4 Tips for Safe Mini Digger Operations

06 January 2022

Before, contractors used to maximise heavy-duty excavators in carrying out excavations, material handling, and other key activities on project sites. But as time passes, more and more contractors now favour mini diggers thanks to their compact yet powerful components.

Mini diggers are truly compact. After all, most of their components are smaller than their larger counterparts. But despite their size, they are still powerful enough to carry out excavation works thanks to hydraulic power. The compactness of mini diggers likewise provides contractors, especially operators, the ability to move them across the site without any problems. The compact design of mini diggers also makes their operations safer as the chances of hitting nearby structures or people are significantly low.

Even with their compact design, there are still some things that operators should do to make them truly safe during their operations. Here are some tips that can make your mini digger operations safe.

1. Establish an Excavation Plan

One of the most important tips in operating your mini digger is to set up a plan. The whole operation of your mini digger can be truly safe if a comprehensive plan will be created, optimised, and followed accordingly. With the existence of a plan, your operators and other involved personnel will now know their approach before initiating the work. One part of the plan should tackle the location of the spoil pile. Another part of the plan must discuss how the mini digger should move across the site.

2. Conduct Comprehensive Tests

Another tip that can make your mini digger operations safe is to conduct some tests. One test that must be carried out to ensure the safety of the mini digger involves running it on a level surface to verify the absence of balance issues. Another test that should be done is the inspection of its exterior and interior parts. The coolant and lubricant levels of the mini digger must likewise be assessed to keep everything smooth and running. The condition of the mini digger’s controls must also be checked.

3. Mark the Underground Lines

Your mini digger may be excavating a deep portion of the site. Hence, you must contact the area’s utility services so they can provide you with a map of underground lines and structures. You can likewise have them mark all the underground lines so your mini digger operator can avoid damaging them.

4. Ensure Safe Digger Movement

To ensure that your mini digger and the surroundings will be safe, your operator should be cautious about the digger’s movement. If the arm will be working near the cab, the operator should use caution and avoid hitting the tracks or the blade with the attached bucket. The bucket, alternatively, should never be swung over people on site. The mini digger must likewise rest and work on the ground firmly and stably. And whenever the mini digger will move, the operator should maximise the mirrors in checking the surroundings. Its bucket must also be lowered during transport to enhance visibility and stability.

To gain more tips on carrying out safe mini digger operations, you can call us at Melbourne Mini Diggers.