Tips for the safe operation of excavators
Excavators have a number of safety settings, but a single setting does not guarantee a safe operation per se. In order to be able to estimate correctly the security measures required in a given situation, we often have to rely on common sense. This way we can take care of our own safety and of those around us.
Always consider the following points before starting your machine.
Safety tips before operation
Use the seat belt for comfort and accident prevention!
Before starting to work, make sure that the mirrors are clean and properly adjusted!
Check the controls and make sure the control levers work properly!
Inspect the drive system. It is advisable to do this before putting into operation to prevent possible accidents.
Call the site manager to have the underground lines and pipes marked out!
Safety tips during operation
Do not carry passengers in the spoon, booth or anywhere else on the machine. Excavators are meant for the use of only one person who is sitting in the booth.
Do not start the excavator until you are seated, and can keep the machine under full control.
If you’re working on rough ground or on a crowded site with several other machines, always reduce your usual speed!
Keep the spoon in low position while driving. This not only improves visibility, but also machine stability.
Try to always choose a flat path when moving around the site.
Try to keep the steering wheel straight! If you need to change direction, turn slowly and gradually.
Always go upright to the slopes, not diagonally!
When you move uphill, release the boom and arms and keep the spoon low. This way you can drop the spoon at any time and prevent the machine from sliding backwards.
On descending from a slope, hold the spoon low, parallel to the ground!
Under very steep and slippery conditions, the bucket can be of assistance in moving around. Use the lower lever and keep the spoon low when going up a slope! So when you need help with uphill climbing, you can retract the arms and help the machine get up the slope. When moving down a steep slope, place the spoon with the flat side on the ground. Raise the boom while pulling the lever until the track reaches the ground level.
If you are using the machine for digging, place soil underneath to stand horizontally. Thus, the machine will be perpendicular to the trench and collapses can be avoided.
For better stability, work with the rear drive motor!
Place the excavated soil or material as far from the dredging site as possible to avoid collapses!
When working on a slope, carve out shelves that enable you to move around horizontally! The material from the top of the slope can be used to form the bottom shelf.
On a steep slope, make sure that the upper shelf is appropriately sized, and the size differences are correct.
Never excavate soil or material from under an excavator!
When you fill up a dredge, the excavator base should always be in 90 ° position relative to the pit and use the rear drive motor!
Do not swing the spoon around while loading trucks. If you swing too much, some of the material will land on the ground instead of the container.
Don’t put a clean spoon on the ground or beside other dirty tools!
Safety tips after operation
When stopping, make sure you parked horizontally and placed the spoon on the ground!
Turn off the automatic idle switch and let the engine run for a few minutes without load to let the turbocharger cool down.
Keep idle at low speed before stopping the engine.
Remember to lock the cab when you leave the machine!
Final thoughts
Remember these tips the next time you work with an excavator! For more security tips and component information, do not hesitate to contact us!
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