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Not so long ago, mini excavators were considered to be no more than toys by the heavy engineering industry. However, over the years, mini excavators have earned the respect of industry professionals by offering precision, low cost, small footprint, and ease of operation. In this post, we will share simple tips to help you operate your mini excavator without any hassles.

Before the start of your project, the first job is to chose an excavator that fits your requirement. If your project involves simple digging or similar work, you should opt for the smallest of mini excavators. However, 3 or 3.5 ton machines are recommended if you have a large landscaping project.

Before getting started with your project, take a look at the operational manual to familiarize yourself with the description and exact location of all the controls. Please note that all machines have different types of stickers and warning labels all over it. Read all of them carefully to know the machine you are about to operate. You will also find specification charts, maintenance details, and many other relevant information within the body of your mini excavator.

Before starting your project, try out your mini excavator on a level ground. These machines are generally stable and have a very good balance. However, the risk of overturning can not be ruled out in the initial stages. Also, check for damaged tracks, dripping fluids, oil leaks, and other potential hazards before starting. Make a habit of checking your coolant and lubricant levels and find out the location of your fire extinguisher.

Now its time for you to sit in the operator’s seat and locate the ignition key. Do not forget to keep an eye on the fuel level, oil pressure, and engine temperature. Now, get a feel of the motion of the joysticks by moving them around. There will be two long steel rods between the legs that are your driving controls. These two control the rotation of the track, and the machine moves forward when both are pushed forward. There are two more controls on either side of the floorboard. The one on the left is operated with the left foot to accelerate the movement of the machine. The right control has a two way pedal to pivot the hoe of the machine.

You can now start maneuvering your machine, but make sure both the hoe boom and front blade are raised. Get used to the speed and handling mechanism of your machine by walking it around a bit. Now, push forward the control handle on your right hand side console to lower the dozer blade. You can swing it up by moving forward the left joystick and the secondary boom.

All said and done, mastering the process will certainly take some time. Keep practicing as much as you can to  understand all your controls.

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