Is there a such thing as skidsteer skill training courses?

ever driven a forklift?

our (Alabama) community college system and some High Schools have training courses and certification for equipment, I know skid steer is one that they use. Not sure if they go beyond the basics as I would assume they are geared toward people with little or no previous experience.

Hire on with a company that is similar to what you want to do and watch their guys run one to pick up some new tricks, workarounds, etc. for a while before you venture out on your own.

If your as good as you claim you are then what exactly are you looking to learn?

Its the same as finding your way to Carnegie Hall - Practice, practice, practice....

That said equipment rental places will train and issue employees a certification on jobs that spec out such certifications. They will do this on just about anything they rent....even hand tools LOL.

Seat time.

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More than likely going to start my own skidsteer service business soon (leveling, demo work, debris removal, etc). I already know how to handle, operate, and maintain the equipment and I'm pretty good at it.

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If this is so you are overthinking it. Operating a skid steer is pretty simple to begin with....doing the kinds of things you are talking about doing as a business are fundamental skills that anyone who has driven a car can master in about an hour. The most difficult part of what you are talking about doing is loading and unloading the damned thing.

I might suggest this. You are contemplating doing this as a business. You have the skills to operate the equipment. If you want to do it successfully as a business your time would be far better spent learning how to manage a business if you have never done it. Most small businesses fail in the first five years because of cash flow problems which is directly attributable to the owner not knowing how to manage money. I am not talking about spending money foolishly, it is more about billing consistently and on time, PRICING your work....a HUGE issue for most small businesses, especially for skilled tradesmen who aren't adapt at capturing ALL costs needed to perform a service, managing time, managing risk...there are a plethora of things that require skills that simply do not come about by working for someone else, even when you are managing their business.

Finally this....it may be that you are looking for these classes as a hedge against actually taking the plunge. This is not uncommon....many people want to start a business, most never will because they will always find a reason why now is not the ideal time. It is a lot like having a child....there is no ideal time, especially if you have a job that makes your nut.....taking the leap of faith in yourself is a HUGE obstacle....and we will, when pushed to do so by the voices in our heads telling us we are doomed, find ways to put it off which sound perfectly plausible.....until the desire and opportunity passes. If you want to start your business do so....let someone pay you to sharpen your skills....and use what free time you have to sharpen your business skills....success or failure either way I bet you will find its the most rewarding gamble you ever took on yourself....

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I can tie your boots with a forklift

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You're in second place. No one could touch me when I was a working member of society. Forklift, picker,excavator

Maybe get a few tips and a little practice with this team.
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