Tips for Operating an Excavator

Proper operation of an excavator is key to a safe and productive workday. While you can’t prevent every possible scenario or issue, you can take proactive steps to set yourself up for success. We’ve gathered up our favorite tips for excavator operations below. If you want more advice or want to explore excavators for sale, head over to Synergy Equipment. We have dealerships throughout Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Before You Operate Your Excavator

Safe excavator operations begin long before you hop into the driver’s seat. As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Use the following tips to reduce the chance of any issues.

Get the Proper Training

Anyone who will be operating the excavator needs to undergo the relevant training. Ideally, this training will include hands-on aspects with an instructor watching and ready to offer corrections before those mistakes become habit. Make sure operators know all the steps to safely operating the excavator, such as how the features work and the equipment’s capacity.

Keep Up with Maintenance

When excavators are not properly maintained, they can experience frequent issues. These problems can vary from sacrificed performance to an increased risk of an accident. Consult the excavator’s owner’s manual for information on specific maintenance tasks, the frequency of the tasks, and whether there are certain products to use or avoid.

During Excavator Operation

Once you start up your excavator, there are steps you can take in order to keep the experience stress-free.

Start with a Quick Check

Before you begin your work day, check that the excavator is working well. Look at the mirrors to ensure they’re set properly, check the controls to ensure they’re all functional, and check the propel system. It’s much better to uncover a problem during an inspection than in the middle of a project.

Use Safe Driving Habits

Try to stick to a route that is as flat as possible. During transport, keep the excavator bucket low to the ground. This will help increase visibility as well as keep the excavator stable. When you need to turn, make gradual changes rather than sharp turns. Focus on keeping the excavator as steady as possible.

Adapt to the Environment

Odds are, your work 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.

After Excavator Operation

When you finish your work, there are still a few steps left to take before you can call it a day.

Safe Parking

You don’t want to park the excavator in any old place. Make sure it is parked on a level surface. You’ll also want to get the bucket attachment lowered to the ground.

Turn Off the Excavator

Once you’ve found a good location to park, turn off the auto-idle switch and let the engine run at half throttle without a load for a few minutes. This will help cool the turbocharger down. Then set the RPM to low idle before shutting the engine off. The last step is to lock up the cab when you exit the equipment.

We hope you found this guide helpful! If you want more operation strategies or to shop for excavators for sale, visit the experts at Synergy Equipment. Our knowledgeable staff is happy to assist you with whatever you need, from providing advice to answering questions to suggesting the right excavators for your company. We have dealerships in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, so stop by and visit your nearest location today!