How to Safely Operate an Excavator
Excavators are incredibly powerful and versatile machines that are valuable assets to have on any job site. Landscaping and construction professionals depend on these reliable equipment for a variety of tasks. However, when you’re working with such heavy equipment, it’s essential that you operate them safely and efficiently. That’s why knowing how your excavator functions and understanding its controls are so important.
Bobcat of Pittsburgh/Erie/Indiana County is your local excavator dealer, so we’ve provided our list of tips for safe and efficient operation to help you get the most out of your machine! Keep reading to learn more, and if you’re seeking some quality excavators for sale, feel free to visit one of our dealerships in Pennsylvania.
Follow the Best Safety Practices
While operating an excavator, it’s easy to become complacent but you can’t afford to take any chances. That’s why you’ll want to take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and those around you safe. To begin with, ensure that you’re wearing the proper clothing for operating your machine. This means snug clothes that won’t get caught in the machinery and strong, solid footwear to keep your balance.
It’s advisable when operating any piece of heavy equipment to wear hearing protection since these engines can be so loud they damage your hearing over time. Don’t be afraid to take a break for food or rest if you feel your focus start to falter or you become tired or distracted.
Regular Upkeep
All machines require regular maintenance to prevent them from breaking down in the middle of a job and your excavator is no different. A great place to start is with your air filtration system. Each time you use your excavator, it gets exposed to particulates that can clog the filter or cause damage if they make it through the filter. If this happens too much, it can hurt your equipment’s performance. All you need is to regularly inspect the filter to ensure you replace it in a timely manner once it stops being effective. You can even install a dirt restriction gauge that will alert you when it's time to replace the filter.
Your cooling system should also be regularly looked at. You can find budget-friendly kits that will test and optimize your engine coolant. One thing to note is that if you use antifreeze for diesel, you'll need a different product than you use on a truck.
Using good operating practices and regularly inspecting your excavator will ensure that you get full use of your machine. If you’re in the market for a quality excavator or other piece of heavy equipment, visit Bobcat of Pittsburgh/Erie/Indiana County today. We have several dealerships across Pennsylvania, and we also serve those in Indiana and Ohio.