4 Tips on How to Operate an Excavator
An excavator is an absolute must for anyone who needs to lift and move large quantities of dirt. A few readers may wonder “What is an excavator?” It’s a piece of earthmoving equipment that features a bucket, arm, rotating cab, and movable tracks. Combining incredible digging power and excellent mobility, they perform a variety of functions, like breaking holes, digging trenches, and lifting away waste. They are essential to a range of construction and industrial needs, such as demolition, mining, and road construction, building construction. Excavators are available in a variety of sizes.
We recently shared a post about excavator safety. Now, here are our favorite tips for successful excavator operation from Magnum Power in Lawson, Missouri. Please keep us in mind for all your construction equipment needs! We serve Clay County, Kansas City, and beyond.
Starting Up Your Excavator
Make sure the machine is turned to “I” for idle. Turn on the ignition and let the machine idle for five to ten minutes to warm up. In cold weather, run the hydraulic controls through a few cycles before you start digging.
Safe Excavator Driving Habits
Focus on keeping your excavator as steady as possible. Take the flattest route you can find, and keep the excavator bucket low to the ground. This improves operator visibility and keeps the excavator stable. Make gradual, not sharp turns.
Adapt to the Environment
Be aware of the terrain and activity in all directions on your work site. Should you hit a patch of unpredictable terrain or a congested area, reduce your speed. When traveling a slope, do so vertically instead of diagonally. If you must go down a slope, adjust the bucket bottom to be low and parallel to the ground.
Shutting Down for the Day
At the end of your workday, keep a few things in mind as you shut down the excavator. Park it in a level space where you can safely lower the bucket to the ground. Turn off the auto-idle so the engine can run at half throttle, and let it run for a few minutes to allow the turbocharger to cool down. Set the RPM to a low idle and then shut off the engine. Exit the excavator and make sure to lock up!
Post-Operation Maintenance
At day’s end, do one final general inspection of the machine. Look for any leaks, damage, or obstructions. Top off the fuel for the next operator or workday. Consult any documentation or your supervisor to make sure you complete any other daily maintenance tasks that will increase the longevity of your excavator.
For more operation strategies or to shop for excavators for sale, visit our experts at Magnum Power in Lawson, Missouri, where we serve the construction and agriculture communities of Clay County, Kansas City, and beyond. Ask us about financing!