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Excavator Safety Tips

Apr. 22 2021 Safety By RECO Equipment

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Your excavator is a crucial part of your operation. It helps you get your work done day in and day out. But any piece of heavy equipment can be dangerous, so it’s important to take some steps to keep yourself and those around you safe. Read on for some excavator safety tips, and call RECO Equipment with any questions. We have a great selection of machines for sale, and we have locations in Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania!

Before Operation

There are a few basic steps you should take before you even start working with your excavator. Make sure your machine is functioning properly. This includes checking the propel system and the controls. Checking on these systems before you start working can help prevent an accident. Another easy safety tip you can follow is cleaning the mirrors of your equipment. After all, being able to see clearly is an important part of staying safe. 

Before you start any major project, call the local utility services and mark the job site for any underground lines or structures. You’ll definitely want to avoid digging into any of these objects. Lastly, don’t forget to wear your seatbelt. It’s there for a reason!

During Operation

There are also some safety precautions you should take while using your excavator. Here are some of the steps you can take to protect yourself and prevent accidents:

  • Never permit anyone to ride in the bucket or cab. There should only be one operator.
  • Decrease the machine’s speed when working on rough terrain or in congested areas.
  • Keep the bucket low to the ground when transporting material. 
  • When moving the excavator, try to stay on as flat of ground as possible.
  • Travel directly up slopes.
  • When going down slopes, the bottom of the bucket should be low and parallel to the ground.
  • Don’t dig underneath the excavator.

After Operation

Once you’re done using your excavator, there are still some safety precautions you need to take. When you’re shutting down the machine, make sure it’s parked on a level surface with the bucket lowered to the ground. Next, turn off the auto-idle switch and run the engine at half throttle without a load for a few minutes. This will help the turbocharger cool down.

Set the RPM to low idle and shut the engine off using the key switch. Finally, don’t forget to lock up the cab after exiting the excavator.

We hope these tips help you and your team stay safe while using your excavator! If you still have questions or you want to buy some new machines, contact RECO Equipment today. We have locations in Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania too. We can’t wait to help you find equipment that transforms your work day!