In the field of engineering construction, excavators are a vital piece of mechanical equipment. Correctly driving and operating excavators can not only improve work efficiency, but also ensure construction safety. The following is a detailed guide to driving and operating excavators, and it also involves the important role of second-hand dealers.
I. Preparation before operation
1. Check the equipment
- For newly purchased excavators, carefully check their appearance before operation to see if there is any damage caused during transportation. At the same time, check whether key parts such as hydraulic lines, fuel lines, cooling systems, etc. are firmly connected and leak-free. For second-hand excavators, buyers should pay special attention to inspection. Second-hand dealers usually conduct comprehensive inspections and evaluations on the second-hand excavators they have acquired to ensure that their various performance indicators meet the requirements. When purchasing a second-hand excavator, you can ask the dealer for a detailed equipment inspection report to understand the historical use and maintenance records of the equipment.
- Carefully check the wear and tightness of the tracks and tires. New equipment generally undergoes strict quality inspections when leaving the factory, but second-hand excavators may have varying degrees of wear. Second-hand dealers will make necessary repairs or replacements according to the condition of the tracks and tires to ensure the walking performance of the equipment.
- Check the engine oil level, coolant level, fuel level, etc. to ensure that all systems are in normal working condition. If the excavator is purchased from a second-hand dealer, the dealer will usually check and adjust these levels before delivery to ensure that the equipment can start and run normally.
- Check whether the control components such as the operating handle, pedal, and instrument are flexible and accurate. Second-hand dealers will also test and debug these control components to ensure their good operating performance.

2. Familiar with the operating environment
- Before operation, understand the terrain, landforms, obstacles, etc. of the construction site and make a reasonable operation plan. Whether it is new or second-hand equipment, operation planning needs to be based on the actual environment. Second-hand dealers can provide buyers with some suggestions and experience sharing on operating excavators in different environments.
- Pay attention to the surrounding personnel, equipment and buildings to ensure that there is no danger to others during operation. When purchasing a second-hand excavator, you can ask the dealer about the safety performance and precautions of the equipment for better safe operation.
- Check the stability of the work area and avoid operating the excavator on soft, inclined or unstable ground. Second-hand dealers may reinforce or adjust the chassis of some used excavators to improve their stability in different terrains.
II. Key points for safe operation
1. Get on and off the vehicle correctly
- When getting on and off the excavator, use the handrails and pedals to avoid jumping or climbing. Whether it is new or second-hand equipment, you must develop good habits of getting on and off the vehicle to ensure your own safety. Second-hand dealers can emphasize the importance of getting on and off the vehicle correctly to buyers when delivering equipment.
- Make sure the cab door is closed and locked to prevent accidental opening during operation. For second-hand excavators, there may be problems such as loose door latches. Second-hand dealers will inspect and repair them before delivery to ensure the safety of the cab door.

