180° Excavator

Course Description

Becoming proficient in operating a 180° excavator is an essential and valued skill for any contract, large or small. This course will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely, protecting both yourself and those around you. Three certificate options are available depending on your needs: below five tonnes, above five tonnes, and excavators used as cranes. The amount of instruction required will depend on your previous experience and sessions will be adapted accordingly. Learning outcomes include: describing the key requirements of health, safety and environmental legislation; interpreting and complying with drawings, specifications, schedules, risk assessments and manufacturers' operator manuals; identifying hazards associated with excavator operations and putting appropriate control measures in place; identifying and explaining the purpose of machine components and operator controls; conducting all operational and pre-start checks; preparing the excavator for site and highway travel; driving safely over varying types of terrain; operating safely in restricted spaces; preparing the backhoe and bucket to excavate; attaching and removing different types of buckets and ancillaries safely; selecting appropriate backhoe and loader techniques to perform essential tasks; operating the excavator to excavate ground and loose materials to given work instructions; performing excavation activities in a variety of soil types; placing spoil into transporting vehicles safely; grading, spreading and levelling different types of material; demonstrating how to lift basic suspended loads with the backhoe in set configurations; shutting down and securing the machine; and describing procedures for loading and unloading when transported on a trailer. Course sessions cover: plant safety and the law; machine knowledge and preparation for work; travelling and manoeuvring the machine; machine operation; excavators used as cranes (optional module); theory assessment; and practical assessment. On successful completion you will be awarded a Lantra Awards certificate of competence and a Lantra skills ID card for your chosen certificate option.