An excavator is the most versatile and helpful piece of equipment that you can have on a construction or other worksite where you need to accomplish heavy-duty tasks. These machines provide incredible power and mobility, allowing you to perform a variety of functions, whether you’re digging out a foundation or clearing away debris. However, the key to having a well-functioning excavator is to follow proper operational procedures. Being smart about how you use your equipment will ensure that it’s there to help you whenever you need it.

At Burrows Tractor, we know how best to use an excavator to maximize efficiency and minimize damage. That’s why we have created this quick guide to offer you some pointers on how to operate your excavator. If you have any questions, call us or visit one of our dealership locations. You’ll find us in Yakima and Wenatchee, Washington, as well as North Plains, Oregon.

Training

Before anyone uses an excavator, they should receive thorough training. It’s not enough to simply sit through a presentation or read a manual on how a machine work. Hands-on training should be a part of the program, as it will be easier for people to remember the processes if they can walk through the steps. It will also allow an operator to use the machine under the supervision of a trainer so that mistakes can be caught early on and corrected before they become bad habits.

Keep Up with Maintenance

As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. By staying on top of regular preventative maintenance, you can keep your excavator running smoothly for years. Excavators should be checked regularly so that you can catch any performance issues before they become a safety issue. Plus, catching them early also tends to help keep the repair costs low. The owner’s manual will give you a timeline for inspecting your machine’s components, so make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Pre-Use Inspection

Before you begin your workday, look at the excavator’s mirrors to ensure that they’re clean and set properly. The control levers and the hydraulic system should be working properly. It’s much better to uncover a problem during an inspection than in the middle of a project. Remember to inspect the job site and remove any obstacles that could damage the undercarriage, such as rocks, stumps, and construction materials. See if there are any holes, ditches, or inclines you should be aware of while operating the machine.

Drive Safely

When moving the excavator around the job site, select a route that is as flat as possible, and keep the bucket low to the ground to increase visibility. Steer the machine as straight as possible and only make gradual changes in direction, rather than making sharp turns. Focus on keeping the unit as steady as possible.

Stay Aware of the Environment

Odds are that your job site is not going to be free of obstacles or challenges. Be aware of the area so you can easily adjust your driving as needed. If you hit a patch of unpredictable terrain or a congested area, reduce your speed. If you need to travel up a slope, do so vertically instead of diagonally. If you need to go down a slope, the excavator’s bucket bottom should be low and parallel to the ground.

Communication

Projects that involve excavators often involve multiple people. It’s important for team members to stay in good communication with each other, whether it’s with two-way radios, signs, flaggers, or a combination of approaches. When everyone is able to clearly communicate, it makes it easier for everyone to stay safe.

Final Steps

When shutting down the excavator, make sure that it’s parked on a level surface with the bucket attachment lowered to the ground. Turn off the auto-idle switch and run the engine at half throttle without load for a few minutes to help cool down the turbocharger. Set the RPM to low idle before shutting off the engine with the key switch. Last but not least, don’t forget to lock up the cab before you call it a day.

Don’t forget to keep these excavator operation tips in mind the next time you start up your machine for a day of work. For more information on how to operate excavators safely, get in touch with us at Burrows Tractor. Our expert staff is always on hand to answer questions or give advice, so give us a call or visit one of our dealership locations near Kennewick, Ellensburg, and Richland, WA. We welcome all those in Portland, OR.

Source: Burrows Tractor

The post Burrows Tractor explains how best to us an excavator appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.

Whether you’re tackling residential or commercial properties, there are many noteworthy features that make Walker mowers an excellent choice. Keep reading to learn more, and when you are ready to check out our selection of models for sale, get in touch with us at Burrows Tractor. You’ll find us in Yakima and Wenatchee, Washington, as well as North Plains, Oregon.

Lightweight & Sturdy

Walker mowers are equipped with a number of impressive features to deliver an exceptional mowing experience. The compact, lightweight design of each model makes it easy to weave around tight spots on your property. Unlike heavy machines that can damage your lawn, these models are gentle on the grass, which helps you to keep your yard looking healthy and beautiful with each cut.

Comfort

Taking care of your lawn is a tedious task and involves loads of time and effort. The last thing you need is a mower with an uncomfortable seat and controls that are hard to reach. Walker mowers are equipped with an ergonomic seat that takes into consideration the best way to position your body to alleviate unnecessary pressure and strain. Fingertip steering and cruise control combine to create an enjoyable and comfortable riding experience. You’ll glide across the grass, not noticing bumps even at faster speeds.

Precision Cut

Everything about the design of Walker mowers is geared towards delivering an impressive quality cut. The torsion-flex carrier frame facilitates a flexible deck that cuts with precision on uneven surfaces. If you want a fantastic-looking lawn, you’ll simply love the front-mount deck that reduces the impact on turf before it gets cut. This is better for your lawn and leaves a more consistent looking cut behind.

Your Options

Small yards that are half an acre or less in size can often be easily maintained with a walk-behind mower. On the other hand, larger properties that are more than one acre may need something with more power and durability, like a zero-turn lawnmower. It’s easy to find the right Walker mower because there are so many choices available to you. Pick from the collection, side discharge, rear discharge, or mulching decks. You’ll have no problem finding the ideal deck for the cutting width, material capacity, or grass type you need.

Attachments and Implements

Walker lawnmowers can handle more than just trimming the grass. These machines are compatible with the full line of attachments, making them an incredibly versatile option for all your yard maintenance tasks. By opting for an attachment, you may even be able to avoid buying a second piece of equipment.

For example, a snowblower attachment allows you to clear your driveway during winter. Add a dozer blade for grading, or connect a trailer to haul tools and materials around your property. You’ll be able to switch from grass trimming to other tasks without breaking a sweat. You can also boost your mower with upgrades, like high-performance tires, headlights, or even armrests and a cup holder to make your lawn care even more enjoyable!

Source: Burrows Tractor

The post Burrows Tractor presents new Walker Mower appeared first on North America FarmQuip Magazine.