If you’re interested in hiring an excavator for your project, then it’s vital that you know how to safely operate one. It’s important to note that if you don’t have a license or appropriate experience, then it’s best to let a professional operate heavy machinery.
However, if you feel confident in safely using an excavator, we’ve compiled a few common questions to help you complete your project without incident.
What’s The Difference Between An Excavator & A Mini Digger?
The difference between an excavator and a mini digger is its size. This can be explained with the phrase: ‘All mini diggers are excavators, but not all excavators are mini diggers’. Any machine lower than 7 tonnes in weight is considered a mini digger.
Do I Need A License To Operate An Excavator?
No, you do not need a license to use an excavator. It’s advised that you receive official training and are monitored before using heavy machinery. However, on private land, it is not illegal to operate a machine without a license.
What Should I Look Out For Whilst Operating A Digger?
There are three main safety areas to consider when using a digger. These are the following: what’s below, what’s above and what’s around you. Whilst operating an excavator, consider any utilities in the ground, especially gas and electricity. Additionally, be sure to look around for people standing too close and above for any overhead cables or dangerous objects that could fall if disturbed.
How To Take An Excavator Down A Slope?
Working on an angle with an excavator can be dangerous, and should be avoided if possible. However, if you need to take a digger down a slight gradient, be sure to engage 3 points of contact. This includes your bucket, tracks, and blade. Generally, angling your bucket downhill and low to the ground is enough to ensure if the machine does tip forward, it is caught and stabilised by the arm.
What Shouldn’t I Do In An Excavator?
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what you should do to operate an excavator safely. We recommend you avoid working on slopes, close to the edge of a drop and within the vicinity of a public road. Not only this, but you should never dig blind, near the foundations of a building or inside a structure.
Choose Corley Plant Hire For Excavator Hire
If you’re looking for an excavator to hire, then get in touch with Corley Plant Hire. We provide high-quality machinery and expert advice to help you complete a project. What’s more, we even provide trained, qualified operators if you want to ensure a safe and efficient job.
