Antarctica Jobs - Heavy Equipment Operator

Ever wonder what type of heavy machinery we have down here and what its like to work on some of the equipment in Antarctica? I take you through about 80-90% of the heavy equipment down here and what they use it for! This was filmed from many different parts of the summer to winter timeframe.
Thanks for watching! :)
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Filmed on locations: McMurdo Station, Antarctica.
Produced and edited by: K Vex using GoPro Hero 5 Black Edition.
PLEASE COMMENT LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE IF YOU FEEL IT IS EVER SO NECESSARY AND WORTH IT.
!!!!!!!!!! MORE ANTARCTICA VLOGS COMING YOUR WAY !!!!!!!!!!
Music in Video: Greek 55 (No Copyright) Music

[@KVexKVex]

Yes I spelled ESCAVATOR wrong ---- EXCAVATOR is right

[@Northern_Farmer]

you even say it wrong...

[@TurboGSR96]

you spell it exactly like you say it lol

[@fordsure]

Thats the aussie way to say it

[@turdferguson7813]

So how does an experienced operator get a job down there?

[@RickJames-xy6io]

Ron McCaffrey “spelled”

[@Futurebeefcake]

Honestly this video for me is like a kid in a candy shop. I love seeing all this huge heavy equipment working

[@jeradbennett5030]

I've been an operator for over 20 years, dealing with most of the equipment you went over. I would love to try my hand at working down there someday, I imagine it would be quite the experience.

[@viperch25]

i pity the guy that forgets to plug in the block heater on that equipment

[@vicmathieu5704]

viperch25 )

[@howardfortyfive9676]

DUDE that's a *WHOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLEEE NOTHER SUBJECT............*

[@ddawson242]

Certainly makes the job a bit harder.

[@djteako]

LOL, other than its a non-issue down there. They never shut the machines off - same as up in the arctic

[@gtogreg2811]

Except that none of the parked machines in the video are running...@@djteako

[@sampointau]

They used to have a fleet of 4 Euclid heavy tippers in the 60's and 70's, my Dad was the Australasian White Truck company managing director and parts were sourced from the Australian office fairly often. I can remember being showed pictures of them in operation. They were withdrawn in the late 70's due to eol.

[@mikegreen9596]

I have been in the Ski Industry for 35 yrs. now. I have ran snow groomers, dozers, backhoe's, front end loads, excavators, semi's, etc ….. I would love to experience this once in a life time.

[@jaysonackerson6467]

The company I work for built the blade on the quad track. And I built the drip pans that go underneath it. Cool to see.

[@tylermotland]

In the interview process for this. Looks pretty fun!

[@Red_Proton]

How did you apply? Looks like an awesome job!

[@williambtm1]

Thank you, K Vex, good of you to provide us with some idea of the day to day equipment needs that are required for your work down below the land of Oz, or the country that is known as 'down under.'

[@bghsfireman]

Were you down in Mcmurdo this year? It was my first time there and I LOVED IT!!!

[@azzaloard]

In the mines in Australia all your machines are actually small in comparison i operate a Hitachi ex3000 and 24h grader & D11N dozer. The cold must reek havoc with the metal on the machines. nice vid

[@roballan4944]

Hoses blow, filter housings blow apart. Same conditions as Canada

[@adamfrbs9259]

Neat video. I got a picture of myself standing next to a Rolligon on the Dalton Highway when i was trucking that road. They're huge.

[@tylerseacrist2111]

I saw an opening for Heavy Machine Operator last night and applied for it. Keeping my fingers crossed until I hear back from the company!

[@1mach28914u1]

Good luck. I have no experience at this stage . 😥. I’m interested to read up on the job add to get ideas . Can you tell which company

[@user-gj6yb2qc7e]

Which company and location? I am an operator there

[@FisheeC3]

5:28 - That's a CAT V620 (model number is next to the extinguisher). 62,000lb lift capacity.

[@leosypher9993]

Finally someone on youtube that knows what the machines are called

[@danhorne3582]

Thanks K Vex , Anything South Pole is always fun to see . Dan from Canada out .

[@christophersmith8486]

So many experts in this comment section. What a privilege to have so many brilliant minds in one forum

[@johnm.evangelis693]

I love the CAT brand, thanks for sharing!!!

