Construction Precautions for Using Mini Excavators
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Just as humans can be injured under incorrect lifting operations, mini excavators need to be handled correctly to maintain optimal performance. Although mini excavators may be much more powerful than human legs, their performance and safety depend on careful care of their components. Here are some important tips and considerations to help you ensure that your mini excavator is efficient and safe at work.

Construction Precautions for Using Mini Excavators

Site Investigation

The conditions at the work site have a direct impact on the way operators operate machines, especially when it comes to avoiding potential hazards. Check the work area for factors that may affect the stability of the machine. This includes ensuring that there are no obstacles below the machine that could interfere with movement. These details may seem trivial, but they are crucial to keeping the operation running smoothly.

Topographic Slope

The slope of the terrain is common at many construction sites. Although ideally, the work area should be levelled first, this is often not possible in practice. Mini excavators should avoid driving and working on ramps with steepness of more than 25 degrees. When operating on any ramp, the operator should drive slowly and lift carefully, ensuring that the excavator's blade is always facing downhill and as close to the ground as possible to maintain a low center of gravity. Do not move buckets downhill, and avoid crossing on slopes, which can increase the risk of tipping over.

Capacity of Excavator

Different models of mini excavators have significant differences in lifting capacity. You can consult the elevator diagrams provided by the manufacturer, this information is usually provided in the user manual, and sometimes the machine itself will be affixed with the relevant stickers for reference. Following the recommended range is a simple and effective way to ensure safe operation.

These charts were created based on tests conducted by Oems and are therefore specific to each excavator model. Some excavators may have multiple lift charts that apply to different arm lengths, boom lengths, track plate widths, and counterweight dimensions.

In addition, some lift charts take into account the size and weight of the bucket. If not specified, the operator needs to make his own calculations, as the size and weight of the bucket, connector, and the weight of the object being lifted or moved all affect the total weight at the end of the arm.

Lifting ability varies with lifting height and turning radius. Mainly determined by the following factors:

Hydraulic limit: Determines how much hydraulic power is available for lifting. Lift charts usually have an asterisk next to "hydraulic limited" capacity. According to ISO standards, the maximum allowable value is 87% of the excavator's hydraulic lifting capacity.

Tipping limits: Determine the stability threshold of the machine. Beyond this point, the machine may leave the ground while lifting the load. Capacity without an asterisk is considered "tilting limited" and cannot exceed 75% of the tilting load capacity of the excavator.

Lift point: is the distance between the ground and the load being lifted, can also be the distance between the ground and the bucket pin. To calculate the lifting point height, you need to consider the length of the lifting device, the height of the object being lifted, and the height of the load destination, such as the transport trailer.

In addition, the lifting radius measured from the center line of the swing point needs to be considered. If the load is lifted directly to the side or top of the machine, the lifting radius will be different. Depending on the position in the lifting process, the use of legs or bulldozer blades can also affect the lifting radius.

Once you know the lifting height and radius, you can find the appropriate cell on the lifting chart to see the lifting capacity rating of the excavator under these parameters. If the corresponding cell on the chart is blank, it means that the excavator is not suitable for the job, which may be unsafe.

Move the Load Safely

Sometimes you may need to transport the load of the suspension, not just lift and place it. Additional safety precautions are required in this case:

Ensure that the rated load capacity of the lifting equipment conforms to the actual load weight.
Use a short lifting radius whenever possible and keep the load as close to the ground as the terrain allows.
Before loading the load, align the boom with the forward direction of the excavator, and try to maintain the boom position even when turning for maximum stability. If you need to turn, be as wide and slow as possible.
Use an excavator eye or similar lifting safety device.
Taking extra precautions and applying intelligent lifting methods will help avoid costly damage to mini excavators and potentially dangerous accidents.

Conclusion

By following the above recommendations, you can significantly improve the performance of your mini excavator while ensuring the safety and efficiency of your operation. Whether it is assessing work site conditions, understanding the capabilities of the excavator, or moving the load safely, meticulous preparation and careful operation are essential. Remember, every operation should be based on safety, and the performance limits of the excavator should be accurately understood to avoid potential risks and damage. Through continuous attention and improved operating skills, you will not only increase your efficiency, but also extend the service life of your equipment, laying a solid foundation for the success of your engineering projects.

Safe operation is not only the protection of equipment, but also a responsible attitude towards oneself and the surrounding environment. I hope these tips will help you become more comfortable in your future work and ensure that every upgrade operation is safe and smooth. Wish you excellent results in every engineering project!
 
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Cheryl
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