Due to its flexible and efficient characteristics, small excavators are widely used in various types of engineering construction. Whether it is earthwork excavation, site leveling or small material handling, it is crucial to master the correct operation method. The following will introduce the operation steps of small excavators in detail to help beginners get started quickly.
Preparing to operate a small excavator
Before officially starting a small excavator, sufficient preparation is the basis for ensuring safe operation and normal operation of the equipment.
First, the equipment should be inspected. In terms of appearance, carefully check whether the body has obvious bumps and deformations, whether the glass is intact, whether the wear of the tires or tracks is within a reasonable range, and whether the tightness of the tracks is appropriate. If there is any looseness, it needs to be adjusted in time. The levels of fuel, engine oil, hydraulic oil and coolant are the key inspection contents, and they must be ensured to be within the specified scale range. At the same time, check whether there is leakage in each part. For the engine, check whether the air filter is clean and whether the spark plug or injector is in good working condition. The hydraulic system should not be ignored. Check whether the hydraulic pipeline is damaged or aged, whether the connection parts are tight, and whether the color and texture of the hydraulic oil are normal. If any abnormality is found, it should be replaced in time.
Secondly, be familiar with the operating environment. Observe the topography of the work site to see if there are potholes, obstacles, soft soil, etc., plan the operation route and rotation range in advance to avoid collision or stuck during operation. Understand the surrounding environmental factors, such as whether there are high-voltage wires, buildings, other construction personnel or equipment nearby, and ensure that you keep a sufficient safe distance from these objects during the operation. Set up warning signs when necessary.
Then, understand the operating device. The operating device of a small excavator mainly includes the joystick, pedals and dashboard in the cab. The left joystick usually controls the rotation and boom, and the right joystick controls the bucket and dipper stick. There may be slight differences between excavators of different brands and models, which need to be familiarized in advance. The pedals generally include walking pedals and slewing brake pedals. The walking pedals control the forward, backward and steering of the excavator, and the slewing brake pedals are used to control the braking of the slewing mechanism. There are various indicator lights and instruments on the dashboard, such as engine tachometer, oil temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, etc. It is necessary to understand the meaning of each indicator light and instrument so as to grasp the operating status of the equipment in time during operation.
Finally, make personal preparations. Operators must wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including safety helmets, non-slip work shoes, work clothes, gloves, etc. Those with long hair need to put their hair up and wear a hair protection cap. It is strictly forbidden to wear slippers, shorts, etc. for operation. After entering the cab, adjust the position of the seat so that the operator can operate the joystick and pedals comfortably while ensuring a wide field of vision. Fasten your seat belt and check whether the door lock of the cab is locked to avoid accidental opening of the door due to vibration during operation.
Operating a small excavator
After completing the preparations, you can start operating the small excavator. The operation process must be carried out in accordance with standard steps to ensure safety and work efficiency.
1.Start the engine
Turn on the main power switch of the excavator, wait a few seconds, let the dashboard perform a self-check, and check whether the indicator lights are off normally. Insert the key and turn it to the “ON” position. Check the instruments and indicators on the dashboard again. After confirming that there are no abnormalities, wait for the engine to preheat. Usually, it can be started after the preheat indicator light goes out. Turn the key to the “START” position and start the engine. Release the key immediately after the start is successful. Let the engine idle for a few minutes to allow the engine oil, hydraulic oil, etc. to fully lubricate the components. After the engine runs smoothly and the instruments display normally, the next step can be performed.
2.Basic operation
- Walking operation: When operating the walking pedal, push the left pedal forward to turn the excavator to the left; push the right pedal forward to turn the excavator to the right; push both pedals forward at the same time to move the excavator forward; pull both pedals backward at the same time to move the excavator backward. During the walking process, maintain smooth operation, avoid sudden acceleration, deceleration and sharp turns, especially on uneven roads, drive slowly to prevent the equipment from bumping or tipping.
- Rotation operation: Operate the left joystick, push the joystick left or right to control the upper body of the excavator to rotate. The swing operation should be smooth, and avoid sudden acceleration or deceleration. During the swing process, pay attention to the surrounding environment to prevent collision with other objects. When you need to stop the swing, release the joystick, and the swing mechanism will gradually stop under the action of inertia. If emergency braking is required, step on the swing brake pedal.
- Boom, arm and bucket operation: The right joystick controls the bucket and arm, and the left joystick controls the boom. Lift the right joystick upward to retract the bucket; press the right joystick downward to unload the bucket. Pull the right joystick backward to retract the arm; push the right joystick forward to extend the arm. Lift the left joystick upward to raise the boom; press the left joystick downward to lower the boom. When performing these operations, operate the joystick smoothly according to the operation requirements, control the speed and amplitude of the action, and avoid material spillage or equipment damage due to excessive operation. For example, when excavating materials, first lower the boom to make the bucket touch the ground, then operate the dipper arm and bucket to load the materials into the bucket, then lift the boom, turn it back to the unloading location, and operate the bucket to unload.
3.Shutdown operation
After the operation is completed, the machine must be shut down according to the correct steps to protect the equipment. Drive the excavator to a flat and solid site, place the bucket on the ground, and relax the boom, dipper arm and bucket to avoid stress on each component. Reduce the engine speed to idle and let the engine idle for a few minutes to gradually reduce the temperature and pressure of the engine. Turn the key to the “OFF” position, turn off the engine, and then turn off the main power switch. Finally, clean the residual materials in the bucket, check all parts of the equipment for abnormalities, clean the cab, and lock the door.
In short, operating a small excavator requires sufficient preparation and standardized operating procedures, and continuous accumulation of experience and familiarity with the performance and working environment of the equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations. During operation, if you encounter any abnormal situation, you should stop the machine immediately for inspection and continue the operation only after the fault is eliminated.