Mini excavators can be used in all sorts of situations. From digging holes in hard-to-reach places to demolition jobs, repair work, and even being turned into a snowplow.
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But when should you use a mini excavator? How do you use a mini excavator? And what do you need to do to maintain a mini excavator? In this post, we will outline the answers to these questions and more.
When to use a mini excavator
Here, we outline 4 jobs when a mini excavator might be just what you need:
- For improved access
Mini excavators are great for digging holes in areas that are hard to reach. Indeed, a classic reason for using a mini excavator is when you need mechanical assistance to dig a hole somewhere most construction machinery can’t reach. If you have a big job on in a tight space, then a mini excavator could well be what you need.
- For demolition purposes
As well as being great for digging holes in places large machines would struggle to reach. Mini excavators are also great at knocking things down in places heavier machinery won’t get to. A time-consuming manual demolition job can be dramatically reduced with a mini excavator.
- To level the land
Whether you are installing a hot tub, a pop-up swimming pool, or a shed. A mini excavator is a quick and efficient way to turn a lumpy or hilly piece of land into a smooth foundation. Being smaller than other construction vehicles, they are perfect for slipping through narrow paths to back gardens. Don’t do the backbreaking work yourself, rent or buy a mini-excavator instead.
- On a snow day
Surprisingly, mini excavators can also make an excellent DIY snowplow. Indeed, it is possible to buy specially made attachments designed for use on a mini excavator. Their excellent handling means they maneuver around tricky surfaces even in tough conditions. And they will have your drive or roadway cleared in no time.
- For its affordability
Mini excavators are more affordable than larger machines, whilst offering similar capabilities. Indeed, it is well worth checking whether a mini excavator has the capacity for the task at hand if you are on a tight budget.
How to use a mini excavator
When it comes to operating heavy-duty machines, a small accident can prove fatal. That means safety has to be the first thing you consider when operating a mini excavator. As such, although you don’t need a license to operate a mini excavator, it is a good idea to undertake specialist training if possible. You should also always take careful note of the instruction manual before taking the wheel.
Prior to use, it should ideally be tested on a level surface so that the operator has a chance to get used to the specific quirks of a given machine.
How to maintain mini excavators
When you have made an investment in a mini excavator, it is important to take good care of it. This will ensure it remains safe to use and leads a long and healthy life. As well as topping up your oil and replacing filters regularly. You’ll also need to check longer-lasting components like your final drive motor regularly, as without this your hydraulics won’t work. However, these sorts of components are relatively cheap and easy to fix and replace.
As we have seen, a mini excavator is great for digging holes in places you can’t usually reach with heavy-duty machines. However, they can also be useful in a whole range of other settings. In this post, we outlined when and how to use a mini excavator and how to keep it well maintained throughout its life.
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