How to Start a Mini Excavator

A mini excavator is a powerful machine used to remove dirt and debris from construction sites. Operating this heavy machinery requires proper training and a state-issued operator license. To begin, it is important to understand the controls. You must become familiar with how the joysticks control the cab, boom, stick, and bucket. Additionally, you will need to learn how to operate the excavator using the foot pedals. Once you have mastered these controls, you can then combine all of these motions to successfully complete your first dig. It is crucial to operate an excavator with caution and precision to ensure safety and efficiency on the construction site.

1. Determine if the machine is in an ISO or SAE control pattern. These are the two standard control patterns for excavators. The difference between the two is that in ISO, the left hand controls the swing and boom and the right hand controls the stick and bucket motions. SAE reverses this pattern, so if you’ve been trained on one, switching to the other is difficult. Most newer excavators have a display in the cab that tells you which control pattern the machine is in. Confirm the pattern before you start using the machine.

   If you are new to mini excavators, learn in ISO pattern. This is more common among the mini excavators and easier to learn.

2. Climb into the cab and adjust your seat position to ensure comfort and safety. The excavator seats can slide back and forth to accommodate people of different heights, so make sure to check the position before sitting down. Ensure that your feet can reach the pedals and that you can comfortably grab all the handles. If necessary, pull the lever and adjust the seat accordingly. Don't forget to fasten your seatbelt for safety. If you'll be operating the excavator with the door closed, make sure to shut and lock it to keep debris out and maintain communication with other workers. It's important to prioritize safety and comfort while operating heavy machinery.

3. Once you've turned the key and let the machine idle to warm up, climb into the cab and look to your right. Near the right armrest, you will find a key and a knob with different positions. Make sure that the knob is set to “i” for idle, then turn the key to start up the engine. Let the machine run in idle for 5-10 minutes before operating it to warm up. If the weather is cold, run the hydraulic controls through a few cycles before doing any digging.

Sometimes, as the weather could be cold, when starting the machine, you may encounter some problems starting it. When the machine fails to start due to the cold weather, pls follow the following steps.

i) Pls ensure that there is diesel in the diesel tank of the machine.

ii) Do priming of the glow plug.

A) Insert the key into the engine starter, turn it anti-clockwise to 9 o clock for 5 seconds and then turn it to 12 o clock. After that turn it to 6 o’clock to start the engine.

B) If engine fails to start, turn the key anti clockwise to the 9 o’clock position for 10 seconds, then turn it to 12 o’clock. After that turn it to the 6 o’clock to start the engine.

C) If it fails to start, repeat step B for one more time.

3. If engine fails to start, please charge the battery connecting the charging cables to the machine battery. After that, you can try Step ii again . The engine should start this time round.