[@Peterbilt359]

That would be a blast. Don't care what it pays. I've worked several winters in ND MT n Northern MN. I own 12 machines I even own an old grove crane. Never sick. No bad habits. Not over weight. Love to fly spent 3 years in helicopters every day. And ran fuel truck chasing a 500 across country one winter doing animal capture net gunning. No anger issues love everyone, where do i sign up.

[@Ghostrider2999]

They are or were hiring for it, on indeed and stuff

[@howardfortyfive9676]

GIT *OUTTA MY WAY SCOTTY DON'T KNOW.* LOVE HEAVY EQUIPMENT HERE TOO.

[@Richborg44]

I sure miss working out on the ice runway and Willy Field in the mid 90s. Lots of fun.

[@briscoetravel]

Bro, these videos are dope! Keep em coming -

[@carllarsen6234]

It's seasonal work, they only work when there's snow on the ground.

[@massimopecile9666]

"Antartica"

[@davidskiffington7039]

Yep, those long, hot Antarctic summers sure make hard to rack up overtime.

[@Dirtmonkey]

Awesome !!

[@wlehtola]

Go getcha some Stanley

[@timmanus]

I love your channel dude!

[@robmorris3710]

I like your channel too , thanks

[@Project_Cummins]

Great video thanks for Sharing. I just got an email from PAE regarding an equipment operator position in Antarctica. Looking forward to heading out there to work for a year

[@brianspencer3192]

What do you guys do out there

[@EnergyTRE]

the plow is called a blade on the d8 dozer.looks fun to bad i hate the cold.

[@whatsgweed]

that ford pickup on tracs is sweet

[@tonymichaud8683]

The D8 isn't a Cat....Its a Kitten. You should see the 10s or the 11s

[@fab8657]

Tony Michaud I agree

[@marclaky384]

It's the biggest they would bring down there. D11's are rare and D10's are starting to become a thing of the past.

[@fab8657]

Marc Laky I agree

[@BarnStangz]

LOL, D11, how about a Komatsu D575.

[@fab8657]

BarnStangz Alright, 1150 japanese hp. But isn't anymore in production, and it would be difficult to bring her there ;)

[@tasinibrahim692]

Probably the coolest job u can have. You are a lucky man

[@maxasaurus3008]

All this equipment is soo awesome!❤😮

[@Brad772006]

My John Deere backhoe is hard to start when it gets to be 60F. LoL I would love to operate in those conditions though. I can start whenever you need me to.

[@garyelsik3376]

I was at McMurdo in 2004 while there finished up my tour at the Pole.

[@teamidris]

The wheeled crane puts down legs to lift, the tracked one just lifts and can move while a load is swinging from the hook.

[@williamj.barnhartjr.3108]

I wish I was 20 years younger because I'd jump on the job I love cold and snow that would be my kind of job

[@zackatwood2867]

I'm hanging out in a Missouri quarry right now running D8's sure as shit wouldn't mind putting an application in myself. Could say it's pretty "cool" stuff.

[@charlie2640]

Sad that “Big John” and all the other LGP D8s are gone. They were old and I’m sure a beast to operate.

[@leoschumaker225]

The LGP's were a pleasure to operate. I do miss those times. I was there 71-73. I really enjoyed my time there.

[@charlie2640]

@@leoschumaker225 I wintered over 84-85 Good time. It's changed so much. I actually enjoyed the time out of contact with the world. Etc. I doubt the people there now have any idea what that was like. Nice to hear that the LGPs were a pleasure to operate. I'm sure it's different from the new machines. Probably much more connected to the equipment as there is less electronics between you and the machine. Best.

[@gregorysampson8759]

Some clean equipment in the snow.

[@suresure267]

There's no salt to rust, and no mud to make a mess lol

[@joshuadraper1534]

That's only a D8 actually kinda small compared to cats d-11 now that thing is massive

[@jmpersic]

This video is awesome, thank you.

[@tomaszsadowski3826]

Love the videos but this is my take on how to improve the channel: Don't use the emojis. Very cheesy but most importantly your awesome videos look cheap with them. It's like, you're watching this awesome vlog from the depths of Antarctica and then boom - some cheap emojis appear. Your videos have a feel of a Discovery Channel series but emojis ruin it. Also - with emojis the videos will age worse. In a few years those vids will look very out of place.

