The Bobcat® compact excavator (also known as mini excavator) operator training course imparts rules and practices for safe operation. It is NOT designed to license or certify operators as skilled or factory authorized operators.

Objectives

After participating in the course, trainees will be able to:

• Identify major components of the compact excavator.
• Explain these operating features of the compact excavator:
  • House Rotation or Slew
  • Independent Boom Swing
  • Track Ground Pressure
  • Blade
  • Auxiliary Hydraulics
• Explain why maintenance is an important factor for safe, efficient and productive operation.
• Identify the controls and their functions, and understand that the excavator will travel in the direction of the blade when the steering controls are pushed away from the operator.
• Identify these safety features and explain their importance:
  • ROPS and Seat Belt
  • House Swing (Slew) Lock
  • Control Console
  • Decals
  • Grab Handles and Safety Threads
• Explain the steps of safe entry, start-up, parking and exiting.
• Know the fundamentals of safe maneuvering, traveling and using the work hydraulics.
• Understand the principles of rated lift capacity when lifting loads with the excavator.

Overview

1. Introduction
   1. Introduce Scope and Content
   2. Purpose of the Course
   3. Discuss Objectives
   4. Using Course Handbook
2. Group Exercise One: Video Presentation
   1. Pictorial Decals
   2. Introduce Video
   3. Video Presentation (Part 1)
   4. Design Features
   5. Safety Features
   6. Resources
3. Group Exercise Two
   1. Component Indentification
   2. Instructor-Led Walk-around/Demonstration
   3. Hands-On Exercise
4. Group Exercise Three: Video Presentation
   1. Introduce the Video
   2. Video Presentation
      1. Daily Checks
      2. Know Your Jobsite
      3. Using Proper Attachment
      4. Controls
      5. Operating Fundamentals
      6. Transporting the Excavator
5. Final Group Exercise
   1. Instructor-Led Walk-around/Demonstration
   2. Daily Checks
   3. Hands on Operations
   4. Review/Discussion
6. Hand Out Completion Certificates