Safety and Maintenance

A veteran operator can hustle a mini-digger around a property and twitch the control joystick without effort to maneuver a 4-in-1 bucket around a constricted work area. On the other hand, a novice operator can pick up these skills fast, but there are unconscious thought processes that may escape his or her attention, safe operating practices that are second nature to the expert. Familiarize the driver of the digger with the operation of the steering controls and the movement characteristics of any accessories. This way, an inexperienced driver can gain confidence regarding turning space and weight distribution. A mini-digger is incredibly stable, but it can tip over if mishandled.

Why not rewind several steps further back and check out the digger before ever climbing into the cabin. If it’s owned by the construction company or by the landscaping organization that’s operating the vehicle, then everyone working on or with the vehicle should have some idea of its condition, but if it’s a rental, who knows how safe the machine is to run? Conduct a check of hoses and mechanical assemblies. Keep a log book on current issues so they can be attended to during the next scheduled service appointment. Shift awareness from the excavator to the area where the work is being carried out. Communicate with project leaders or designated management officials to ensure underground cabling and gas pipes have been marked out on the ground. It’s commendable to want to get straight to work, but not if the ground is unsafe.

Hopefully, the mini-digger comes with a roll-cage to protect the operator in the event of a tip over, but the best practice here is to read the manual. Every digger is different, with manufacturers placing components in unexpected locations on the chassis. Read the manual and get an idea for the gradient the digger can handle, and keep a safe margin of operation. One typically quoted angle of attack for a mini-digger is a 20° slope, but this isn’t a fixed value. The number could vary, and it’s up to the operator to stay aware of varying inclines. Wear a seat belt. Keep the bucket angled downward, especially if it’s fully-loaded. This instruction applies to a bucket and blade that’s attached either to the front or the rear of the digger.

Maintenance issues follow on from safety concerns, in that common sense is the operator’s best friend. Keep the vehicle clean so that problems can be spotted. Treat it like a favourite family car, and conduct weekly checks on fluid levels. Fill radiators and hydraulics reservoirs, and keep water out of the fuel tank. Diesel is the fuel of choice in most mini-diggers. Only fill the tank with a manufacturer approved fuel, and add a fuel conditioner. Remember, water and dirt are the natural enemies of the mini-digger, and mud combines the worst properties of both of these substances.

Follow these guidelines and additional manual instructions, and look forward to many productive years of good service from a mini-digger.

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