Guidelines for Operating an Excavator

An excavator, commonly used in construction, requires proper training and licensing for operation. Familiarize yourself with its controls to efficiently maneuver it on construction sites.

Adjust your seat position after entering the cab. Excavator seats can be moved back and forth using a lever underneath to accommodate different heights. Ensure your feet can reach the pedals and you can comfortably grip all handles. Fasten your seatbelt for safety. If you're not operating with the door open, close and secure it before starting.

Start the engine by turning the key and allowing it to idle. Set the knob to “I” for Idle, then turn the key to start. Let the machine warm up for 5-10 minutes before use, especially in cold weather.

Unlock the controls by lifting the red lever on your left. This lever, typically red, is located on the left side of the cab. Raising it unlocks the joystick controls. Always ensure the area around the cab is clear before unlocking.

Use the right joystick to adjust the boom height. Pushing forward raises it, and pulling backward lowers it. This instruction is based on ISO control; for SAE, reverse the controls.

Control the bucket's movement using the right joystick. Move the joystick right to open the bucket and left to close it.

Adjust the stick's position by manipulating the left joystick. Push it forward to extend the stick away from the cab and pull it back to retract it. Ensure smooth movements to control the hydraulic systems effectively.

Rotate the cab using the left joystick. Pushing it left or right rotates the cab accordingly. The cab can complete a full 360-degree turn.

Choose between manual control using your hands or foot pedals. Excavators offer both options for driving, each with its own advantages. Beginners may find driving with hands easier, while experienced operators often prefer using foot pedals.

Move forward by pushing both pedals simultaneously. Apply pressure to both pedals to move forward. You can do this with either your hands or feet. The speed of the excavator depends on the amount of pressure you apply.

Reverse by pulling both pedals back together. To move backward, pull both pedals back simultaneously. Ensure caution and check your surroundings before reversing.

Turn the excavator by pressing one pedal at a time. Each pedal controls a track of the excavator. Press the pedal opposite to the direction you want to turn. For example, pressing the left pedal turns the excavator right.

Align the cab squarely over the tracks. Use the left joystick to rotate the cab until it's perfectly aligned with the tracks. This ensures stability during digging operations.

Extend the stick fully in front of you. Push the left joystick forward until it reaches its maximum extension. This is the standard starting position for preparing to dig.

Align the bucket with the stick. Adjust the bucket using the right joystick so the teeth align with an imaginary line extending from the stick. Avoid fully extending the bucket to prevent potential damage to the machine.

Lower the boom until the bucket touches the ground. Use the right joystick to lower the boom until the bucket makes contact with the ground. Only lower the bucket about halfway to ensure an effective scoop.

Curl and raise the bucket to scoop up the dirt. Curl the bucket by pushing the right joystick left until the ground starts to bulge. Then lift the boom by pushing the joystick up to complete the scoop.

Rotate the cab and open the bucket to release the dirt. After scooping the dirt, rotate the cab left or right using the left joystick to position the bucket over the desired dumping spot. Then open the bucket using the right joystick to release the dirt.

Ensure the cab aligns with the tracks before shutting down. After completing your task, position the cab to face forward and align with the tracks. Lower the throttle to Idle and let the engine cool for a minute before turning off the machine.