An excavator is a piece of heavy equipment used to dig holes and trenches. It’s also used for a variety of other tasks, like grading, demolition, or moving heavy objects or materials from one place to another. Operating an excavator takes a commercial driver’s license (CDL) as well as some training to keep operators and bystanders safe while working on a project. We’ll take you behind the scenes to show you exactly how our drivers stay safe. For more insider construction information, visit our blog.
Construction equipment has built-in safeguards to keep everyone safe, but it’s important to still take all the necessary precautionary measures. Before operating an excavator, we check it similarly to a car. Ensure all the mirrors are clean and pointed in the right direction, and buckle up. Be sure the control levels are operating correctly to prevent accidents. As always, before beginning any project, we call utility services before digging and get the appropriate permissions needed to complete the job.
When the excavator is in operation, there are a variety of guidelines to follow while moving and digging. Some of those include carrying the bucket low to the ground while moving for increased stability and visibility. When going up a slope, always go up vertically rather than diagonally. Take the straightest and most flat route possible across a construction site, making small, gradual changes to direction. Take additional precautions with speed if traveling over rugged terrain. Sound overwhelming? Don’t worry, let Tolley Concrete’s experts handle it.
When finishing up with the excavator for the day, we park it on a flat surface with the bucket lowered all the way to the ground. Running the engine at half-throttle for a few minutes before shutting it down will allow the turbocharger to cool, preserving the life of the machine. The cab gets locked for additional safety when the driver leaves, just like a car.
Does your project need an excavator? For projects big or small, Tolley Concrete is ready to help. We’re trained to keep you safe and get the job done well. Visit our website to learn more about our services.