Replies

1. 
   UncleDunc | Mar 13, 2005 12:22am | #1

   I just Googled "hydraulics operator's license" and drew a blank. What does a hydraulics operator do, in the context of framing houses?

1. 
   dieselpig | Mar 13, 2005 12:36am | #2

   In Massachusetts, you need a hydraulics license and/or a hoisting license to operate a telehandler forklift.  I'm in the process of figuring it all out myself.  Will be starting a prep class for the licensing tests soon.  It's very confusing, and state isn't much help with the process.  None of the other framers in my area have been much help either as none of the ones that own telehandlers are actually licensed to operate them.  An excavation contractor that I frequently work with is going to help me with the process when he returns from vacation next week.  I'll post more as I learn.

1. 
   Gunner | Mar 13, 2005 12:54am | #3

   Didn't they offer something at JLC? 

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

1. 
   podge58977 | Mar 13, 2005 03:14am | #4

   No I already posted on JLC and I was referred to this website. I was referred to dieselpig inparticular. I have been operating without one for a while, but it has been in small develpoments where OSHA hasn't come by. I am going in a plat where there is going to be around 100 homes, and the developer and OSHA have frequent run ins. Their last development the framer got $1000 fine and could not operate the machinery without someone being licensed. I think it is a bunch of horse crap, just another way for the system to make money. No license can ever teach you how to do anything. It is the experience where you learn. Showing I own a lull and have been operating it for  while with no problems should be reason enough not to get fined. Oh wait we live in the most expensive "FREE" country for a reason. They always get the money somehow.

1. 
   Gunner | Mar 13, 2005 03:49am | #5

   My mistake I was thinking they had a class at JLC live in Providence. It was at the trade show in Mass. That Taunton was at that had the hydraulic operator course. Diesel talked about making it a point to attend. That's whaat I was asking about. Aparently he didn't make it. 

   Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

2. 
   dieselpig | Mar 13, 2005 04:02am | #6

   I read that post earlier and meant to respond to you... sorry, I spaced.

   That prep class was actually offered at FHB's Trade '05 show in Worcester last month, JLC is this coming weekend in Providence, RI.

   I had signed up for the free prep class a few months ago.  Unfortunately the timing ended up sukking as the date drew closer.  I'm struggling to stay on schedule with my frames.  I lost nine working days out of the 6 weeks we spent on the last condo build I just wrapped up.  We're losing tons of time to the snow.... all nine of those lost days were snowstorms.  This winter's been rough.  Bottom line.... work took priority over that class unfortunately.

   I've been to Caterpillar's telehandler school and got a credit card type certificate from them, but there's still a bunch of hoops left to jump through.  Yeah... I know, I should really have the license if I'm operating the machine.... but I'm actively working on that.  I build mostly spec builds and customs so we're on pretty remote sites.... we've done well so far to steer clear of OSHA and what not.  I run a pretty tight ship, but we're not 100% compliant yet.  Maybe never will be.  Don't know anyone in my shoes who can afford to be.

   Any chance you could translate one of my posts into pig-latin for me someday?  ;)

3. 
   Gunner | Mar 13, 2005 04:09am | #8

   Anytime buddy. 

   Tag line temporarly removed.

4. 
   DDay | Mar 13, 2005 04:50am | #9

   You'll probably never see OSHA unless something happens.  About two or three years ago a landscaper around here, I think it was sudbury or lexington (somewhere 15 to 22 miles west of Boston) had a skid steer bobcat go over and I think the guy died or got really messed up.  OSHA was all over that accident.  You know 80% of those landscapers don't have operator license's and if S**t happens, they will bury those people in fines.  It's just one of those things that you should get just in case something bad happens, it will keep OSHA from taking you apart.

   I drove a Cat 938 loader plowing in the winter at a few local malls and of the 4 loaders, 2 back hoes and 4 bobcats we ran, only one or two had operator licenses.  No one ever said anything but if something happened...

5. 
   dieselpig | Mar 13, 2005 05:00am | #10

   Exactly my thoughts D.  Better to have and not need than need and not have.  God forbid anything ever happened, I'm sure that once OSHA finished with me, my insurance company would want whatever was left.  I like to play by the rules whenever possible anyway.

   It really is kinda crazy though.  Literally ANYONE can call up United Rentals or similar and have a 20,000lb machine delivered in a couple days or so.... no questions asked.  But I need an FID card to buy an air rifle.  What the heck is wrong with that picture? 

   Did you plow the Natick Mall by chance?  Just sold my house about 1 mile from there.  I plow for the town of Holliston myself.

   Edited 3/12/2005 9:01 pm ET by dieselpig

6. 
   podge58977 | Mar 14, 2005 07:27am | #11

   I misunderstood you also. I thought you were talking about the JLC forum. I haven't seen anything they are doing for operators lic. I don't think they are seeing it is a state regulated thing. I hope to be at the show this weekend. The expo has some crappy hours though. Friday 9-5 and Saturday 9-3. These people should know we are workers. We work. I missed it a couple of years due to working. Like dieselpig said he missed 9 days. I'm in the same boat. As much as I want to go, if the weather is nice, I'll be working. But they are calling for s'more snow fri and sat, so we'll see.

7. 
   dieselpig | Mar 13, 2005 04:05am | #7

   I hear you dude.... check out my other posts in this thread.  Sorry I couldn't be of more help myself.  I'm going through the same process.  Can I ask who the developer is you're going to be working for?  What town are you going to be framing in?

   Welcome to Breaktime.  You should stick around, we could use another framer in the mix.  You going to  JLC-Live in Providence next week?

   Edited 3/12/2005 8:15 pm ET by dieselpig

8. 
   podge58977 | Mar 14, 2005 07:29am | #12

   I'll be in North Attleborough framing for Toll Brothers. It's gonna be the first time doing panelized houses, so hopefully it goes well.