"Mini excavators" were considered "toys" by heavy equipment operators when they were introduced a few decades ago, but have since earned the respect of contractors and fieldwork professionals for their ease of handling, their small "footprint"., low cost and precision in operations. Available for rental by homeowners, they solve the problems of both simple and complex projects. Here are the basics to make a "mini" work.
Steps
Step 1. Choose the machine for your project
There are minis of different sizes and varieties, from a super compact weight of less than 3000 kg to a weight that almost ends up in the class of classic excavators. If you simply need to dig a small canal for a do-it-yourself irrigation system, or if your space is limited, choose the smaller size at the rental center. For large garden projects, a 3-5 tonne machine, such as the "Bobcat 336", would be more suitable.
Step 2. Compare the rental cost with the labor cost before investing in a weekend rental
Usually, mini excavators are rented for 110-120 euros per day, plus delivery, trailer, full tank of fuel and insurance. So for a weekend project you will have to spend around 200-250 euros.
Step 3. Check the range of machines in the rental center, and ask if they demonstrate or allow customers to familiarize themselves with them
Many large machinery centers have an area where you can "get acquainted" with the machine through supervised experiences.
Step 4. Take a look at the operation manual to actually understand the description and location of the controls
These guides show mini standards like Kobelco, Bobcat, IHI, Case, and Kubota, but there are some slight differences, even between them.
Step 5. Look carefully at all warning labels and stickers around the car, and other more specific warnings regarding the car you have rented
Also pay attention to maintenance information, detailed descriptions, other information such as reference plates used to order parts with the machine serial number and information on the place of manufacture.
Step 6. Have the excavator delivered, or try to load it at the rental center if you have a truck and heavy machine trailer available
An advantage of the mini excavator is that it can be transported on a regular truck, as long as it can hold that weight and if the car and trailer don't exceed the truck's capacity.
Step 7. Find a clean, level area where you can test the machine
The minis are stable, with a good balance and an adequate "footprint" for the size, but they can overturn. Then start on stable, level ground.
Step 8. Check the machine to see if there are any loose or damaged parts that could make operations dangerous
Look for leaks of oil or other fluids, loose or damaged cables, or other potential problems. Find the location of the fire extinguisher and check the lubricant and coolant levels. These are standard operations for using any type of equipment, so get used to every machine - from lawn mower to mechanical shovel - to take a look before you get to work.
Step 9. Assemble the car
You will find the control armrest, to the left of the driver's side, which folds over to allow access to the seat. Pull up on the lever or handle on the front (not the joystick), and the whole structure will swing and go back. Grab the handhold attached to the canopy, put one foot on the rail and push yourself up into the cabin, then turn around and sit down. Then pull the armrest down and push the lever to lock it in place.
Step 10. Sit in the operator's cabin and look around to familiarize yourself with the controls, instruments and operator control system
You should see the ignition key (or digital ignition panel) on the right side or above your head on the right. Remember to always watch the engine temperature, oil pressure and fuel level while operating the car. The seat belt will keep you safe in the capsule of the car should it tip over. Use it
Step 11. Take the levers and move them a little to notice their movement
These levers control the loader system, also known as the "bucket" (from the bucket that is part of each type of excavator) and the rotation function of the machine, which moves the top (cab). The levers should always return to the "neutral" position when released, stopping any movement they can make.
Step 12. Look between your legs and you will find two long steel rods with a knob on top
It's the driving controls. Both regulate the rotation on the side where they are placed and the forward movement causes the machine to move. Moving a rod backward causes it to move backward, while moving one forward and the other backward will cause the machine to rotate on itself. The deeper you push the rods, the faster the machine will move, so when it comes to getting started handle these checks calmly. Make sure you know which direction the machine is pointing before operating the levers. The shovel is in front. Moving the levers forward will cause the tracks to move forward, but if you have turned the cab you will feel like you are traveling backwards, which can cause a strange effect. If you try to go forward and the car rolls back, your inertia will throw you forward making control more difficult. It's like when you have to change the way you drive to reverse. You will learn over time.
