1. Pre - Operation Checks

• •​​General Inspection​​
• •Walk around the excavator to conduct a visual inspection. Check for any obvious damage to the body, such as cracks on the cab, boom, arm, and bucket. Ensure there are no loose or missing bolts and nuts on the structural components.
• •Inspect the tires for proper inflation, wear, and any signs of cuts, bulges, or embedded objects. Uneven tire wear or low tire pressure can affect the stability and mobility of the excavator.
• •​​Fluid Level Checks​​
• •Open the engine hood and check the engine oil level. The oil level should be within the normal range indicated on the dipstick. Low engine oil can cause engine damage due to insufficient lubrication.
• •Check the coolant level in the coolant reservoir. The coolant is essential for maintaining the engine's operating temperature. Ensure the coolant level is between the minimum and maximum marks.
• •Inspect the hydraulic fluid level in the hydraulic tank. The hydraulic fluid is crucial for the operation of the hydraulic system, which powers the excavator's various functions. The fluid level should be at the specified level.
• •​​Battery and Electrical System​​
• •Check the battery terminals for corrosion and ensure they are tightly connected. A loose or corroded battery terminal can cause electrical problems and prevent the engine from starting.
• • Test the headlights, taillights, turn signals, and other electrical components to ensure they are functioning properly.

2. Starting the Excavator

• • ​​Pre - Start Preparation​​
• • Sit in the operator's seat, fasten the seat belt, and adjust the seat and mirrors for a clear view of the work area.
• • Move the throttle control, hydraulic control levers, and other operating controls to their neutral or initial positions.
• • ​​Starting the Engine​​
• • Insert the key into the ignition switch and turn it to the "ON" position. Check the instrument panel for any warning lights. If any warning lights are illuminated, investigate and resolve the issue before starting the engine.
• • Turn the key to the "START" position to start the engine. Allow the engine to warm up for a few minutes before operating the excavator. During the warm - up period, monitor the engine's operation, including the engine speed, temperature, and oil pressure.

3. Operating the Excavator

• • ​​Basic Movements​​
• • ​​Travel​​: Use the travel pedals or joystick (depending on the excavator model) to move the excavator forward, backward, left, or right. When traveling on uneven terrain, drive slowly and carefully to maintain stability.
• • ​​Boom, Arm, and Bucket Operations​​: Use the hydraulic control levers to control the movement of the boom (up and down), arm (in and out), and bucket (digging, dumping, and curling). Coordinate the movements of these components smoothly to perform various excavation tasks.
• • ​​Swing​​: Use the swing control lever to rotate the upper structure of the excavator (including the cab, boom, arm, and bucket) left or right. Be aware of the surrounding environment when swinging to avoid collisions.
• • ​​Digging and Loading Operations​​
• • ​​Digging​​: Position the excavator near the digging area, lower the boom and arm, and insert the bucket into the soil or material. Use the boom and arm controls to lift the bucket filled with soil or material out of the digging area.
• • ​​Loading​​: Move the excavator to the loading location, such as a truck or a dump site. Position the bucket over the target area and dump the soil or material by operating the bucket control lever.

4. Safety Precautions During Operation

• • ​​Personal Safety​​
• • Always wear a seat belt while operating the excavator. This can prevent the operator from being thrown out of the cab in case of an accident.
• • Do not allow unauthorized personnel to enter the work area around the excavator.
• • ​​Work Area Safety​​
• • Before starting work, inspect the work area for any hazards, such as overhead power lines, unstable slopes, or underground utilities. Take appropriate precautions to avoid accidents.
• • Keep the work area clean and free of debris to prevent tripping hazards and ensure the safe movement of the excavator.
• • ​​Load and Stability​​
• • Do not overload the bucket or the excavator. Exceeding the rated load capacity can cause the excavator to lose stability and tip over.
• • When working on slopes, operate the excavator slowly and carefully, and avoid sudden movements. Keep the excavator's center of gravity as stable as possible.

5. Post - Operation Procedures

• • ​​Stopping the Excavator​​
• • After completing the work, lower the boom, arm, and bucket to the ground. Move the travel pedals or joystick to stop the excavator's movement.
• • Turn the engine off by turning the ignition key to the "OFF" position.
• • ​​Post - Operation Inspection​​
• • Conduct a post - operation inspection similar to the pre - operation inspection. Check for any new damage, leaks, or abnormal wear on the excavator.
• • Clean the excavator to remove dirt, mud, and debris. This helps to prevent corrosion and extend the lifespan of the machine.
• • Record any issues or abnormalities found during the operation and inspection in the equipment logbook for future reference and maintenance.