Excavator Operation Tips
An excavator is the most versatile and helpful piece of equipment that you can have on a construction or other worksite where you need to accomplish heavy-duty tasks. These machines provide incredible power and mobility, allowing you to perform a variety of functions, whether you’re digging out a foundation or clearing away debris. However, the key to having a well-functioning excavator is to follow proper operational procedures. Being smart about how you use your equipment will ensure that it’s there to help you whenever you need it.
At Burrows Tractor, we know how best to use an excavator to maximize efficiency and minimize damage. That’s why we have created this quick guide to offer you some pointers on how to operate your excavator. If you have any questions, call us or visit one of our dealership locations. You’ll find us in Yakima and Wenatchee, Washington, as well as North Plains, Oregon.
Training
Before anyone uses an excavator, they should receive thorough training. It's not enough to simply sit through a presentation or read a manual on how a machine work. Hands-on training should be a part of the program, as it will be easier for people to remember the processes if they can walk through the steps. It will also allow an operator to use the machine under the supervision of a trainer so that mistakes can be caught early on and corrected before they become bad habits.
Keep Up with Maintenance
As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By staying on top of regular preventative maintenance, you can keep your excavator running smoothly for years. Excavators should be checked regularly so that you can catch any performance issues before they become a safety issue. Plus, catching them early also tends to help keep the repair costs low. The owner's manual will give you a timeline for inspecting your machine’s components, so make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Pre-Use Inspection
Before you begin your workday, look at the excavator’s mirrors to ensure that they’re clean and set properly. The control levers and the hydraulic system should be working properly. It’s much better to uncover a problem during an inspection than in the middle of a project. Remember to inspect the job site and remove any obstacles that could damage the undercarriage, such as rocks, stumps, and construction materials. See if there are any holes, ditches, or inclines you should be aware of while operating the machine.
Drive Safely
When moving the excavator around the job site, select a route that is as flat as possible, and keep the bucket low to the ground to increase visibility. Steer the machine as straight as possible and only make gradual changes in direction, rather than making sharp turns. Focus on keeping the unit as steady as possible.
Stay Aware of the Environment
Odds are that your job site is not going to be free of obstacles or challenges. Be aware of the area so you can easily adjust your driving as needed. If you hit a patch of unpredictable terrain or a congested area, reduce your speed. If you need to travel up a slope, do so vertically instead of diagonally. If you need to go down a slope, the excavator’s bucket bottom should be low and parallel to the ground.
Communication
Projects that involve excavators often involve multiple people. It's important for team members to stay in good communication with each other, whether it's with two-way radios, signs, flaggers, or a combination of approaches. When everyone is able to clearly communicate, it makes it easier for everyone to stay safe.
Final Steps
When shutting down the excavator, make sure that it’s parked on a level surface with the bucket attachment lowered to the ground. Turn off the auto-idle switch and run the engine at half throttle without load for a few minutes to help cool down the turbocharger. Set the RPM to low idle before shutting off the engine with the key switch. Last but not least, don’t forget to lock up the cab before you call it a day.
Don’t forget to keep these excavator operation tips in mind the next time you start up your machine for a day of work. For more information on how to operate excavators safely, get in touch with us at Burrows Tractor. Our expert staff is always on hand to answer questions or give advice, so give us a call or visit one of our dealership locations near Kennewick, Ellensburg, and Richland, WA. We welcome all those in Portland, OR.