Big Dig Adventure, Las Vegas

Las Vegas is not just a city for gambling at some of the premier casinos. Las Vegas can offer you big fun in large machines. Children play in sandboxes with bull dozers, trucks, and diggers. There is something about playing the driver of one of these large machines that draws a child's attention. At Big Dig Adventure adults can return to these childhood days in a large way. It is possible to step away from the Strip for a few hours and drive a giant Caterpillar. At Big Dig adults can climb into the cab of a machine for thirty minutes and dig.

Digging, pushing, moving, lifting, and crawling await tourists at Big Dig. Anyone who is 18 years of age or older is allowed to drive these machines. They also offer bachelor parties, family reunions, corporate team building, and incentive trips. Before getting on the equipment it is important to understand how it works and what "toys'' they offer.

The Caterpillar D5K Tractor has air conditioning in the cab, with plenty of leg room. This is a tractor which means the drive is completely inside with large metal tracks rather than tires. The D5K is a front loader which means the plow is on the front of the tractor so that it can push dirt or other objects. It is possible to adjust the air suspension seat for more comfort. The windows are large for any easy view of the blade corners and the cutting edge. These D5K's are good for fine grading, curbing, and creating foundations.

Cat Hydraulic Excavator is another piece of large equipment. The Cat Excavator has tracks also which allows it to move over the dirt as well as climb up a few hills. The excavator can turn 360 degrees on its tracks to work. It has a long hydraulic arm, with a bucket on the end. This bucket will dig up dirt, carry dirt, and it can move large rocks. The arm partially blocks the side view, with a small air conditioned seat inside a glass structure.

The Cat Skid Steer is a small tractor. Operation is done inside with air conditioning. The instrument panels and gauges are easy to read and there are audible warning signals when a situation is critical. The Steer has a bucket on the front for picking up large objects like rocks or trees. It works like a scoop. It is also a front loader in which you can only move forward to work, unless you lower the bucket and reverse to help smooth out the dirt.

The fourth piece of equipment is what Big Dig refers to as the aggression session. This equipment is like the Excavator, but instead of a bucket there is a claw on the front of the hydraulic arm so that it can pick up cars. The aggression session is meant to bust through car windows, pick them up or even drop them for fun. The adventure begins at $150 and they are open 8-5 daily.