Using an excavator may sound overwhelming – almost impossible for first-time operators. However, it’s pretty easy to run one of these machines. Excavators are incredibly versatile machines. You can use them to dig a ditch, to lift concrete, to grade some dirt, to move some concrete, or to tear through a hillside. Whether you’re trenching, moving dirt from point A to point B, or pushing through a tough spot in the woods, you need to understand the basics of how to operate an excavator properly for safety and efficiency.
Because people get scared of all the ropes, levers, buttons, and kicks in the pants, they don’t know how to run a track hoe efficiently. Making rookie mistakes can cost you money, tear up your track hoe, or even kill you. Don’t tear your machine up, cost yourself money, work to death, or worse by being an ignorant operator. If you’re a brand new track hoe operator, don’t run one until you get someone to show you how to operate one the right way. Don’t drive over the edge of the hill. Install the attachment you can drop when you aren’t using it, such as a bucket or a hammer.
In this article, we teach you step-by-step how to operate an excavator safely and efficiently. By the end of this article, you will have a good understanding of the track hoe’s controls, basic operations, and a few other tips to help you work a little better on the job site and a little safer.
1. Understanding the Excavator’s Controls, How to Operate an Excavator
Before you try to operate an excavator, you need to study the controls. Modern track hoes have lots of controls. Each machine is a little different. But most track hoes have the same basic controls.
How to operate an excavator—Key Components to Know:
Joystick Controls: Most excavators are operated by two joysticks. Usually, one controls the arm (the boom and the dipper), while the other controls the bucket and swing.
- Left Joystick: Controls the boom and the dipper (long arm and smaller arm). You push the stick forward, and the boom goes out. You pull the stick back, and the boom comes up.
- Right Joystick: Controls the bucket and swing. You push the stick forward and the bucket curls to scoop something up, then pull it back to uncurl it.
Foot Pedals: You also have foot pedals. There are two of them. One runs the track forward; the other runs the track backward. On some machines, they use one pedal to run the track in both directions. The other pedal controls your swing.
- Travel Pedals: The right pedal goes forward, the left pedal goes backward. The more you press the pedal, the faster you go.
- Swing Pedal: Another pedal rotates the upper house. When you press on it, it turns the upper part of the excavator to the left. You press again (usually the other way) to turn to the right.
Throttle: You have a throttle. The throttle is used to control your engine speed. Usually, the throttle is on the right-hand side. If you go full throttle, you give more power to the engine to help you dig or lift something heavy.
Track or Wheel Pedals: You usually have foot pedals that control track speed. If you have a wheel machine, the pedal allows you to steer when you step on it. But since you’re not using it to steer a track machine, what do you use it for? You can use it to rotate-the-house left or right.
2. Starting the Excavator
Let’s say you know how to operate an excavator. The next thing they need to know is to start the machine. Here is a step-by-step guide to starting the excavator:
How to operate an excavator—Starting Process:
- Insert the Key: Take the key and put it in the ignition switch. Turn the key to the on position. Some excavators you may have to turn to the start position. Once the engine turns over, let the key go back to the run position.
- Check the Hydraulic System: Before you start it, check the hydraulic fluid level. Some machines have a hydraulic preheat button you hit before you ever start it, especially in cold weather. This button helps warm the hydraulic components up and makes your controls work easier when you start the machine.
- Activate the Parking Brake: Put on the parking brake so the machine does not roll while you start the engine. This is especially crucial if you’re working on a slope or uneven ground.
- Start the Engine: Turn the key to the start position and let go. It starts the engine. Let it idle for a couple of minutes to make sure there is enough hydraulic pressure and the fluid is moving around in the machine like it should be.
- Test the Controls: After it idles for a minute, now play with all your controls and work your machine to make sure it’s functioning correctly.
3. Moving the Excavator
Once the engine is running, you’re comfortable with your controls, and you’ve checked that everything is working, it’s time to move your excavator. To move your excavator, you control the travel, rotation, and lift of the excavator.
How to operate an excavator—Steps for Moving:
- Adjust the Seat: You need to be sure your seat is adjusted before you operate the machine. You need to be able to reach the controls and the pedals comfortably.
