Mini Digger Operation, Inspection and Maintenance
Daily pre-use checks
Complete them every shift, before starting, using the manufacturer's checklist: walk-round for leaks, damaged or chafed hoses, cracked or worn tracks, missing bucket teeth, loose pins and missing guards; fluid levels; track tension; the quick hitch locking pin and retaining device; seat belt; ROPS/FOPS structure free from damage; horn, lights and beacon; fire extinguisher and spill kit. Record defects and report them - never "work around" a defect. Safety-critical faults take the machine out of service.
Leaving and isolating
Lower the bucket and blade to the ground, neutralise the controls, apply the safety lock lever, stop the engine and remove the key. Do the same for refuelling: engine off, no smoking, drip tray and spill kit to hand.
Controls and stability
Standard ISO pattern puts arm and slew on the left joystick, boom and bucket on the right - always confirm the pattern fitted to your machine. Stability governs everything: keep the tracks level, travel up and down slopes in line with the slope with the heavy end uphill, keep the bucket low, and swing the blade downhill as a counterweight. Never dig under your own tracks or slew a raised load over people.
Working near excavations
Keep heavy plant away from trench edges unless the side is battered or supported to a design. Use the rule of thumb: stay back at least 1.5 times the depth of the excavation.
Maintenance
Grease to schedule, check track tension and undercarriage wear, inspect hoses for chafing, keep the cab clean and free of loose items. Add recorded inspections by a competent person, LOLER thorough examination where used for lifting, and manufacturer servicing.
Traps
Using the bucket as a working platform; tracking with the bucket raised; leaving the safety lock lever down when climbing out; assuming a quick hitch is engaged without a visual check.