February 17, 2022

(MAKRO Group Press) – While the job as a heavy equipment operator is interesting and every day the employability rate of a professional in the field is growing rapidly, certified operators must be available who are able to efficiently drive these large machines and thus successfully complete the various tasks assigned to them.

Heavy machinery meets the requirement of completing complex jobs at a relatively faster pace, and at a considerable savings in the amount of overhead, which is why, a number of considerations must be taken into account when operating these extraordinary machines, especially backhoes and bulldozers, the most commonly used in construction work.

Here are some of them:

• The machines should never be left alone, if it is an excavator or bulldozer, they can only be left parked as long as the blade, scarifier or shovel is properly supported on the ground.
• The bulldozer for parking must remain at least 3 meters away from the edge of excavations, ditches, wells to avoid the collapse of the ground.
• For the mobilization of backhoes, the stabilizers of the bucket arm and its rotating zone must be activated.
• For wheeled backhoes in trenching work, the stabilizers and bucket should be placed on the ground.
• For crawler backhoes, before starting work on very steep slopes, the condition of the brakes must be checked and work must be done facing the slope.
• The maximum slope of the terrain where bulldozers are used is 30%.
• The bulldozer for parking must remain at least 3 meters away from the edge of excavations, ditches, wells to avoid the collapse of the terrain.
• When the machine is not in use, it must remain turned off, rest the bucket, shovel and bucket on the ground and apply the brake.
• The machine must have preventive and routine maintenance certificates in accordance with the manufacturer’s operation manual.
• To carry out maintenance and repair work, the machine must be turned off by removing the ignition key, with the control, safety and brake controls activated, on firm ground. The machine must be kept away from rotating parts.
• No machine may be modified, as this is contrary to safety.

As we see there are many aspects to consider when handling heavy machinery, it is necessary to have the appropriate training as a certified Heavy Machinery Operator, here in www.grupomakro.org you will find a series of courses to make you the best professional. Join us.

Text: Nathaly Tuaty / Photo: Grupo MAKRO