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Experience Sharing: Non-Professional Use of an Excavator - MikePhua - 06-28-2025
Recently, I started using an excavator for some home projects and would like to share my experience. I am not a professional operator, but this machine has been incredibly helpful for completing tasks around the house. Below are some insights and experiences from a non-professional user, which I hope will be useful to others with similar needs.
Reason for Purchase and Choice
The main reason I purchased the excavator was that I needed to handle some large-scale gardening and foundation work. There were several major projects around the house, such as digging a pond, clearing tree roots, and handling some groundwork. Given the high cost of renting an excavator for these tasks and the fact that I needed the equipment for an extended period, renting was not cost-effective. Therefore, I decided to buy a mini excavator.
After some research, I chose a small, non-professional model that suited my needs. When selecting the machine, I focused on factors like weight, ease of operation, and maintenance requirements. This machine is relatively simple and user-friendly, which makes it ideal for someone like me without a professional background.
Initial Impressions of Use
When I first started using the excavator, I was operating it entirely by intuition, without any formal training. Fortunately, the controls are relatively simple, and the user manual was clear and easy to follow. After reading the manual, I quickly got the hang of basic operations and started with some simple tasks.
The operation of the mini excavator was not difficult for a beginner, especially in open spaces. I adapted to the control levers quickly, and the digging and moving functions became smooth. Since the machine is compact, it’s very maneuverable and can easily access tight areas.
Challenges Encountered and Solutions
Although the operation was straightforward, I faced a few challenges as a non-professional user:
- Soil Types: The excavator performs differently in various types of soil. For instance, sandy and loose soils are easier to dig, while hard-packed soil or areas with many rocks require more time and effort. Initially, I underestimated the difficulty of digging in hard ground, and the machine occasionally struggled.
- Equipment Maintenance: Although the maintenance of the excavator is not complicated, I neglected a few small details. For example, regularly checking oil levels and cleaning filters are crucial for prolonging the life of the equipment. I later learned that timely maintenance can prevent breakdowns and keep the machine running smoothly.
- Operating Skills: As a beginner, I occasionally made mistakes, such as damaging the bucket or not digging precisely. Sometimes, I was too aggressive with the controls, which caused unnecessary vibrations, possibly leading to wear and tear. With practice, I improved my technique and reduced mistakes.
As a non-professional user, using the excavator initially had its challenges, but once I grasped the basic operations, work became much more efficient. The machine has been incredibly helpful for handling various foundation tasks around the house, saving me a lot of labor costs and rental fees. Most importantly, I found that the learning curve wasn’t as steep as I expected. With some practice and proper maintenance, the machine will continue to serve me well for years to come.
If you are like me, a non-professional operator, and need to handle some home projects, a small-scale mini excavator is a great investment. Before purchasing, I recommend doing thorough research and considering your specific needs and budget.