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A Safety Guide for Using Your Excavator

Sep. 23 2021 Safety By Magnum Power

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An excavator is a piece of heavy equipment that you can use at your work site to dig trenches and move large objects and weighty materials. However, you’ll need to practice caution while operating these machines, as even a little bit of slackness can create safety risks for you and others working around you.

Our experts at Magnum Power have created this guide to help you use your machine safely. Keep reading to learn more, then visit us at our dealership in Lawson, MO, to get your concerns addressed by our team. We are happy to welcome our friends from Clay County and Kansas City.

Before Operation

Just like you regularly maintain your other pieces of construction equipment, you’ll want to service your excavator, too, to keep it functional and safe for use. Make sure you check your machine’s propel system and controls and ensure that the mirrors on your equipment are clean. They will boost your visibility while operating the machine and help you avoid the chances of being in an accident.

Most importantly, before starting any major project, you’ll need to call the local utility company so they can mark your work site for any underground lines or structures.

During Operation

When operating your excavator, you’ll want to ensure that your machine is safe for your use and those around you. That’s why you’ll want to take the measures we have highlighted below:

  • You must wear your seatbelt while using your equipment.
  • Make sure that the operator knows how to use the machine.
  • Ensure that there’s no one around your excavator when it is in use.
  • Don’t allow anyone to ride in the bucket or cab.
  • Never exceed the permissible weight limit of your bucket.
  • Never dig underneath your excavator.
  • Try to stay on flat ground when moving your excavator around at your job site.
  • Keep the bucket low to the ground when transporting materials.
  • Reduce the speed of your machinery when working on rough terrain or in high-traffic areas.
  • When descending slopes, keep the bottom of the bucket parallel to the ground.

After Operation

There are a few more safety measures to take care of after you’ve turned off your excavator. Make sure you follow these steps to keep your machine more functional and safer for longer.

  • Park your excavator on a level surface and lower your bucket to the ground.
  • Turn off the auto-idle switch and run the engine at half throttle without any load for a few minutes. Doing this will help your machine’s turbocharger to cool down.
  • You’ll also want to use your key switch to shut the engine off.
  • Finally, don’t forget to lock up the cab before moving away from your excavator.

We hope this guide helps you use your excavator safely and efficiently. If you have any questions or are still in the market for a new machine, visit Magnum Power. As your local farm and construction equipment dealer, we have an extensive collection of excavators for sale, and our friendly staff can suggest models for your budget. To look at what we have available, swing by our dealership in Lawson, MO, where we proudly serve those from Clay County and Kansas City.