[@bellboy4074]

I would like to see more emojis.

[@fab8657]

I totally agree

[@bullcat6531]

More cowbell

[@johnbilgrave3743]

,l0

[@robertcole1865]

Thanks for another great vid. Enjoy your day.

[@Damicske]

That big forklift is a Cat v620: 62000lb/28Ton lifting capacity

[@honestycounts9352]

2:08 = all houses that are located within 1/2 mile of any beach, should be required to be build up on SKIDS like that, so when beach erosion comes, the house is just pulled a few hundred meters inland to a new location.

[@myalaskalife5837]

I was wondering if you guys have any use for cdl drivers class B. I always wanted to see Antarctica.. I live in Alaska and work on the north slope for a while

[@bnsfbandit9807]

I love thoes quadtrac 620's

[@ReverenXero]

So what is going on down there? I saw that Lockheed posted 1000 job req's for location: Antarctica. Everything from facilities/maint to S&R to IT, Heavy Equipment, etc.... I don't think they are opening a Disneyland :P. Knowing what Lockheed does, I am left with the question, What has their attention enough for them to go to it, and not just bring it to them? 1000 headcount installation is rather meaty for a Lockheed shop. That D8 would be fun in the ice, I guess the giant (D11x) would actually be hazardous (crevasses?)

[@erockhefleyjr4254]

Really been thinkin about moving to Alaska lately.... I am a licensed electrician and a licensed heavy equipment operator... I live in Indiana..... and ty for your tutorial....

[@itsyaboimat2393]

K Vex if you're still in Antractica could you do a video on the divers and what they're requirements are to get out there as a diver because that's the dream office

[@leoschumaker225]

I remember the deep sea divers had a song "I am a Deep Sea Diver.... forgot the rest of the words. Too drunk.

[@TheAgrotechnik]

How they heating equipment before start? For example, most of scandinavian cars, trucks or heavy equipment have engine bloc heater, but it's good if You have max -15 degrees around. The average temperature is probably around -20 or -30 degrees and all equipment stands outside, without any cover. How do you deal with firing? Sorry if I miss answer in other Your videos.

[@oceangross]

Great video as always! :) You think it’s possible to take more then 3 months for PAE to get back to an application?

[@RickAShriver]

Still waiting also!

[@oceangross]

How long have you been waiting?

[@RickAShriver]

3 plus months

[@oceangross]

Rick A. Shriver good to know I’m not alone :)

[@leosypher9993]

What do i think of the excavator? A 336e is a pretty good size for around there, especially with the thumb i can see why its the most used

[@TheTed169]

Great vid thanx, what's the main purpose for being there?

[@gregg4164]

The bracket you reefer too is called a trailer tongue.

[@tylersebring8045]

Do you buy your equipment new or used? Or both? And i love the international dumb truck and the case international harvester and the cats

[@jamesh5460]

Even the type of grease and oil used must be specialized? The logistics behind keeping stuff working at the super low temperatures must be daunting...

[@mikescaffo4850]

I think iam in love seeing all that big iron lol

[@twocentproductions5326]

Zig says he froze his ass off just watching!!

[@woxineaucrows7355]

So how did all that equipment get down there-by ship???

[@stevesmith-wc2gb]

That Grove rough terrain crane is a RT875E

[@petercole2339]

I think I just saw a video about that D8 being rebuilt in New Zealand!

[@Gettyrail]

I would like to know how smooth your pick rides with the tracks on it ?

[@kenh9508]

Awesome!

[@KentuckyMills]

I thought Antarctica was considered a desert due to the lack of precipitation. Maybe all the built up snow in this video is just wind blown.

[@Outland9000]

Do any of these vehicles need any special modifications to work out there? Do they only work during the summer or do they run all year round? Also, how do they get the heavy equipment out there?

[@wyatt2920]

I would think they need special block heaters to keep the engines warm they work all year long I would guess they bring them out there by big cargo planes or by ship.

[@omegamon0239]

For modifactions it's mostly just block heaters, insulating the cabs and hydraulics more, and if it will be used to transport cargo between bases, extra fuel tanks. As for how they get out there, mostly just by ship, tho they have been flown in on a couple of occasions

[@TylerBemis]

I have a question for anybody knowledgable. What do you do in terms of newer equipment that has DEF fluid in these temperatures? Doesn't the DEF become unstable below certain temps.

