Who is the course for?

Anyone who uses or will be using a 180° excavator (below or above 5 tonnes) in the land-based industries or construction industry.

Duration/Format

Novice operators – 10 days.
Experienced operators – duration varies depending on experience.

NVQ/SVQ Linkage

Supports learning towards NVQ/SVQ unit ‘Transport Mechanically’ found in most of the agriculture and commercial horticulture awards at level 1.

Instructor/Trainee Ratio

1 instructor : 2 machines : 4 trainees or
1 instructor : 1 machine : 2 trainees 

Course Content

• Identify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges
• Identify and comply with manufacturers instructions in accordance with the operator's handbook, other information sources and applicable legislation
• Carry out all pre-use and running checks
• Set the excavator for site and road travel
• Travel over varying types of terrain, including rough undulating ground and substantial inclines
• Manoeuvre in confined areas using forward and reverse direction
• Set the machine to excavate
• Excavate below ground level on a variety of excavations in different ground types
• Place spoil into various sizes of vehicles / hoppers
• Grade, spread and level differing types of materials (excavators over 5 tonnes - using a multi-purpose front bucket)
• Remove and re-attach buckets
• Place the excavator in an out-of-service condition
• Explain the loading and unloading procedures on and off a transporter

Facilities/Equipment Required

• Overalls, protective clothing and boots
• PPE (eye, head, foot and hand protection)
• Overalls
• Wellington boots
• Wet weather clothing
• High visibility jacket
• Notebook and pencil