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NCCER Heavy Equipment Operation
(HEO)| Certification Test Paper| Verified
Solutions 100%
A bulldozer operator notices the blade tilting unevenly while grading a slope. What might be
going wrong and what should they check?
Could be a hydraulic issue or maybe the track is lifting due to uneven ground. I’d check the
blade’s cylinders and make sure both tracks are staying level and have good contact with the
ground.
You're operating a backhoe in soft, muddy soil and the rear stabilizers keep sinking. What's the
safest move?
Lay down cribbing (like wooden pads) under the stabilizers to spread out the weight so you
don't tip or sink deeper. Otherwise, you're risking the whole machine becoming unstable.
A new crew member hops into the excavator cab with muddy boots. Why might that be a
problem?
Muddy boots can make the foot pedals slippery, which is super dangerous when you're trying
to control the boom or move around. Clean boots help avoid accidental movements.
During trenching with an excavator, the operator keeps swinging the boom over workers. What’s
the issue here?
, 2
That's a major safety violation. You’re never supposed to swing over people – if hydraulics
fail, that bucket could fall right on someone. Need to stop and reposition the machine or the
workers.
You're working near overhead power lines and get assigned to use a loader. What's a good safety
rule to remember?
Always keep at least 10 feet away from power lines. Equipment might be taller than you
think, especially with the bucket raised.
After starting a cold engine on a wheel loader, you hear rattling from the engine bay. What
should you do?
Shut it off and check it out. Cold starts can make belts or parts act weird, but rattling could be
a loose bolt or damaged fan – better to stop and report it.
A grader operator keeps losing control on a downhill cut. What are they probably doing wrong?
They’re likely using the blade as a brake, which doesn’t work and can make the machine
slide. You should always control speed with the transmission and brakes.
While compacting soil with a smooth drum roller, you notice the soil isn’t packing well. What
adjustment could help?
Could try adjusting the vibration setting or maybe switch to a padfoot roller if it’s clay or wet
soil. Smooth drum's not great for all soil types.
NCCER Heavy Equipment Operation
(HEO)| Certification Test Paper| Verified
Solutions 100%
A bulldozer operator notices the blade tilting unevenly while grading a slope. What might be
going wrong and what should they check?
Could be a hydraulic issue or maybe the track is lifting due to uneven ground. I’d check the
blade’s cylinders and make sure both tracks are staying level and have good contact with the
ground.
You're operating a backhoe in soft, muddy soil and the rear stabilizers keep sinking. What's the
safest move?
Lay down cribbing (like wooden pads) under the stabilizers to spread out the weight so you
don't tip or sink deeper. Otherwise, you're risking the whole machine becoming unstable.
A new crew member hops into the excavator cab with muddy boots. Why might that be a
problem?
Muddy boots can make the foot pedals slippery, which is super dangerous when you're trying
to control the boom or move around. Clean boots help avoid accidental movements.
During trenching with an excavator, the operator keeps swinging the boom over workers. What’s
the issue here?
, 2
That's a major safety violation. You’re never supposed to swing over people – if hydraulics
fail, that bucket could fall right on someone. Need to stop and reposition the machine or the
workers.
You're working near overhead power lines and get assigned to use a loader. What's a good safety
rule to remember?
Always keep at least 10 feet away from power lines. Equipment might be taller than you
think, especially with the bucket raised.
After starting a cold engine on a wheel loader, you hear rattling from the engine bay. What
should you do?
Shut it off and check it out. Cold starts can make belts or parts act weird, but rattling could be
a loose bolt or damaged fan – better to stop and report it.
A grader operator keeps losing control on a downhill cut. What are they probably doing wrong?
They’re likely using the blade as a brake, which doesn’t work and can make the machine
slide. You should always control speed with the transmission and brakes.
While compacting soil with a smooth drum roller, you notice the soil isn’t packing well. What
adjustment could help?
Could try adjusting the vibration setting or maybe switch to a padfoot roller if it’s clay or wet
soil. Smooth drum's not great for all soil types.
