-road dump trucks.
• Demonstrate safe operating practices of heavy equipment and adhere to OSHA regulations and
standards.
• Perform pre-operation equipment checks, routine maintenance, and address equipment issues
effectively.
• Demonstrate understanding of civil drawings, site work, soils, finishing and grading, and
compaction equipment.
• Operate heavy equipment to perform basic maneuvers, loading/unloading, and trail construction
tasks.
• Interpret trail design plans featuring excavation, grading, and trail feature construction.
• Explain how to interpret trail construction plans, schedule equipment operations, and budget
for heavy equipment usage.
• Evaluate advanced techniques for working on steep terrain, navigating different soil
conditions, and using specialized attachments.
• Comply with environmental regulations, permits, and rehabilitation efforts.
• Optimize equipment productivity, control maintenance costs, and practice best operator
practices.
• Analyze case studies and real-world projects to apply learned concepts.
• Gain practical experience through hands-on training and simulated trail project elements.
• Understand requirements for operator certifications and licenses and prepare for certification
exams.
• Explore emerging technologies in heavy equipment operations.

General Education Outcomes Supported
• Students develop higher order thinking skills.
• Students can read selections at the college level.
• Students can achieve mathematical literacy.
• Students develop effective oral communication skills.

Standard Practices
Topics List
• Introduction to Heavy Equipment
• Safety Procedures and Regulations
• Equipment Types, Inspection, and Maintenance
• Basic Operating Techniques
• Mechanized Trail Construction Techniques
• Mechanized Trail Maintenance Operations
• Environmental Considerations
• Trailside Safety and Communication
• Advanced Techniques and Challenges
• Operational Efficiency and Productivity
• Certifications and Licensing
• Ethical and Environmental Responsibility
• Emerging Technologies

Learning Activities
• Active engagement in hands-on training exercises.
• Interactive lectures.
• Hands-on equipment operation exercises and simulations.
• Field site observations and applications.
• Guest speakers from the industry.
• Simulated trail construction and maintenance projects.

Assessments
• Quizzes and examinations.
• Equipment operation evaluations and skills assessments.
• Case study analyses and reports.
• Certification preparation.
• Class participation and engagement.

Grading Guidelines
• Quizzes and Examinations 30%
• Equipment Operation Skills 20%
• Case Study Report 25%
• Certification Preparation 10%
• Class Participation and Engagement 15%

• A 90-100%
• B 80-89%
• C 70-79%
• D 60-69%
• F Below 60%