Heavy Equipment Operator Training
Don’t let the word “mini” fool you. The mini excavator—a smaller cousin to the large excavators—is extremely important in its own way. In this video, you are shown how to operate our mini excavators. It will go over the basics of controls, driving, digging and parking in a Komatsu PC35 Mini Excavator.
How to Operate a Mini Excavator – Step-by-Step Basics
Learning to handle a mini excavator is easier than it looks once you understand the key controls and safety steps. This short guide explains the essentials of operating a compact excavator safely and efficiently — perfect for anyone curious about how these versatile machines work.
Entering and Starting the Machine
Always use three points of contact when climbing into the cab and secure the door before sitting down. Fasten your seatbelt, check the control levers are in the locked position, and familiarise yourself with the dashboard display — fuel level, warning lights, and throttle controls. Once ready, turn the key and bring the engine to idle.
Understanding the Controls
Most mini excavators use a standard joystick layout:
Right joystick – controls the boom and bucket (lift, lower, curl, or open).
Left joystick – moves the stick and swings the cab left or right.
Additional foot pedals often control a hydraulic thumb for gripping objects and an arm swing for fine movements in tight spaces. A front blade or stabiliser bar can be raised or lowered to improve balance when digging or backfilling.
Moving and Digging
With the safety lever lowered, the excavator becomes live. Use the track paddles or foot pedals to drive forward and reverse. Before digging, make sure the stabiliser blade is down for extra stability.
To dig, extend the arm, lower the bucket teeth to the ground, curl the bucket to scoop, and lift. Swing to one side to empty the bucket before repeating. New operators should focus on one motion at a time before combining movements smoothly.
Backfilling and Levelling
To refill a trench or level ground, position the bucket teeth flat to the surface and drag or push the soil evenly. You can also use the front blade to push loose material back into place, though it’s mainly for stabilising the machine rather than grading.
Using the Hydraulic Thumb
The thumb attachment makes it easy to pick up logs, rocks, or debris. Open the bucket, close the thumb until it grips the object, lift carefully, and release it by reversing the motion. Always keep the thumb retracted when not in use.
Parking and Shutdown
When finished, lower the blade and bucket to the ground, raise the safety lever to deactivate controls, reduce the throttle, and shut off the engine. Exit using three points of contact, facing the machine for stability.
Mini excavators are powerful yet approachable machines once you know the fundamentals. Whether you’re moving earth, digging a small trench, or clearing a worksite, practising these control patterns builds skill and confidence quickly. Always prioritise safety, move deliberately, and check your surroundings before operating.