10 Mini Digger Operating Tips
Mini Digger operation can be difficult and time-consuming (especially if you are renting and not familiar with your equipment), but with a little practice, you can get the job done quickly and efficiently. Here are 10 quick mini digger operating tips to help make your job easier and safer.
A good rental company would go through the required steps when delivering the mini digger, and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have to ensure you are fully confident to operate the machine on your own.
1. Read The Owner’s Manual
If you are using a mini digger for the first time, be sure to read the owner’s manual or the instructions given by the rental company thoroughly before operating the machine. Make sure you are familiar with the controls, the abilities / limits of the machine, and how to fuel it safely. It should also show you were is the correct places to stand, and what safety devices need to be engaged before operation of the mini digger.
2. Make A Plan
Making a plan is important because it allows you to achieve your goals and objectives. Without a plan, you may not know what steps to take to achieve your goals.
Strategy and plan your approach ahead of time so you’ll know what tasks to tackle once you step onto the equipment. Many operators drop the ball in this area and this can result in wasted time or mistakes that are hard to recover from.
It’s also important to inform your team of the plan so that they can stay safely out of the way.
3. Check Your Machine
The mini digger is a powerful tool that can be used for a variety of tasks. It is important to check the mini digger before using it to make sure that it is in good condition. Check for oil leaks, loose pipes, damage to the tracks etc. It is also important to check all the safety devices are in proper working order, and are not “bypassed” for any reason.
If there are any problems with the mini digger, it should be fixed before use. This may mean suspending work for the day with the digger, and calling the rental company for advice.
4. Check The Attachments
If you’re not using the right attachments, your mini digger will be inefficient and may even damage the surface you’re working on.
Make sure all of the attachments are in good working order and wont cause you issues whilst using them.
5. Check Your Surroundings
Be aware of any obstructions in the path of the digger and the area you intend to use it on. Power Lines, pipes hidden under ground and other objects can ruin your day very quickly. Mini diggers can damage foundations and other obstacles below the surface very easily.
Always take the time to check your surroundings for any potential hazard, even if you are familiar with them.
6. Test Run
Practice makes perfect. It’s a saying that has been around for centuries and is still true today.
Before beginning your project, test the mini digger by operating it on a level surface to ensure there are no balance difficulties and you fully understand the controls.
Having a practice run will reduce your risk of making mistakes in critical situations.
7. Positioning
Always examine for stability whenever you can to prevent an injury or machine damage. Mini Diggers are generally safe machines, but you should be cautious in order to reduce the chances of bodily harm to yourself, the excavator, and the people around you.
Ensure you position the digger in a level place, making sure to monitor your surrounds for objects and people at all times.
8. Don't swing the bucket over people
It goes without saying that the safety of the people around you is paramount – whenever moving the arm / bucket ensure there is no one standing in the way and do not swing the bucket over people Debris could easily fall out – resulting in obvious injury.
9. The Blade
Make sure to lift the blade whilst moving the digger, then move your feet on the pedals to move it forward. Once you’ve finished repositioning, lower your blade to make sure the machine is stable.
10. Dont Rush
Using a mini digger will make light work of your project – but that does not mean you need to rush through it. Take your time, stay safe, ensure the safety of those around you (quite often there is a crowd gathered on home projects!) and enjoy the work.