Excavator is heavy equipment that is often used in large-scale projects or industries. Has a scraper component or bucket at the front, This heavy equipment works for digging, transport, to even out the material. How to operate excavator safely and efficiently must be understood by the operator.
An operator excavator duty to operate this heavy equipment according to the correct procedure. Apart from operating it for project work, The operator is also responsible for performing routine maintenance and reporting when there is damage to excavator.
That's why the operation excavator must be carried out by an experienced and certified person. Through this article, We invite you to find out the requirements to become an operator excavator, how to operate excavator correctly, as well as safety tips in using it.
Requirements to Operate Excavator
There are several requirements that must be met for someone to be able or fit to operate it excavator. For those of you who intend to become operators excavator, The following are the conditions:
1. SIM B2
One person heavy equipment operator, including excavator, must have a B2 driving license. Ownership of this SIM proves that the person is capable of driving a vehicle or heavy equipment. With this SIM, a person can operate heavy equipment legally.
2. Safety Equipment
Operators of heavy equipment must understand and follow the applicable safety standards. An operator excavator must use personal protective equipment (APD), starting from the helmet, to break, and safety shoes when on the job site. This aims to protect against the risk of danger that could occur when operating excavator.
3. Training/Certification
Prospective operators must take part in training or certification held by official institutions to obtain an Operator License (SIO). This training teaches about types of heavy equipment, how to operate, as well as work safety procedures. The purpose of this certification is to ensure the operator understands all operating procedures excavator.
Get to know the important components in the cabin first Excavator to Operate it
Before starting to operate excavator, the operator must first recognize important components in the cabin. By understanding the function of each component in the cabin, the operator will know how to operate the excavator from the start and run it correctly and safely.
Below are several components in the cabin and their functions that need to be understood to operate excavator.
- Control Lever: used to move components bucket, arm, and boom.
- Pedals and Drive Lever: used to move excavator towards the front or back.
- Indicator Panel: part to monitor the condition of the machine, hydraulic system, fuel level, and other important components in excavator.
- Emergency Switch (Emergency Stop): used to stop the machine quickly in an emergency situation.
- Cooling System (AC/Heater): serves to maintain a comfortable cabin temperature, especially when working in extreme environments.
- Communication Devices: used as a means of communicating with the team at the project site.
- Operator Seat: part of the operator's seat which is usually equipped with an adjustable feature, like a backrest, armrest, and position to work comfortably.
The components above are designed to provide comfort, safety, and operator efficiency during operation excavator.
Steps to Operate an Excavator Correctly (Complete Guide)
The following is a complete guide on how to operate excavator correctly that you must understand:
1. Inspection Before Operating
- Check physical condition excavator which includes parts of the hydraulic system, track or wheels, bucket, boom, and other components.
- Perform a thorough check that includes fuel, hydraulic fluid, to tire pressure or track.
- Check lamp function, horn, and a control panel in the cab.
Make sure all these parts are functioning or in good condition to ensure smooth and safe operation excavator.
2. Turning on the Machine
Before starting the machine, make sure the lever shut off is in the locked position (lock) and all levers are in neutral position.
Start the machine using the following steps:
- Turn the key into position ON
- Turn the machine control dial to position low idle
- Then turn the key to start the engine, then release the lock button to return it to position ON
Check the indicator panels in the following sections:
- Check the fuel level indicator
- Check the engine temperature indicator
- Check the engine oil level indicator
- Check the pressure indicator and hydraulic fluid level
- Check the electrical system indicators
- Check the tire pressure indicator on excavator wheeled
- Check all additional function indicators, such as the AC feature, heater, or work lights
Make sure to start the engine excavator by following the guide above. When checking the indicator panel, make sure all indicators are in good or safe condition or status. If there is an alarm sign, then you must immediately check for problems in that section.
3. Basic Operation
To run excavator, move the lever track right and left are at the front.
- move forward/forward: simultaneously pull the lever back
- move backwards/backwards: simultaneously push the levers forward
- Turn left: pull the right lever back
- Turn right: pull the left lever back
Lifting or lowering boom and bucket done using the lever on the right.
- Lift boom: pull the lever back
- Lower boom: push the lever forward
- Open bucket: slide the lever to the right
- Close bucket: slide the lever to the left
To carry out excavations, move the right side lever to operate boom and bucket like the steps above and move the left lever to work arm.
- Shift the cabin to position it according to the excavation location: slide the lever left or right
- Lower arm to move bucket into the ground: push the lever forward
- Raising arm to lift bucket while digging: pull the lever back
4. Material Transfer Engineering
The following is a basic guide to moving materials safely and efficiently.
- Position bucket above the material to be lifted, then take it down arm and boom carefully to take the material.
- Pick up bucket slowly after the material is taken and make sure bucket not too full to keep the instrument balanced.
- Turn the cabin excavator towards the material disposal site with a stable and controlled movement.
- Take it down bucket over the dump and release the material by opening bucket slowly to ensure the material falls neatly.
Safety Tips in Operating Excavator
- Work Environment Inspection
Before starting to operate excavator, first check the surrounding work environment excavator. Make sure the area is free from other people, equipment, or obstacles that could interfere or cause an accident. Place warning signs around the work area to indicate activity excavator and keep a safe distance from heavy equipment
- Avoid Overload
Always check the technical specifications excavator that you operate. Do not lift material beyond the capacity of the tool to avoid this overload. Keep in mind, overloading could cause excavator becomes unstable and risks tipping over. When lifting material, make sure the load is well distributed across bucket.
- Maintain Stability
To maintain stability, It is best to avoid using heavy equipment on terrain that is too sloping or slippery. When moving materials, make sure excavator is in a stable and level position. If needed, use stabilizer to increase stability when working on uneven terrain.
- Handling Emergency Situations
If there are indications of serious failure, immediately turn off the engine by turning the key to the OFF position. Make sure all controls are in a secure position. Make sure the parking brake is engaged to prevent excavator moves unpredictably when the engine is turned off.
If a dangerous situation threatens the safety of the operator and other workers, evacuate immediately from the area. Report problems immediately to the maintenance team or supervisor to get further help.
What is the Function Lock on Excavator?
Safety lock is one of the panels on excavator which functions to activate and deactivate the hydraulic mechanism.
What is the Function Track on Excavator?
Track is a component that works to facilitate movement excavator. Track excavator made of steel commonly used in war vehicles. As a replacement for tires or wheels, usage track aims to excavator able to traverse steep or extreme terrain.
What is the Function Idler on Excavator?
On heavy equipment excavator there are special components in the form of Guard Front Idler. This component functions as a holder Idler. While function Idler is to tighten and loosen track, and absorb shocks from the front.
The Importance of Learning Operating Techniques Excavator correctly
It is very important for prospective operators to learn techniques or how to operate excavator correctly. This aims to maintain work safety and efficiency during operation excavator at the project location.
For those of you who intend to become heavy equipment operators, then you must take formal training or certification to obtain an Operator's License (SIO). Possession of a B2 SIM and SIO is a condition for someone being allowed to operate excavator. Also make sure to always use heavy equipment in accordance with work safety procedures.
If you need heavy equipment that is reliable and guaranteed safe for your project, PT Perkasa Sarana Utama (PSU) ready to be your best partner. We provide various types of heavy equipment with the best quality that can support the smooth running of your work.
With pleasure, our team will help you find the right machine for any project. To get the right solution that suits your needs, Don't hesitate to contact us at CS: 0811358378 or email: rent@psualatberat.com. To be more connected, You can also follow our Instagram at @psualatberat.
