Having the in-depth skills to operate heavy equipment is essential, but some other basic skills can help you be a better operator: 1. Hand and foot coordination so you can direct big equipment into tiny places 2. Equipment monitoring because you’ll need to read gauges and dials, and be able to adjust them as necessary 3. Interpersonal and communication ability because you’ll be working with a team of other workers 4. Troubleshooting ability to know how to find and fix problems 5. Critical thinking so you can solve problems in an efficient and cost-effective manner