- Forward/Backward Movement: Your foot pedals control the travel speed. To move forward, gently press the right pedal. To move backward, press the left pedal. The more pressure you apply to the pedal, the faster your excavator moves. Practice pressing the pedal smoothly and gradually so you get the feel of how sensitive it is.
- Speed Control:The more pressure you put on the pedal, the faster the machine will go. You can control how fast the machine moves by how much pressure you put on the pedal. If you slowly apply pressure, the machine moves slowly. If you press harder, the machine moves more quickly.
- Rotation (Swinging): Rotating the machine, you use the foot swing pedal. Press right to swing the upper house to the right and press left to the left. The harder you press the pedal, the faster the machine swings. Practice pressing the swing pedal gently and smoothly.
4. Digging with the Excavator
Now you have the basics of moving the excavator down. Digging is why we buy an excavator. An excavator is primarily used to dig. Learning how to operate an excavator to do that is key.
How to operate an excavator—Steps for Digging:
- Position the Excavator: You need to position your excavator so the bucket lines up with where you want to go. If you’re digging a trench, get the boom at the right angle so you dig to the correct depth.
- Lower the Boom: You use the left joystick to lower the boom to the ground. Push that stick forward to extend the boom downward or pull the stick back to lift the boom.
- Extend the Dipper: Push the right joystick forward to extend the dipper arm, which puts the bucket into the ground. This is your first digging motion where you’re starting to break through the soil.
- Curl the Bucket: Once you have the bucket where you want it, pull the right joystick back to curl the bucket into the soil. Now you’re scooping dirt into the bucket.
- Lift and Transport: After the bucket is full, raise the boom and dipper arm and move the load where you want with the left joystick.
5. Loading and Lifting Materials
One of the primary uses of an excavator will be to lift and load materials like rocks, dirt, or construction debris onto trucks or piles.
How to operate an excavator—Steps for Loading:
- Position the Excavator: Get the excavator close to the pile of material or truck bed that you want to load. Make sure the excavator bucket is in a stable place to scoop up material.
- Scoop the Material: Lower the bucket into the pile of material you want, and then you’ll use the right joystick to stretch the dipper arm out and scoop up the material.
- Raise the Bucket: Once the bucket is full, you pull the left joystick back to raise the boom and dipper arms. As you do this, the bucket will lift the material.
- Transport the Load: Now you swing the excavator by gently pushing the swing pedal. Then, you’ll drive over to the truck or to where you want to dump the material.
- Release the Load: Tilt your bucket by pushing the right joystick as hard as you wish forward to dump the material in the truck or pile.
6. Releasing and Dumping Material
When you need to dump the material you’ve scooped, you’ll need to operate the bucket to let the load out.
How to operate an excavator—Steps for Dumping:
- Position the Bucket: Swing the excavator until the bucket is above the truck bed or your dump area. Make sure the bucket is directly above your target.
- Tilt the Bucket: Push the right joystick forward to tilt the bucket and dump the material.
- Retract the Bucket:After you dump, return the right joystick to the back position to return the bucket to its starting position. Make sure the bucket is in the safe up, right position before moving away.
7. Stopping the Excavator
When you are finished with your work, you’ll need to safely stop using the machine.
How to operate an excavator—Steps to Stop:
- Engage the Parking Brake: Always engage the parking brake before you turn off the machine. This will keep the machine in place and prevent it from moving unexpectedly.
- Turn Off the Engine: Turn the key to the “off” position to kill the engine. Some machines will have a separate “kill” switch to kill the engine.
- افحص الآلة:After you stop the machine, check the machine over for any issues, or for any maintenance that needs to be done. Check hydraulic fluid levels, look at the tires or the tracks, and check for any damage or wear on the machine.
8. Safety Tips for Operating an Excavator, how to learn to operate an excavator
Safety is always first. Here are a few essential tips to stay safe while operating an excavator:
8.1 Pre-Operation Inspection
Before you ever get on an excavator, always do a full pre-operation inspection to make sure the machine is ready to go.
- Check Hydraulic Systems: Make sure there are no leaks or damaged hoses.
- Inspect the Tracks or Tires: Make sure they are in good condition and properly tensioned.
- Test Controls: Ensure all the controls are responsive and not damaged.
- Verify Safety Features: Check safety features such as alarms, lights, and fire extinguishers to make sure they are working.
