Excavator Operation Tips

The right excavator operation strategies help you maximize your productivity and reduce the risk of safety situations. Follow the below strategies to get the most out of your excavator usage. If you want more advice or want to shop excavators for sale, contact Arizona Tractor Sales. We proudly serve those throughout the Western United States.

Before Excavator Operation

Before you operate an excavator, there are a few key steps to take.

Get Training

Go through the relevant training for safe excavator operation. This should include the basics, such as how to operate the controls and the equipment's capacity.

Keep Up With Maintenance

A well-maintained excavator will offer optimal performance and reduced risk for a safety situation. Check the owner's manual for recommended maintenance and keep up with the various tasks.

Inspect The Excavator

Before you start the work day, conduct a quick inspection of the excavator. Make sure the various parts and systems are in good working order, that the mirrors are adjusted properly, and so on. This will help you catch any issues...before they manifest as a problem in the middle of a project.

During Excavator Operation

Once you start up the excavator, there are essential things to keep in mind.

Use Proper Operation Habits

As you cruise around the work site, try to take a route that has the flattest surface possible. 

Be sure to also keep the excavator bucket low to the ground. This helps improve operator visibility and promotes excavator stability. 

When you approach a turn, do so in gradual direction shifts rather than a sharp turn.

Adapt To The Environment

Each work site is unique and can pose various hazards. Make sure you maintain situational awareness and the focus needed to make adjustments. 

For example, if you reach an area crowded with others or full of unpredictable terrain, reduce your speed. When you approach a slope, go up it vertically (instead of diagonally). When you need to go down a slope, make sure the excavator bucket is positioned low and parallel to the ground.

When You Are Done Using The Excavator

Once the work day is finished, there are a few final steps.

Park The Excavator Strategically

Get the excavator to a level surface, then park it. Don't forget to lower the bucket attachment to the ground.

Turn Off The Excavator

Once you have parked, turn off the auto-idle switch. Let the excavator run at half throttle without a load for a few minutes. This cools the turbocharger down. Set the RPM to low idle before turning the engine off. Finally, remember to lock the cab after you exit.

Want more advice? Want to shop excavators for sale? Whatever you need, find it with Arizona Tractor Sales. We proudly serve those in the Western United States. Reach out today!