2. Start and shut down
- Start the excavator according to the correct startup procedure. First check whether each control switch is in the off state, then insert the key and turn it to the start position. New equipment generally has a detailed operating manual to guide the startup process, and second-hand dealers will also introduce the startup method and precautions to users who purchase second-hand excavators.
- After starting the engine, let it preheat for a while and check whether the instrument display is normal. The engine of the second-hand excavator may have some aging problems. During the preheating process, it is necessary to observe the instrument indication more carefully and deal with any abnormalities in time. Second-hand dealers can provide some tips on engine preheating and instrument inspection.
- When shutting down, first reduce the engine speed to a low speed, and then turn off the engine switch. The correct shutdown method can extend the service life of the engine, and second-hand dealers will also remind users to pay attention to the shutdown operation.
3. Operation control
- Familiar with the functions of the operating handle and pedal, and master the control methods of the excavator's forward, backward, steering, digging, lifting and other actions. The operation control of new equipment is usually more sensitive, and second-hand excavators may take some time to adapt to their operating feel. Second-hand dealers can provide users with operation training and guidance to help them become familiar with the operation of second-hand excavators more quickly.
- During operation, keep the movement smooth and accurate, and avoid sudden acceleration, deceleration or sharp turns. For second-hand excavators, since there may be some wear on the components, it is more necessary to pay attention to the stability of the operation to reduce damage to the equipment.
- Pay attention to the pressure and temperature of the hydraulic system and avoid overload operation. The hydraulic system of a used excavator may need closer attention, and second-hand dealers can provide some suggestions on hydraulic system maintenance and troubleshooting.
4. Excavation operation
- Before excavation, determine the depth and range of excavation to avoid over-excavation. Whether it is new or second-hand equipment, reasonable excavation planning should be carried out according to the requirements of the project. Second-hand dealers can provide users with suggestions for excavation operations based on the performance characteristics of the equipment.
- Use the correct excavation method, such as layered excavation, segmented excavation, etc. to improve excavation efficiency. For different models of excavators, the applicable excavation method may be different. Second-hand dealers can introduce excavation methods suitable for second-hand excavators according to the specific needs of users.
- Pay attention to stability during excavation to avoid tilting or overturning of the excavator. The stability of a second-hand excavator may be affected by equipment wear and the use environment, and users should be more careful when operating. Second-hand dealers can provide some methods and tips on improving the stability of the excavator.
5. Loading and unloading
- When loading, cooperate well with the transport vehicle to ensure that the materials are loaded into the vehicle accurately. Both new and second-hand equipment need to pay attention to the coordination with other equipment during loading operations. Second-hand dealers can provide users with some precautions and tips for loading operations.
- When unloading, lift the bucket slowly to avoid material scattering. For second-hand excavators, the lifting speed of the bucket may vary, and users need to adjust it according to actual conditions.
6. Safety precautions
- Operators must wear personal protective equipment such as safety helmets and safety shoes. Whether operating new or second-hand equipment, safety is always the first priority. Second-hand dealers can remind users to purchase and properly use personal protective equipment.
- It is strictly forbidden to answer calls, smoke or engage in other distracting behaviors during operation. The operation of second-hand excavators may require more concentration, and users must strictly abide by safety regulations.
- Avoid operating excavators in severe weather conditions, such as heavy rain, strong winds, thunder and lightning. In severe weather, second-hand excavators may be more prone to failures, and users should arrange operations reasonably according to weather conditions.
- Regularly maintain the excavator to ensure the safety performance of the equipment. Second-hand dealers can provide users with some advice and services on the maintenance of second-hand excavators to extend the service life of the equipment.
III. Post-operation arrangement
1. Cleaning equipment
- After the operation, clean the appearance of the excavator and remove dirt, dust and other debris. Whether it is new or second-hand equipment, keeping it clean will help extend the service life of the equipment. Second-hand dealers can provide some methods and suggestions for cleaning equipment.
- Clean the interior of the cab to maintain a clean and comfortable working environment. For second-hand excavators, the cab may need to be cleaned more carefully to remove stains and odors left by the previous user.

2. Check the equipment
- Check the various parts of the excavator again to see if there are any abnormalities. Timely inspection after operation can reveal some potential problems, which is especially important for second-hand excavators. Second-hand dealers can remind users to conduct post-operation inspections and provide some key points and methods for inspection.
- Check the level of fuel, hydraulic oil and other fluids, and replenish them in time if necessary. The fluid level of a second-hand excavator may drop faster due to aging or leakage of the equipment, and users should check and replenish them regularly.
3. Parking the equipment
- Park the excavator on a flat, solid surface, lower the bucket, and turn off the engine. Properly parking the equipment can prevent damage to the equipment and accidents. Second-hand dealers can provide users with advice and precautions on equipment parking.
- Remove the key and lock the cab door to ensure the safety of the equipment. For second-hand excavators, safe parking is even more important to prevent the equipment from being stolen or damaged.
In short, the correct driving and operation of the excavator requires strict compliance with operating procedures, attention to safety details, and continuous improvement of operating skills. Second-hand dealers also play an important role in this process. They can provide users with services and suggestions in equipment testing, operation training, maintenance, etc. to help users better use the excavator. Whether it is new or second-hand equipment, safety must be the premise to complete various engineering tasks efficiently.