Our Story

Heavy Metal Learning is designed to provide quality educational content on how to operate heavy equipment; a forum for operators and industry supporters to share their knowledge; an opportunity to get out in the field; and ultimately inspiring the next generation. 

Heavy Metal Learning is proudly sponsored by Extreme Sandbox. Extreme Sandbox is a Heavy Equipment Adventure company that lets the general public play on real construction equipment. Originally founded in 2012, they have become known as a go-to destination for people all around the world. Their commitment to excellence has consistently ranked them as one of the top-rated attractions on TripAdvisor. Extreme Sandbox provides a top-quality, bucket list experience in the world’s best heavy equipment.

Heavy Metal Learning was originally born from Extreme Sandbox’s YouTube Channel. Extreme Sandbox has always been a strong advocate for bridging the skills gap, as well as seeing the need for quality instructional content on heavy equipment. With the launch of their YouTube channel in 2018, they have also had tremendous success with their “How to Operate” series, which has helped garner interest for heavy equipment industry all over the world. Their “how to” videos saw immediate success that demanded its own channel and brand. Since then, Heavy Metal Learning continues to produce some of the top-viewed and rated heavy equipment informational content on YouTube as well as opening new doors.

Heavy Metal Learning now offers a variety of “On-Site” resources starting with their recently launched Heavy Metal Academy. It provides heavy equipment courses for anyone interested in learning how to operate excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders or mini excavators. Though they offer no official training or certification - rather they provide the participant arguably the most important need - stick time in a safe and professional environment.

They also offer heavy equipment camps for students ages 12-20 years old to get experience in the construction industry. By partnering with local High Schools and other industry supporters, their Heavy Equipment Camps provide low-cost, hands-on opportunities for students. The program continues their mission of inspiring students and showcasing future career opportunities in the construction trades.

Lastly, a heavy equipment competition series was just a natural next step to recognize professional operators in the industry, aptly called Heavy Metal Rodeo. We believe that Heavy Metal Rodeo will provide much-needed recognition to the heavy equipment operators as well as provide a platform to showcase their skills to the next generation of operators.

“The views stated herein are those of Extreme Sandbox and/or the applicable individual only, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Komatsu or its personnel.”