Las Vegas: Heavy Equipment Operator Experience & Certificate

You'll Actually Drive a Bulldozer in Las Vegas

You operate real bulldozers and excavators under expert guidance, learning to dig, push, and lift on an actual dirt site. The session includes a 15-minute safety briefing, all safety equipment, a 2-way radio headset, and a completion certificate. Book in advance. Walk-ins aren't accepted, and you'll need to pass a breathalyzer test before starting.

Step-by-step itinerary

Operate heavy equipment in Las Vegas

• Attend safety orientation
• Warm up with expert guidance
• Drive bulldozers and excavators
• Dig trenches and build mounds
• Push and lift heavy tires
• Receive skill certificate

The experience

The moment you climb into the cab of a real Caterpillar bulldozer, you realize this isn't a simulator or a video game. It's the actual machine, and you're holding the controls. The weight of it hits different when you're sitting in the driver's seat, feeling the engine rumble beneath you, and your instructor is talking you through the hydraulics over the headset. Most people don't expect how responsive the equipment is, or how much focus it takes to dig a clean trench without overthinking it.

The heavy equipment playground in Las Vegas runs you through a 15-minute safety briefing first, which covers the basics of how bulldozers and excavators work and what you're actually about to do. Then you get geared up (helmet, safety vest, the works), and head out to the dirt. You'll operate real machinery, not toy versions. The tasks are straightforward: dig trenches, push mounds, move massive tires, lift loads. Your guide stays with you the whole time, radioing instructions and corrections through your headset. It's hands-on in the truest sense, and the learning curve is steeper than you'd think, but that's what makes it feel earned.

The whole session (check-in, orientation, actual operating time, and travel between the terminal and site) runs as one block, so you're not waiting around between parts. You'll need sturdy, closed-toed shoes and a high level of physical fitness. The equipment is heavy to control and the day involves real exertion. There's a breathalyzer test before you start, which is non-refundable if you don't pass. Minimum age is 14 with parental consent. By the end, you walk away with a certificate of completion and the kind of muscle memory that sticks with you. You've actually operated heavy machinery, not just watched it happen.

What’s included

All necessary safety equipment, a 2-way radio headset for communication with your instructor, a 15-minute orientation and safety briefing covering equipment operation and safety protocols, hands-on operating time in real heavy machinery, and a certificate of completion recognizing your new skills.

Options for this experience

7 options

Kid's DigsGuide in English · Available from 25 Oct 2027Kid's Digs

Skid Steer LoaderGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:00Skid Steer Loader

6-Ton ExcavatorGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:006-Ton Excavator

See 4 more options

Big Dig BackhoeGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:00Big Dig Backhoe

Wheel Loader: Big DigGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:00Wheel Loader: Big Dig

Big Dig ExcavatorGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:00Big Dig Excavator

Big Dig BulldozerGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:00Big Dig Bulldozer

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 9

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Physically demandingPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Dig This Las Vegas

Is this one for you?Right for anyone over 14 who wants to actually operate heavy machinery instead of just watching: the expert guidance and safety structure mean you'll learn to handle a real bulldozer or excavator without prior experience, as long as you're physically fit and can pass a breathalyzer test before you start.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What heavy equipment can I operate?

You'll operate real Caterpillar bulldozers and excavators. The specific machines available depend on your session selection at booking.

How long is the whole experience?

Total session duration includes check-in, orientation, training, and travel between the terminal and site. The 15-minute orientation and safety briefing are part of the overall time.

Do I need experience to do this?

No prior experience is required. An expert instructor guides you through a safety orientation and warm-up before you operate the equipment.

What should I wear?

Wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes. All necessary safety equipment (helmet, vest, and headset) is provided.

Is there a minimum age?

Yes, the minimum age is 14 years old. Participants under 18 need parental or guardian consent.

What if I fail the breathalyzer test?

If you fail the breathalyzer test, your session is non-refundable and you won't be able to participate.

Who shouldn't do this activity?

This activity is not recommended for pregnant travelers, people with spinal injuries, back problems, or poor cardiovascular health. You should have a high level of physical fitness.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, walk-ins are not allowed. You must book your session in advance to secure your spot.

What's included?

Your session includes all safety equipment, a 2-way radio headset, the 15-minute orientation and safety briefing, and a certificate of completion.

Is there public transportation nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the site.