10 helpful tips for using an excavator safely

Hiring an excavator is a great option for those looking to do a little landscape gardening, digging out an area for a swimming pool, or any other land moving activity.

However, it is important to ensure you are using this piece of machinery as safely as possible, as it can be dangerous if used incorrectly.

Here we have 10 helpful tips when using an excavator.

1. Appropriate training is required to ensure you have a foundation of knowledge to operate the excavator successfully. 

2. Before you begin using it on your project, be sure to have a trial run first. Get used to driving it around a construction area, practice digging out holes and just generally getting a feel for the best way to work the excavator. It's important to take note of any tips or directions a Kennards staff member gives you in regard to operating the machine correctly, and that you read any manuals or warning stickers related to the piece you are specifically using.

3. Be sure to section off a danger zone around the area that you are planning to work on with the excavator. Ensure that no one enters this area while the machine is in operation.

4. It seems obvious, but make sure you don't dig beneath, or too close to the edge of, the excavator. This could cause it to tip.

5. Familiarise yourself with the weight the excavator can handle, and abide by these weights. If you try and lift something heavier, you risk tipping and causing yourself or others injury.

6. If your excavator has one, you may wish to use the dozer blade as a way to prop the machine up as you work on uneven ground. 

7.  When travelling, be sure to keep attachments low.

8. The driver is to be the only rider on the excavator - do not carry extra people.

9. Be careful when swinging the arm around - be sure to do this slowly and carefully, continuously on the look out for pedestrians and other machinery.

10. Turn off the engine whenever the excavator is out of use.

Additional tips

Keep a safety belt on at all times while operating, and also wear sunglasses if there is any kind of glare on your eyes. If at any point you vision is impaired, disaster may follow. You should also wear the correct clothing such as boots, gloves and covered clothing.