How to Operate a Mini Excavator
Category: Equipment and Solutions
The mini excavator is one of the more popular pieces of earthmoving equipment. These lightweight, compact machines offer excellent maneuverability when working in confined areas.
Mini excavators are also versatile. While many companies rely on them for digging, they’re also compatible with various attachments like rippers, mulchers, flail mowers, hammers and shears. You’ll be able to perform multiple tasks with one piece of equipment.
Tips for Operating a Mini Excavator
Another mini excavator benefit is its ease of use. The following tips can help you operate the machine productively, efficiently and safely:
- Initial inspection: Before operating any piece of heavy equipment, you should give it a quick once-over to ensure it’s in ready-to-use condition. Check for exterior damage, fluid leaks, loose cables or wires, or other signs of potential issues.
- Climbing aboard: When you’re ready to board the excavator, step onto the track and enter the roll cage. Get comfortable on the seat, fasten the seat belt and start the engine.
- Using the joystick controls: The machine will have two joysticks directly in front of you. The one on the left controls the machine swivel and back knuckle, while the one on the right works the front boom and bucket curl. Moving a stick to the left, right, front or back enables you to perform different functions. For example, pushing the right joystick to the left closes the bucket and moving it in the opposite direction opens it.
- Operating the levers: You should also see two levers or pedals in front of you for controlling the excavator’s tracks. These devices enable you to move the machine forward or operate the tracks independently for turning.
- Using the blade and throttle: You’ll find two more levers to the right of the mini excavator’s instrument panel. The one on the left allows you to control the machine’s engine speed, and the lever next to it moves the blade up or down.
- Working the foot pedals: The two floor-mounted pedals enable your excavator to perform additional functions. The left-side unit opens and closes the bucket’s thumb when grasping objects. The right pedal swings the machine’s arm to the left or right.
Take a Dry Run
While operating a mini excavator is a fairly straightforward process once you become familiar with the controls, it will take practice to get comfortable and proficient. Before using the equipment under live job site conditions, you should find a flat, level, open area away from other equipment. Practice with all joysticks, pedals and levers until you can use them effectively and safely.
Learn More About How to Operate Mini Excavators
NMC Cat is your one-stop headquarters for mini excavator sales and rentals in Nebraska and Pottawattamie County, Iowa. We offer a broad selection of Cat® products that will add value to your job site operations. As a full-service equipment dealer, we can also provide expert training to ensure you and your crews can get the most out of your machines.
Call us today at 800-628-6025 or contact us online to learn more.