Step 13. Look on the floor below and you will find two more little-used controls
On the left, you will see a small pedal or button to be operated with the left foot. It is a "high speed" control, used to push the motor and speed up the car's travel when you have to move from place to place. This tool should only be used on smooth and level ground. To the right is a pedal covered with a steel coating. If you remove the cover you will find a "double pedal", which rotates the blade of the machine to the right or left so that the machine does not have to turn to get to the point to dig. It must be used in moderation and on stable ground, because the load is not counterbalanced and the machine can tip over more easily.
Step 14. Look to the right side in front of the instrumentation and you will find two more levers
The rear one is the accelerator, which increases the engine's revolutions per minute. Usually the further back it is pulled, the faster the engine will go. The larger handle is the center blade control (or leveling blade). Pulling this lever raises the blade, pushing it lowers. The shovel can be used to level, move debris, fill holes, like a small-scale bulldozer, but it also serves to stabilize the machine while digging a hole with the bucket.
Step 15. Start the engine
With the engine running, be careful to avoid accidentally bumping into other levers as each lever can cause dangerous movements.
Step 16. Start maneuvering the car
Make sure the bucket and center shovel are both raised and push the drive levers forward. If you are not planning to do leveling work with the machine, and therefore to use the center shovel, you can maneuver each lever with one hand. The levers are placed at a close distance, so they can be gripped with one hand, which allows you to have the right hand free to use the central blade to bring it to the right height.
Step 17. Walk the car a bit, maneuvering it, spinning it and accelerating
Always pay attention to the movements, as the shovel is further away than it looks and can cause damage if it hits something.
Step 18. Find a suitable place to try to dig a hole
The levers on the armrest control the loader, rotation and digging, and can operate in two modes, backward or forward, modes selectable with a button on the left side of the seat. The modes are usually marked with the letters A and F. The operations described here refer to mode A.
Step 19. Lower the center blade, pushing the control lever on the right console forward, until it is perfectly on the ground
Grab both levers, but don't move them until you're ready. Start by raising and lowering the main blade: this is done by pulling the left lever back to raise it and pushing it forward to lower it. Moving the same lever to the right or left causes the bucket to move (down, spoon movement to the left; up, with the bucket coming out of the ground, with the movement to the right). Raise and lower the shovel a few times and sink and pull up the bucket to gain confidence.
Step 20. Move the left lever forward and the secondary blade segment will move away
Pulling the lever will return the shovel towards you. A normal combination for a hole is to lower the bucket into the ground, pull the left segment to fill the bucket and bring it towards you, while pushing the right lever to the left to collect the earth well in the bucket.
Step 21. Move the left lever to your left, making sure the bucket is clear and there are no obstacles to the left
In this way the cabin of the machine will rotate to the left. Move the lever slowly, because the machine turns suddenly, a movement you have to get used to. Push the left lever to the right and the machine will turn right.
Step 22. Practice the controls until you are comfortable with them
With enough practice, you will move each control automatically, focusing on the work of the bucket. When you feel ready, put the machine in position and start work.
Advice
-
Image Raking, rather than digging with the bucket teeth to remove earth. Mini excavators are meant for digging, but can also be used for leveling, lifting heavy objects, compacting and sorting. The more you use them, the more you gain experience, the more you work with them.
-
Remember that even though an excavator is relatively small and light, it can damage the surfaces it is driven on, including grass and asphalt.
Image
Warnings
- A mini excavator is heavy equipment; don't even think about operating under the influence of drugs, alcohol or drugs.
- Use the mini excavator with extreme care, it can lift hundreds of kg and generate a force of thousands of kg, so any accident can be fatal.
- Warn Before You Dig! ' Contact local agencies to obtain permits to dig!
-
Image This little fellow was scooped up with the mud and debris seen in the picture. Do not damage sensitive areas such as swamps, erodible soils or protected environments.
-
Image The machine will drop suddenly when it passes the balance point crossing this curb. Do not work with a mini on unstable or steep ground. Remember that because a mini excavator travels on tracks and not wheels, it will swing or turn to overcome obstacles, which can cause it to tip over when the balance point is exceeded.