[@Bowiiihowdy]

They don't have def in anything. It comes without. It would never work in this winter down there

[@kw900lkevin]

steel bracket, how about hitch or draw bar

[@airsoftsnipes100]

who...cares...

[@marclaky384]

Ya dummy he clearly isn't an expert, just giving a peek into what is down there and the uses.

[@PatrickBaptist]

LOL, yeah just because a person is around that stuff doesn't mean they know much about it.

[@kennypierson8517]

Hitch? Hmmmm that’s on a tractor. Draw bar? Hmmmm that too is on the tractor. I think you mean tongue buddy. Honestly it doesn’t matter, but if you’re gonna talk shit.... know your shit.

[@Grumszy]

Wonder if all that machinery will be used to remove minerals etc?

[@martharetallick204]

Big boy toys!

[@danadronen9361]

I’ll work for no pay just to surround myself with intellectuals I need the positivity!

[@averyjohnson2554]

So what do you do... well I plow snow in Antarctica with a d8. We use the d11 for the real big jobs.

[@daveagne3308]

So what part of the research facilities was this ? The only one that I am familiar with, name wise, is McMurdo Station.

[@stevesmith-wc2gb]

That Grove rough terrain crane would be RT700

[@jeffersontrucker8027]

Yes.. cool video. Love the north.and I just got back from Cancun

[@mattywho8485]

Uhhhh,... Antarctica is South !!!!

[@jeffersontrucker8027]

@@mattywho8485 opps. Sorry. Lol

[@shanephelan75]

do they have no problem starting in the cold?? obviously plugged in, but still at -50c??? how do they start a diesel??

[@mightymotor9973]

At that temp just leave them idling, the oil would just turn to sludge more or less and it would never start.

[@charlescampbell4896]

Diesel will gel up long before your oil does

[@ddawson242]

They actually use what amounts to a kerosene product, and when its too cold to start we used a (seemingly) 1960's era space heater while wrapping the engine compartment with blankets however that was just when, for whatever reason, the plug ins failed. Simply Plugging them in almost always did the trick. Some of the quadtracks had working Webasto heaters sense they were Spot Traverses old tractors however Fleet Ops didn't need to use the Webastos. Thats speaking from when I was on the Ice. MacTown & WAIS Divide Fleet Ops 2015-16.

[@drivenhome7840]

I'd do that job. By the way, you should be doing toothpaste commercials. Nicest teeth I've ever seen.

[@keithx8734]

I read last week that a crusher is coming to antartica, would that becoming at your post?

[@mattf2490]

Awesome video just subscribed

[@cartman4885]

I need a change so I am going too check this out thanks

[@christopherjacquez8605]

Can you venture off ? And see if there really is a ice wall or not? Or would they arrest you?

[@mordicai4296]

I just applied for the equipment operator job. I have 10 years of loader, skid steer, and a few years experience with the excavator... I hope that's enough to land me a job there. I've been dreaming of working in Mcmurdo since I saw a documentary on it about 4 years ago.

[@KVexKVex]

Seems like you might have enough experience, all depends on slot and availability. Good luck, and yes I spelled Excavator wrong in the video. Whoops

[@sadelsor]

I worked in this type of place as a diesel mechanic, as you can imagine its not fun, soon as I got a job offer working in Indonesia, did not take long for me to decide, gave my skidoo suit away and hauled ass, never looked back, why do people work in the sub zero climate ?? beats me !!

[@azeezsalvador2361]

Where in indonesia?

[@sadelsor]

All over Indonesia, Batam,Cirebon, Bogor, Padang, Jakarta, Bandung, Balikpapan, Handel Dua, Manado, Ambon, Jambi, Duri, Pekanburu, Surabaya, Sorong, Palembang.

[@alkanin2810]

How do you keep the tracks from freezing after you're done with it for the day? Do you have a room to melt all the accumulated snow out of the tracks?

[@Bowiiihowdy]

Shovel it most likely.. it's just snow really

[@JkBuss]

Could you do a review of cargo, passenger or air transport?

