180° Excavator below/above 5 tonnes

Course objectives

• Identify the basic construction and components, and the purpose and use of all controls and gauges.
• Identify and comply with manufacturers instructions in accordance with the operator’s handbook, other information sources and applicable legislation.
• Carry out all pre-use and running checks.
• Set the excavator for site and road travel.
• Travel over varying types of terrain, including rough undulating ground and substantial inclines.
• Manoeuvre in confined areas using forward and reverse direction.
• Set the machine to excavate.
• Excavate below ground level on a variety of excavations in different ground types.
• Place spoil into various sizes of vehicles / hoppers.
• Grade, spread and level differing types of materials (excavators over 5 tonnes - using a multi-purpose front bucket).
• Remove and re-attach buckets
• Place the excavator in an out-of-service condition.

• Explain the loading and unloading procedures on and off a transporter.

Who are the courses for?

Anyone who uses or will be using a 180° excavator (below or above 5 tonnes) in the land-based industries or construction industry.

Duration/format

Experienced operators – varying depending on experience

trainee ratio

1 instructor : 1 machine : 2 trainees

Equipment for land-based course and test

• 180 excavator of the correct weight category complying with all safety regulations, a selection of buckets including 12", 24", 36" and a ditching bucket for the duration of the course
• Suitable safe area of hard flat surface, minimum area half hectare (1 acre), enough for trainees to operate the machine over a number of days, free from overhead obstructions, at least 20 metres from overhead power lines. Written permission from the employer/landowner must be provided stating that the training area is able to be used for the purposes intended and is free from all underground services.

• Supplementary vehicle for loading eg suitably sized tractor and trailer, dumper, dump truck or lorry

NB trainees cannot be trained/assessed for operating the supplementary vehicle during the 180 excavator course

• Guidance poles for trench cutting
• Barriers/barrier tapes, signs etc
• Travellers, boning rods
• Suitable material for marking trenches etc sand, lime, or marker spray
• Operator instruction book for all machinery and attachments
• First Aid equipment complying with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Reg 1981
• Fire extinguisher

Trainee

• Operator instruction book for all machinery and attachments
• Overalls and wet weather clothing
• High visibility jacket
• PPE (eye, head, foot and hand protection)
• Notebook and pencil

Venue

• Dry clean building with room for all machinery to be worked on
• Light and heating if necessary
• Seating and tables for trainees

• Suitable area of land to operate (see above)

Course materials

• Skills guide
• Land-based/CPCS theory test question paper
• Land-based/CPCS operator assessment form