8.2 Wear Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Always wear the right personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect yourself from potential hazards.
- Helmet: Protects your head from falling objects or impact.
- Safety Boots: Steel-toed boots are essential to protect the feet.
- High-Visibility Clothing: To ensure you are visible to others on the job site.
- Hearing Protection: Ear protection is crucial in noisy environments.
8.3 Operate Within the Machine’s Capacity
Each excavator will have a specified operational capacity. This includes the maximum load you can lift or dig with. Always:
- Check the Load Chart: Be aware of the maximum lifting or digging capacity to avoid overloading.
- Avoid Excessive Reach or Load: Do not extend the boom or bucket too far or overload the machine; you will tip over.
8.4 Understand the Surrounding Area
Before starting work, always walk around the site to see what’s there, understand the terrain, and identify any hazards.
- Check for Underground Utilities: Make sure there are no hidden cables or pipes you could damage.
- Clear Obstacles: Make sure there’s nobody around, there’s nothing in your way or in the area to be damaged by the bucket, the swing, or the tracks.
- Be Mindful of Overhead Hazards: Look for power lines, bridges, or trees that could get in the way of the boom or the bucket.
8.5 Always Keep the Excavator on Level Ground
Operating on uneven or unstable ground increases your risk of tipping over. Be aware at all times:
- Position on Stable Ground: Make sure the machine is operating on level and stable ground..
- Use Stabilizers: When you operate on slopes or uneven ground, you put the stabilizer down on the downhill side. This gives you a little bit more reach and also helps prevent tipping.
8.6 Maintain a Safe Distance from the Machine
Make sure nobody is within the swing radius of the boom or the arm.
- Establish a Safe Zone: It is important for workers to stay out of the swing radius of the excavator to avoid being struck by the bucket or boom.
- Communicate with Ground Personnel: Use hand signals or two-way radios to communicate with others on the site when moving the machine.
8.7 Follow Safe Digging Practices
When operating the excavator for digging, be aware of the following best practices:
- Dig in Layers: Dig in layers to avoid overloading the bucket and to ensure stability.
- Excavate Gradually: Avoid jerky, sudden movements that could cause instability or damage.
- Don’t Overreach: Avoid extending the arm too far; it can cause the machine to be unstable.
8.8 Be Aware of the Excavator’s Blind Spots
Excavators have significant blind spots, especially when operating in tight spaces.
- Use Spotters: In confined areas, use a ground worker to guide you and ensure there are no obstacles or personnel in the way.
- Check Your Surroundings: Always double-check your surroundings before moving the excavator to avoid accidents.
8.9 Use the Excavator’s Safety Features
Modern excavators come equipped with various safety features that should never be ignored.
- Safety Belts: Always wear your seatbelt to prevent ejection in the event of a sudden stop or rollover.
- Operator’s Cabin: Ensure that the cabin door is properly closed before operating, as it provides additional protection.
8.10 Avoid Sudden or Erratic Movements
Excessive speed and abrupt movements can lead to machine instability or loss of control. Always:
- Operate Smoothly: Use smooth and controlled movements when operating the excavator, especially when lifting, lowering, or rotating the boom.
- Slow Down in Tight Areas: When operating in confined spaces, reduce your speed to maintain control.
8.11 Be Cautious When Transporting the Excavator
When moving the excavator from one job site to another:
- Secure the Machine: Make sure the machine is properly secured when transporting on a flatbed truck or trailer.
- Follow Road Safety Rules: Abide by road laws, and use the appropriate signage and safety equipment when moving the excavator on public roads.
8.12 Post-Operation Shutdown
After finishing the workday, follow proper procedures to safely shut down the excavator.
- Lower the Boom and Bucket: Always lower the boom and bucket to the ground before exiting the machine.
- Turn Off the Engine: Ensure the engine is turned off and the keys are removed when not in use.
- Clean the Excavator: Perform a quick cleaning of the excavator to remove any debris that could interfere with future operation.
خاتمة
Operating an excavator is a rewarding skill, and with practice, you can become efficient and confident in handling the machine. By understanding the controls, mastering basic movements, and always prioritizing safety, you’ll be able to perform a variety of tasks with precision and control. Always remember to practice regularly, and take the time to learn all the nuances of the machine to ensure long-term success in your excavation projects.
