Excavator Training is essential to the construction industry as excavators are one of the most widely used heavy equipment on job sites. Excavator training is also a core concentration of training among most heavy equipment training certification programs. Proper training will help to insure safe and efficient operations of the vehicle in the field. Proper training will benefit both new and experienced operators of excavators by showing safe, efficient and productive applications along with various techniques to enhance or improve the safe operation of excavators.

An excavator is an extremely versatile engineering vehicle consisting of an articulated arm, bucket and cab. Ranging from the mini to a full blown near 200,000 pounder, excavators are used in many roles such as material handling, digging (trenches, holes, foundations, etc...), demolition, general grading/landscaping, heavy lifting (for example: lifting and placing of pipes), river dredging, mining, and more.

Excavator training begins by identifying the various parts and components of the machine. Maintenance concerns are covered in detail as well as pre-op inspection. Safety standards are also stressed during this phase of training. Safety is key and most fundamental to operating and training of any heavy equipment. Many training programs will cover both OSHA and industry safety standards.

Excavator training includes trench digging, trench servicing and backfilling, loading haul units, and benching and sloping. Training will also cover respective safety concerns during these processes.

Digging trenches is the most common work task expected of excavators. Proper training will cover common trenching procedures. Preparing the trenching job, operating techniques, trench sloping, grade checking, various digging techniques, and productive cycle times are covered when examining trench digging with excavators. Proper trench digging will insure successful utility installation.

Various bedding procedures that are common to utility installation are addressed during this phase of excavator training. Servicing trenches, bedding procedures, backfilling, compaction procedures, and changing/carrying buckets are covered. In addition safety concerns will be addressed.

Loading trucks is also a very common task that an excavator operator will face. Excavator training will properly cover techniques such as preparation of the loading area, positioning the machine, positioning the truck, positioning the material in the truck, excavator setup, efficient tactics, dealing with steep slopes, and damage prevention. Of course, safety concerns will also be addressed.

Benching is a cut and fill process that is fundamental for performing many basic excavator operations. It is used in attaining a proper excavator setup as well as pioneering roads. Topics covered include cut and fill operations, road building, maneuvering the machine, benching Techniques, sloping Techniques, grade checking, and finish grading.
Understanding the fundamental procedures for proper setup, maintenance, use, and safety of the excavator and its operators will ensure successful candidates to enter sites well prepared. The demand for heavy equipment operators, including excavator operators, is on the rise. Operators can make a great living after proper training and certification.