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Whether for general earthmoving, landscaping or as part of a large construction project, an excavator is a helpful piece of machinery. We have a wide variety of excavators at Hirepool, including mini excavators or larger diggers. Sure safety is important with any hired equipment. But, it needs to be especially top of mind regarding large equipment like excavators. To keep safety top of mind, it’s vital to carry out pre and post-operational checks every day that you’ve hired this eartchmoving machinery.
We’ve broken down an easy-to-follow step-by-step guide for both before and after using an excavator. Of course, you’ll receive the manufacturer's instructions for use and our general safety guidelines whenever you hire equipment like an excavator. However, this guide and video breaks down safety checks visually to make them as easy as possible. It’s well worth giving the video a watch in the first instance.
Before we get into it, it’s essential to read this safety disclaimer. At Hirepool, we are not the experts in excavator usage and regulations. However, we have followed the safety regulations provided by the manufacturer's specific manuals for each excavator or digger we hire. Worksafe has further information regarding excavator regulations and health and safety requirements for use on the worksite. Otherwise, it could be worth considering heading to the NZQA website to find the relevant excavator-related unit standard.
Although all mini diggers for hire and excavators for hire with Hirepool are regularly serviced, it’s still important to carry out daily pre and post-operational checks. This way, you’ll be sure that the excavator will be safe to use and fully functional before use.
As well as the more in-depth excavator ore and post-operational checks that we’re about to explore, it’s also recommended to read the instructions for use that come with your hire equipment. These instructions will come with your contract, or you can scan the QR code that’s located on the green tag on your excavator.
When using earthmoving machinery like an excavator, you must wear the correct PPE (personal protective equipment). Safety items you will need include:
A lot of this safety equipment can be purchased with us at Hirepool. You can view our range of consumables conveniently online or at your local Hirepool branch.
At Hirepool, we have a wide variety of mini diggers for hire, mini excavators for hire and larger excavators available. This selection of earthmoving machinery makes it easy for you to tackle any sized job. We break our fleet into specialised and non-specialised gear.
Our specialised excavators may require a certain license or at least specialised instructions to operate. If you’re considering hiring specialist gear, it’s always best to get on the blower with your local Hirepool team first to see what’s required. Our range of specialised excavators includes:
Our fleet of regular excavators don’t require a special license to operate, but we will still give you a safety rundown before you leave Hirepool. Given their often smaller size, these excavators and diggers are easier to operate. However, keeping safety top of mind is still vital, including carrying out the pre and post-operational checks mentioned in the guide. Our selection of regular excavators at Hirepool includes:
As part of your pre-operational check, the first step is to walk around the excavator. You’ll need to look out for any leaks or loose covers along the way.
The second step is to do a basic engine check. To do this, open the engine compartment to check the dipstick and coolant levels. Just like with your car at home or work ute, your engine needs to be in good nick to perform.
The third step is to get into the excavator or digger cab. Once you’re safely seated, start the engine for a warm-up. While you’re at it, check the dashboard in your excavator for any fault lights.
The fourth step for your pre-operational check is to test all of the controls in your excavator. You’ll want to ensure controls are functioning correctly while keeping an eye on your surroundings.
The fifth and final step before you get to work, whether you’re using a mini excavator or a larger model, is to check all of the greasing points. Each excavator at Hirepool will come with a sticker that displays a greasing schedule. This sticker will tell you where each grease point is located on the machine.
Each excavator for equipment hire at Hirepool is equipped with a grease gun. This grease gun will typically be found in the cab or the excavator's back cabinet. Grease points on the machine need to be appropriately lubricated about every eight hours of use. To grease the points on the excavator, keep a rag handy. This rag will help you to clear excess or existing grease. It’s a good idea to start the greasing process at your machine’s bucket. Pump the grease into the grease point until you start to see a small amount flowing around the hole. Then, take your grease gun and move around the machine, clearing and filling as you go. Now, you’re ready to work!
Top tip: If you run out of grease, contact your local Hirpeool branch. They’ll sort you out with additional grease to use.
First up, you’ll need to make sure that your excavator or digger’s bucket, blade or attachment is down. This is so that your excavator bucket, blade or attachment is not a hazard to those walking around it on the work site.
Then, for the second and final step, complete a walk-around similar to your pre-operational check as part of your post-operational excavator check. Once again, have a good look for any leaks, loose covers or any possible damage. Now, you’re good to put your feet up after a long day's hard yakka!
If any faults are found on your excavator or digger, reach out to your local Hirepool branch or rep. They will help you repair the fault or damage as quickly as possible.
When it comes to a versatile piece of earthmoving machinery, it’s hard to look past an excavator or digger. As we’ve covered, Hirepool has a wide variety of earthmoving equipment to hire, from mini excavators to larger specialised equipment. No matter which option you choose, it’s vital that you carry out pre and post-operational checks to ensure your equipment hire works optimally and safely every day.
If you have further questions about anything mentioned in the guide today, feel free to reach out to the friendly team at your local Hirepool branch. For more helpful advice for tradies, head over to our Hirepool Trade Hub. It’s loaded with handy advice to help you get jobs done the smart way. For a more comprehensive look into everything to do with excavators, read our advanced gear guide on excavators.
