Operate a excavator

DESCRIPTION

Unit Standard (SAQA Reg. No 262744)

An excavator is a large, versatile diesel-powered construction machine made for digging out earth with its bucket to create trenches, holes and foundations. .The operator sits inside a small cab attached to the base and controls the arm. The main purpose of an excavator is to excavate soil of all different types. Then with the use of the hydraulic system forcefully pull the soil towards the machine using the bucket, essentially moving the soil (earthmoving) to a close by area on site or onto a truck for removal.

This course will assist the learner operator in becoming a fully qualified Excavator operator who has the knowledge, skills and experience to operate an Excavator in a safe and professional manner.

Successful learner of this standard will be able to:

Demonstrating knowledge of the functions of a excavator.
Planning for work activities and prepare work area.
Starting and shutting down excavator.
Operating excavator.
Transporting excavator to and from sit.

COURSE DURATION:

5 Days Novice
1 Day Re-certification

NQF LEVEL: 2

CREDITS: 15

Quality Assured Partner: Construction Education And Training Authority

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Category: CETA Courses

Detailed Information

Description

The qualifying learner will be able to operate an excavator by understanding the functions of starting, shutting down and operating procedures for the machine. Learners who master the applied competence described in this course will contribute to the development of a professional community of Construction Plant operators. The area of focus of this course will be;

Module 1

Demonstrate knowledge of the Functions of an Excavator

Parts & Functions Explained

Radiator & Oil cooler.
Valve partition hood.
Swing control valve.
Cab.
Instrument / Control panel.
Fuel Tank.
Hydraulic swivel.
Upper rollers.
Pads.
Links.
Idler wheels.
Lower rollers.
Chain guides.
Drive sprockets / Travel reduction gears.
Undercarriage.
Turntable bearing.
Upperstructure frame.
Operator’s compartment.
Attachment control valve.
Valve partition.
Hydraulic reservoir.
Hydraulic filters.
Hydraulic pump.
Air filter.
Counterweight.
Engine.
Engine hood.

Controls & Instruments Overview Explained

Safety lever – servo control
Arm rests
Right joystick
Left joystick
Pedal for left travel gear
Pedal for right travel gear
Attachment control
Heater vent
blank
Horn
Upper carriage lock
Control panel
Ignition key
Engine speed control
Engine shut off lever
Cigarette lighter
Radio
Heater
Ashtray
Electrical/fuse box
Buzzer
Swing brake control
Frequency commutation for hydraulic hammer
Limiter circuit for industrial attachment
Pressure commutation
Key switch – Quick disconnect
Safety operation switch

Instrument Panel Overview

Module 2

.Excavator Safety

Destined Use
General Safety Information
Crushing & Burn Prevention
Fire & Explosion Prevention
Machine Start-Up Safety
Engine Start-Up and operating Safety
Machine Operating Safety
Machine Transporting Safety
Machine Parking Safety
Machine Towing Safety

Bail Out Procedure

Module 3

Start and Shut Down Excavator

Daily Checks
Pre-Start Checks
Start-Up Checks
Daily Pre-Start Checklist

Shutting Down the Excavator

Excavator Closedown Procedure
Logbooks & Other Checklists

Module 4

Principles of Operations

Centre of Gravity
Side Loading (Dragging)

Mechanical Appreciation – Engine

Hydraulic System
Leverage & Stability
Undercarriage
Steering System
Batteries

Working Equipment Assembly

Swing Drive

Troubleshooting

Module 5

Load Capacity & Range.

Load Chart

Signals

Hand Signals
Communication By Radio

Practical Operations

Perform Understanding on Pre-Start & Start-up Checks
Explain if Job is Within the Capacity of the Excavator
Setup the Excavator for the Job
Perform the Operation
During the Excavator Operation
Starting the Engine

Excavator Operation

Travel
Joystick Controls
Operations
Excavator Work
Backhoe Work
Shovel Work
Loading Work
Ditch Digging

Loading & Unloading Trailer

Stopping the Engine

Entry level requirements into this programme?

All new entrants intended under this code (Novice or Re-licensing) shall provide training institution with the required documents.

An employer declaration or medical certificate confirming the medical fitness of the learner to undergo the intended training
An eye test results issued by a person trained to carry out such tests
All new entrants intended under this code will be required to hold at least a Grade 9 (Std 7) school certificate and are at least 18 years of age.
Learners shall provide training institution with a valid certified copy of his/her Identity Document
Certified copy of learners drivers license if will be using Excavator on public roads