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monarkcatph · 2 years

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Guide to Operating an Excavator Safely

Monark Equipment Corporation is the leading Cat® dealership and heavy equipment supplier in the Philippines. Established in 1962, it continues to be at the forefront of the country’s construction sector, committed to providing excellent and internationally acclaimed brands in heavy machinery and power systems machines for diverse construction projects and industries.

Excavators are one of the most iconic construction heavy equipment in the industry. They can dig or move large pieces of earth and be equipped with a fair amount of attachment.

Operators who have used a Monark CAT excavator know what they can do when used by the right people. That being said, such power also means they have the potential to be hazardous to inexperienced (or inattentive) workers.

Understanding what excavators are and how to operate them safely is paramount to reducing onsite accidents. Here are the top safety procedures operators and nearby workers should be aware of:

Operator safety tips

Only properly trained and licensed operators should be allowed to use an excavator. They must follow the manufacturer's instructions to know how their machines work and what to do if faced with a dilemma concerning its function or mobility.

Training can also curb bad behavior that new operators are bound to make. Under the watchful eye of a trained instructor, trainees should be able to finish the course with the confidence they need to operate an excavator safely.

Additionally, operators should be aware of the importance of machine maintenance. Heavy equipment is powerful in its own right, but they aren't invincible. Doing a daily maintenance check-up on these machines can affect the safety of the operator and those around them.

A quick check-up should consist of the following:

Looking for damaged/worn-out parts

Testing the brakes, headlights, backlights, controls, and the engine

Inspecting the undercarriage for anything out of the ordinary

Checking fluid levels to see if everything is up-to-par

Keeping the machine clean is highly recommended. It serves not just as a show of quality but prevents dirt from accumulating in tiny crevices of the excavator.

Safety tips during the job

The primary key to ensuring safety at the construction site is visibility. Operators should use their side and rearview mirrors to maintain full awareness of their surroundings. Adapting to the challenges of the job is also paramount.

For example, time is of the essence with most construction projects, but if you're working in an area with tons of rocks that require breaking, take your time doing the excavation work. Clear them out or fragment them before scooping them up with the bucket. No matter how tight the deadline is, putting your excavator at risk is rarely a viable option in this industry.

The bucket is no doubt the excavator's best-known feature. However, operators make a considerable effort to ensure that this attachment avoids unwarranted accidents. For example, when an excavator is traversing or parked away, operators will always ensure that the bucket is close to the ground for two reasons: To keep it compact to avoid collisions and to keep its balance consistent for short-distance travels.

Additionally, it's also crucial for operators to only use their excavator on level ground to avoid traversal complications. This goes for parking the excavator— keep them parked in a safe, level area with the bucket lowered.

Final reminders

Excavators are hardly complicated to comprehend, but there are still many things operators do to ensure that they won’t put them in a bad situation. As such, if you’re just starting out with becoming an excavator operator, always remember these five safety reminders:

Maintenance is king.

Plan your route before heading out.

Ensure visibility before moving out.

Anything out of the ordinary should be checked out as soon as possible.

Refer to the operator’s manual for inquiries to which you need an answer.

Even well-trusted Caterpillar Heavy Equipment can falter if used by indifferent, careless operators. But if you follow everything mentioned to a tee, you’d have done everything experienced operators do when using these powerful machines.

Safety should always be everyone’s priority in the industry. If you know how to handle an excavator, you and your trusty machine can finish work without a hitch come the end of your shift!

#caterpillar heavy equipment #Excavators #Monark CAT excavator #Monark Equipment Corporation

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monarkcatph · 2 years

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Tips for Moving your Heavy Equipment

Despite their powerful capabilities, moving Caterpillar heavy equipment from one place to another requires lots of preparation and planning. Some contractors make light of this situation, but don't be fooled! There's a lot that goes into transporting such delicate machinery.

If you're new to the industry and you're looking to transfer your heavy equipment someplace else, here are a couple of things you need to consider:

Assess required vehicles and cost of transport

With heavy equipment comes the heavy burden of managing their transportation. It would be best if you had suitable transport vehicles. A flatbed truck should do the trick if you're going from one city to the next.

For long-distance travel, consider using air or sea transport as well. It will cost more, but when it comes to cumbersome machines like these, it's better if they get to their destination faster. After all, some heavy equipment like excavators and cranes have attachments that can complicate situations on the road.

Do keep in mind that it’s not wise to overload your trucks. Play it safe and ask an equipment transport service expert how to proceed if you’re transporting more than three machines on a tight budget.

Make a schedule you can follow

Planning your equipment’s transfer based on current traffic + weather conditions is highly recommended. Many things beyond your control can affect transport time, even with a set route. Remember to check the day’s weather report and to use social media and map apps for instant updates on congestion and other related obstacles.

Take your time with loading

Shortcuts with machine transport can lead to severe accidents and other related dilemmas. Use the appropriate tools for on-loading and off-loading your heavy equipment.

Skates and forklifts are usually the go-to of contractors. They work alongside reliable operators experienced with vehicle loading.

Take the time to load your machine. Getting delayed for a few hours is better than a truck tipping or equipment unfastening during the trip.

Hire the right people

As mentioned before, paying extra for professionals you can rely on for loading, driving, and any tasks in between can save you a lot of stress in the long run. Peace of mind can go a long way if you prioritize safety over convenience.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for more heavy equipment to rent or own, we have just the thing for you!

In need of reliable heavy equipment in the Philippines?

Monark CAT provides a wide variety of Caterpillar heavy equipment for ownership and rental reasons. We also offer consultation services to help you decide on your business. Whether you’re handling a firm looking to make a name for itself or a seasoned owner looking to expand, we’ll be here to help you!

Make a call today!

#monark-cat #heavy equipment #heavy equipment philippines

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