Watch the video below as a 6-year-old Caterpillar operator and his older brother take turns operating a Caterpillar machine like a pro at a real construction site. This video was sent to us by one of our JED Alliance customers from Honduras.
This dad takes pride in teaching his young children how to operate ANY piece of construction equipment they own. “It’s a good way to get them started in the family business,” Dad said.
Amazing Skill At Such A Young Age
This particular piece of equipment, if not operated correctly, can cause all kinds of damage. Notice the kids’ skill at levelling, picking up, and dumping the bucket. This is not an easy task. Most adults do not know how these machines work. There are ten functions on two levers and an acute need to be aware of the space around you at all times. It is tricky to control distances and to make the right corrections in a timely manner.
Notice that they are digging right next to a home. Any slight lack of focus could send the bucket straight against the property. Another thing that amazed all of our team was how the youngest child, just 6 years old, can’t even reach the floor of the excavator while seated. In the video, notice his little feet hanging in the air.
It was clear that these kids take using a piece of equipment very seriously. They did not treat it as a game or some sort of novelty. When we spoke to them, they had respect for the machine and the lives of those around them while operating, which we think is truly amazing. Kudos to their parents for doing such an amazing job with these Caterpillar operators.
