Whether you're a novice or a veteran equipment operator, reviewing safety tips and maintenance guidelines helps you operate your mini-excavator better. Before beginning work, check the work area for underground lines and cables, overhead power lines, hidden holes, obstacles, dropoffs, and steep slopes. Dress in close-fitting clothes with a safety helmet and non-skid shoes.
PREVENTING TIP OVERS
If you don't know the machine's limitations, it could tip over with you in it. Reread the owner's manual and limit your work to 20 degree slopes or less. And always operate a mini-excavator with your seat belt on and with a roll-over protective structure (ROPS).
MAINTAINING YOUR MINI-EXCAVATOR
With mini-excavators, regular maintenance includes: checking the cooling water in the radiator; filling the fuel and oil tanks; greasing; checking the radiator fins for clogging; and cleaning and wiring the engine.
KEEPING THE FUEL CLEAN
Diesel fuel's chief contaminant is water. Water in the tank can condense and mix with the fuel, interfering with fuel flow and rusting injection parts. The second major contaminant of fuel is dirt. Diesel engines have a particulate filter that screens dirt and dust. To keep your mini-excavator running smoothly, it's best to check the filter each week.