[@pakrat271]

What kind of extra maintenence needs to be done for those extreme temperatures?

[@Brad772006]

I am no expert in the extreme temperature operation for heavy equipment. I have only used my machines in a warm climate. I do know one thing though. Hydraulic fluid flows much faster the cooler it gets. So I am sure extra care has to be taken for seals, o-rings, etc. Because a hydraulic leak in those conditions would be terrible.

[@chrisallen7793]

at those cold temps what kinda of hydraulic oil they run sitting over night it's gotta turn to thick gel can't be good for pumps ?

[@_multiverse_]

Casually ignores the f250 on tracks.

[@kevinmanges9509]

Thanks for the video! Was pretty much what I expected equipment wise. Any tips and suggestions that might help me out to land a job or at least make sure to be seen? I have years of medium duty equipment use and a fair bit supply chain management skills and am again applying this year for logistics/supply chain and equipment operations jobs

[@KVexKVex]

Just keep applying and calling the HR department. Ask them what you can do to be considered as well.

[@kevinmanges9509]

Yup thanks! Applying to all that I'm currently qualified for (10+ mix of operator and/or computer based logistics and supply chain options so far for this next summer season). I suppose I can call the very generic toll free number or the possibly too specific one from the recruiter that had emailed an initial screen email from last year. Would you suggest something other than those options? Definitely willing to put myself out there to make sure I get at least looked at for a season down there!

[@LK-pc4sq]

I have experience with lubricating the Grove Crane.

[@zanelile8192]

A little different then in 1958. I was there 58/59 & 59/60.

[@BroEmpire]

This would be pretty cool if I could get up there. Been a tech for empire cat in Arizona for 5 years now and always wondered about the great beyond

[@joedulewich4037]

Always wanted to work down there.....

[@stevewenzel391]

Ok, so the diesels get plugged in. What prevents the fuel gelling. Additives? Not when ots like 40 below.... is it a mix blend?

[@seanworkman431]

If he doesn't know what a draw bar is then the chemistry of fuel, I'm guessing, is also beyond his scope of knowledge.

[@stevewenzel391]

@@seanworkman431 I always just wondered how it worked that cold that's all

[@seanworkman431]

@@stevewenzel391 There is definitely additives and all the machines need block heaters, I just don't think this is the right place to ask those questions. The important part is keeping the oil warm enough to work.

[@loisgustafson4522]

@@seanworkman431Where then, is a good place to ask these questions?

[@seanworkman431]

@@loisgustafson4522 Try Engineering Explained, proper mechanical engineer also Powerstroke help, Bill knows his way around deisel engines and cold weather

[@Rick-tb4so]

Does all equipment use block heaters ??

[@LeeBurton-u6j]

I could definitely do that job no problem 👍👍

[@fredivory4304]

Dashing through the snow............!

[@isabella9025]

I get that the living situation usually means dorms, but is this the same for married couples? Do married couples get to live together if they are both working in Antarctica?

[@meredithwilson1765]

In another video he said married couples get to room together

[@austinwohlmuth702]

So what are you guys doing in the Arctic it was a point

[@mttrapper]

Why push snow rather than blow it?

[@howardfortyfive9676]

0:04 Now THAT is what I call a DOZER... Contrary tho I may sound I am DIGGIN' THIS!!! Gimmme some *Buffalo Springfield & I be in HEAVEN.....*

[@dustinpoe4422]

What type of fire engines do y'all have down there

[@Harry-wt1pi]

red ones probably

[@dillonwarman7769]

What exactly is the point of being there, are they mining iron ore or gold or something. What's all the activity for?

[@bullcat6531]

All in support of the National Science Foundation.

[@dillonwarman7769]

@@bullcat6531 what's they're main objective tho. To find life under the sea or what. Seems like a ton of infrastructure for nothing of any importance

[@bullcat6531]

@@dillonwarman7769 Just all kinds of scientific stuff. Meteorology: upper atmospheric. Oceanic studies . Krill, waddell seals ,adelie and emperor penguins live there. skua gulls and killer whales. Theres an active volcano there called Mt Erebus. Weather studies.

[@dillonwarman7769]

@@bullcat6531 that's cool. What's the location around the volcano like and how tall is it

[@jeremymoreside1444]

By the term bracket, you mean draw bar or hitch