An excavator uses hydraulic fluid to manipulate a digging assembly and a rotating cab. Operating this machinery requires respect for its power and an understanding of its control mechanisms. This guide demystifies the controls and fundamental operational steps, preparing a beginner to approach the machine with confidence.
Safety First: Pre-Operation Checks and Procedures
Before starting the engine, an inspection of the machine is necessary to ensure safe operation. This begins with a walk-around check of the main body and attachments for visible damage, such as cracks or excessive wear on the boom, arm, and bucket. Operators should also inspect the undercarriage for missing components, loose bolts, or damage to the tracks.
Fluid levels must be checked to prevent mechanical failure, including engine oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid, ensuring each is within the recommended range. Check hydraulic hoses and cylinders for leaks or frayed sections. Before climbing into the cab, confirm the work area is clear of personnel and obstructions. Always maintain three points of contact when entering or exiting the machine to prevent falls.
Understanding the Operator’s Cab and Auxiliary Controls
Once inside the cab, the operator engages controls that govern the machine’s power and stability. The sequence begins with the ignition switch, which powers the machine and allows for a check of the monitor or gauge cluster for warning lights or error codes. This display provides information on engine temperature, fuel level, and oil pressure.
A variable throttle control, often a dial or lever, manages the engine’s RPMs. This directly impacts the flow of hydraulic fluid, controlling the speed and power of the machine’s movements. A hydraulic lockout lever must be engaged after the engine is started; this lever disables the hydraulic functions of the joysticks, preventing accidental movements. The dozer blade, if equipped, is controlled by a separate lever or pedal and is used for leveling the ground and increasing stability during digging.
Mastering the Excavator Control Patterns
Excavators primarily use one of two control patterns, known as ISO and SAE, which determine how joystick movements translate into action from the boom, arm, and bucket. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) pattern is common worldwide, while the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) pattern is often used in North America.
The distinction lies in how the boom and arm functions are split. In the ISO pattern, the left joystick controls the arm and the cab’s swing, while the right joystick manages the boom and the bucket. The SAE pattern swaps these functions: the left joystick controls the boom and swing, and the right controls the arm and bucket. Operators must verify which pattern is active before beginning work, as using the wrong pattern can result in unexpected movements. Many modern excavators feature a switch or valve that allows the operator to toggle between ISO and SAE.
Controls for Movement and Positioning (Tracking)
The movement of the excavator’s tracks, known as tracking, is managed by two independent control levers or foot pedals located on the cab floor. Each control operates one track, allowing for steering by varying the speed and direction of the tracks. Pushing both controls forward causes the machine to travel forward, while pulling both back results in reverse travel.
For intuitive steering, the operator must align the cab so the travel controls are oriented with the drive motors, which are typically located at the rear of the undercarriage. If the drive motors face away from the direction of travel, the controls will be reversed. To turn, the operator pushes one track control slightly further forward than the other, causing the machine to pivot toward the slower track. Turning in place, known as counter-rotation, is achieved by pushing one track forward and simultaneously pulling the other backward, spinning the machine on its center axis.
Controls for Hydraulic Functions (Boom, Arm, Bucket)
The joysticks are the primary interface for manipulating the digging attachment, with each controlling two main hydraulic circuits. Focusing on the ISO pattern, the left joystick manages the arm and the cab’s swing. Pushing the left joystick forward extends the arm away from the cab, and pulling it back retracts the arm.
Moving the left joystick left or right causes the upper structure to swing in that direction. The right joystick controls the boom and the bucket. Pulling the right joystick back raises the boom, while pushing it forward lowers it. Moving the right joystick left curls the bucket inward, and moving it right dumps the bucket outward. Auxiliary hydraulic functions, such as those used for a thumb or hydraulic hammer, are activated by a button or roller switch located on the joysticks.
Basic Operating Techniques: The Full Cycle
The work cycle involves coordinating the boom, arm, bucket, and swing. Before digging, position the machine to maximize stability, often by lowering the dozer blade to the ground as a brace. Digging requires a smooth, simultaneous combination of movements.
A common digging motion involves lowering the boom while extending the arm and curling the bucket inward to scoop material. This compound movement is perfected through “feathering,” the practice of gently modulating the joysticks to achieve smooth motion. Once the bucket is full, the operator raises the boom and swings the upper structure toward the dumping location.
As the cab approaches the dump point, the operator extends the arm and uses the right joystick to curl the bucket outward, releasing the material. The cycle—digging, raising, swinging, and dumping—should flow together without abrupt starts or stops, maximizing efficiency. Returning to the digging face involves reversing the swing and positioning the attachment for the next scoop.
Essential Operational Tips for Beginners
When learning to operate an excavator, keep the engine throttle set to a lower RPM. This slows the hydraulic functions and makes movements more manageable. Maintaining a low center of gravity is important for stability, so avoid over-extending the boom and arm too far from the machine, especially when handling a heavy load.
Keep the boom and arm retracted and centered over the tracks when traveling to prevent tipping on uneven terrain. Beginners should focus on mastering one function at a time before attempting the compound movements required for a full work cycle. Slow, thoughtful control inputs are preferred over rapid, aggressive movements, which can cause damage and reduce productivity.