How Does A Mini Excavator Works?
Even though mini excavators were underestimated by heavy equipment operators until a few decades ago; they have now managed to earn their respect of site work professionals and construction utility contractors. This is because of the many fine qualities that they possess like the ease of operation, small carbon footprint, precise operation and minimal cost. Mini Excavators are available for many jobs including smaller ones like renting them for weekend landscaping or a utility project. They can even be used for landscaping, repairing sewer lines, ploughing snow, installing pools and hot tubs, demolishing small structures and digging small ditches for irrigation. These compact machines can be very useful because they can make work very easy and safe. If you are a homeowner who is looking to use a mini excavator, or a newbie to the construction business then here is a handy guide on how to operate mini excavators.
What Is A Mini Excavator?
A mini excavator is a tracked vehicle that uses a standard backfill blade and even an independent boom swing. They come in different sizes varying in the digging depth of the boom bucket.
What Is The Difference Between A Mini-Excavator And A Standard Excavator?
There are significant differences between the tow excavation machines which need to be understood in order to decide which one to use for your job. This is because the mini excavators offer certain benefits that give them a better advantage over regular excavators when it comes to suitability for certain jobs. This is not to say that regular excavators are not useful, the choice depends on the nature of the job. The advantages of using mini excavators are that they are smaller and lighter compared to regular excavators. Which means that that they provide with reduced track marks and top ground damage. Their compact nature ensures that they are much easier to work with on crowded sites, for example, a parking lot, compared to larger excavators. The mini excavator is also easily portable between different sites if loaded in the back of a utility truck or a trailer. Since the nature of the mini excavator’s work is much less intense compared to that of a regular excavator, they tend to have longer lifespans. Mini excavators can also be attached with different skid steer attachments to improve their versatility.
How To Operate A Mini Excavator?
1. Choose a Machine For Your Job And The Method Of Rental:
Even though you have chosen the mini excavator over the regular excavator the decision-making job is not yet over. You still need to choose the size of your mini excavator as they come in varying sizes from a super-compact that weigh less than 4000 pounds to heavier machines that can almost be categorised in the standard excavator group. If you have limited space or this is a DIY utility project, then it is advisable that you use the smallest size available. For larger landscaping jobs you might find the larger machines more efficient. Another important decision that you have to take is deciding if you want to rent the mini excavator or buy it. Now it is obvious if you are just planning on doing a weekend landscaping job renting is the best option. When you are renting, it is vital that you ask the rental company for demonstrations and if they allow the customers to become much more familiar with the machines.
2. Choose A Trained Operator:
Even for a small landscaping project, an untrained operator may prove to be dangerous or even fatal. While it is tempting that you get the job done yourself, it is vital that you hire a trainer operator. For bigger job sites, this, of course, goes without saying. Workers should have intensive knowledge and understanding of how to use the mini excavator before operating them.
3. Go Through The Evacuator’s Operation Manual Thoroughly:
You should always ensure that you get the instruction manual when you are renting a mini-excavator and anyone planning on operating the mini excavator should read the guide thoroughly. This is because the manual has detailed steps on how to use the controls and their functions. You must also check for the warning labels on the machine as they tell you the danger signs that you need to be on the lookout for. It is also important that you familiarise yourself with the location of the fire extinguisher. Before using the excavator, ensure that you check the coolant levels and the engine lubricant. It is also vital that you check for loose or damaged parts like oil leaks or dripping of other fluids. All of the preventive steps ensure that there are decreases chances of an accident occurring.
4. Test-Run The Machine:
Before you use the machine for your job, it is important that you have a pilot run first. Mini excavators are generally equipped with a regular ignition with a key or a digital keypad. Ensure that your seatbelt is secured, because even though the mini excavators don’t run at high speed, if they do overturn, the seatbelt will protect you from fatal injuries. The ideal test location should a large open area that has a level surface. In the test run, you should go through all of the different controls to assess the machine. You should also familiarise yourself with the rotating cabin to ensure that the controls respond to your inputs. It is also important for you to assess how the boom responds to the controls. Even though the mini excavators are stable machines, the chances of overturning are decreased on a flat level surface.
5. Make Sure You Are Habituated To Driving On Tracks:
As you can recall, mini excavators use rubber tracks. These tracks generally only move in two directions-forwards and backwards. Now, this is a limited range of wheel motion that you need to get used to before you operate it for the job. If you want to move in all directions, you need to move the track separately. You can do this because the controls let you move the two tracks separately. If you want to move the mini excavator forward or backwards, you need to use the hand controls. To accelerate the machine, you need to step on the small pedal that is placed on the left of the floorboard. The right-sided pedal is used to pivot the hoe of the mini excavator. This is the control for high speed and boosts the drive pump. This is another reason why proper training is essential. It is difficult to get accustomed to moving and turning these machines.
This concludes the handy and comprehensive guide on how to use mini excavators. Mini excavators are extremely efficient and effective machines for smaller projects and projects in compact places. The best part is that they are available on a rental basis that suits your needs and does not heavily affect your pockets. So if you are thinking of using it for your project be sure to check our rental services of mini excavators out.