How to Operate a Mini Excavator? 4 Quick Tips that Nobody Told Me

[@janparzybok162]

I just learned more in 8 minutes than I have watching three hours of other videos. Thank you so much.

[@FattyMatty024]

Good tips, from a guy that runs one almost everyday, I tell people to sit level if possible, ( not always possible), sit as stable as possible, try not to wobble. When just starting out and machine is jerky, put the blade down for stability. If when the blade is down and still wobbling, track forward a little and sink the blade into the ground. Hopefully this helps

[@WendellLeeWellServices]

every tip is good to me, you always have to be willing to learn and try something else

[@nathans8205]

You can also swivel your tracks to dig them in to help stabilise yourself

[@bizzirker]

Thx yea that works. Learning fast. Expert tomorrow, lol. To watch t hose guys on the big trachoes , there's definitely some talent and grace goin on there, from the tip of one bucket finger to fluid movements of everything combined. Not easy! Day 2, house still standing. Good sign, I think.

[@cblanton42]

Excellent!! Your video is the only one that I have found that gives an over the shoulder perspective of what your hands are doing and the resulting action of the machine. (which is why most of us are here)!

[@ronniejones8508]

You were doing good. Sometimes when you don't have someone to show you, if you have a sense of how a machine operates, and you have good eye and hand coronation, along with patients and common sense, it's somewhat easy to teach yourself. Good video.

[@jokesonu9108]

Never been in any equipment till 8 months ago learned a lot by myself. People think I’ve been doing it for years. Great info.

[@sethfelts9246]

Hey man I’m a operator in training and your video helps a lot thank you man for the tips.

[@paulkelly9848]

New Bobcat E35 user here. Thank you for sharing all the tips you learned over the years, will definitely help me going forward.

[@electricamir248]

Excellent demo. I found this helpful the way the camera shows the technique from operator's perspective

[@bizzirker]

Good video. Straight to the points, helped me to not look like an idiot on my first day on one. Side of the house is still intact, lol. Thx

[@kellybrown2314]

i just bought my first new mini e35 excavator since ive been in the plumbing business in 2001. i always sub out my digging work. I've never ran a excavator, so i'm learning. So i hope these tips help me. Good video. KB Plumbing Celina OH.

[@ScottyLo]

Thanks for sharing your tips. KZbin has been a great tool for everyone to learn all kinds of things.

[@michaelhenderson1972]

Appreciate the tips anything, helps. Learning the hard way can be very time consuming and costly. Your tips along with practice and getting comfortable with the machines operation is the best way to learn.

[@robertehrhard2243]

I just got a bobcat E35. I haven’t had a chance to spend much time in it so far but these kind of tips are going make a big difference for me thank you.

[@petersamios5409]

This was very informative - thanks much. Also, thanks for showing me that I'm not the only forgetful person.

[@barkershill]

Great vid ! I really learned something . There is a difference between teaching people and just talking to them or at them and you have instinctively got that right . Cheers from rainy England

[@gerryk8644]

I think the #1 thing to learn is to drive with your feet, so much more efficient, great video thanx

[@lewisgann280]

Thanks for the tips brother. You explained it simply with good examples without flapping yer jaws too much. Just got a Kubota U25 about to break it on down here in Alabama. Appreciate you spreading your experience

[@joshsterling464]

I operate a 316 on top of trains, unloading rail cars. Do a video on how to accurately cut grade. If the stick is past the 90 degree angle, pull it in while pushing the boom down. If it's inside it's obviously the opposite. People always struggle with that. I don't get the pleasure to grade anymore haha. Good tips tho!

[@patrickmurphy9266]

Thanks for tips. Great to watch a good worker.

[@roccoe4104]

Thanks man this helped a lot. My first time in the seat was taking it off the trailer yesterday. I’m digging in VERY hard ground and it’s way harder to run than it looks.

[@kevincameron7389]

Terrific. Most want to chat for 3 minutes instead of just doing the tutorial. Best one yet!!

[@blondiethebuilder5676]

Great Tip on the quick turn of the tracks!!! Thanks. Picking up an excavator tomorrow. First time user!! Thanks for the video

[@James-po5ed]

I too have no training, just got in and figured it out. I learned the quick turn by watching let's dig 18, Chris is incredible.

[@fishwrecker78]

*jump turn, my friend

[@andrewlivingston5105]

i like the run with your feet.. i have been operating sporadically for a bit and am just learning that. it makes a big difference.

[@WendellLeeWellServices]

it does, its a game changer

[@april75]

Got a new mini! I’m learning! Thank you for an easy learn video.

[@MattJoudrey]

ty man i couldnt figure the whole spin the tracks so i dont rip one off when turning now that u explained it i deff figured it out thanks for the help wendell lee

[@mydawg9258]

Thanks bud! Learned today good operators make it look easy, as it usually goes

[@WendellLeeWellServices]

yes, it definitely takes some seat time and a willingness to always learn something new

[@jonathanmagic5633]

Excellent tips thankyou from Australia.

[@WendellLeeWellServices]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sutters7251]

Thanks for the tips! Gonna be using a mini excavator tomorrow for ground clearing grading ready for a large garden decking project. Some stump removal to. Thanks from the uk 🇬🇧

[@RS-pk3lg]

Thank you for your 4 tips. Very helpful!

[@pompeyroad]

I just bought a mini for around the homestead, just hope to get half this smooth and efficient.. you are an excellent operator, to modest about your skills.. I want to be this smooth because mine is a China Mini and they won't hold up if you beat on them.

[@motoscro951]

I would add, know how deep you are digging. I bought a Kubota KX040 for ranch work, first ditch I dug was almost 36” deep, not a big deal but was really surprised.

[@mtoldroyd]

Valuable, practical info; well presented & demonstrated. Thanks! 👍

[@gavinletford1539]

I've also learnt the hard way bro .. I've got a footings job this week . I love these machines. Who wants a PlayStation...

[@a.b.7542]

Thank you for the tips, tomorrow is my first time operating a mini ex.

[@HeavyMetalLearning]

Good tips!

[@robertscranton8293]

Great advice. I'm a grader operator thinking about using a mini

[@stevenzembriski6761]

Just rented a U10-5 mini to dig some drain and water lines. It took me a day or 2 to figure out where it was stronger to dig like you showed it in your video,its a toy at 10hp but sure beats a shovel! I plan on buying a use one down the road possibly a U27.

[@skiman4925]

Great Video and Very Useful Tips. Thank you

[@noahmc1547]

Thanks buddy. Glad someone is willing to help others.

[@budireaux]

The reflection in the glass made it look like your machine was on fire. Good video.

[@ianski65]

Good tips Bro. Im hiring one next week so Im getting the ‘knowledge’ beforehand. Good old KZbin👍🏽. Greetings from Essex UK 🤙🏽

[@capnkente1]

I appreciate your teaching style. Thanks, bro.

[@ryanmorrill1733]

Thanks for your time those were all new to me

[@T18skyguy]

I'm new and really appreciate your great tips. Really well done.

[@johnpollard9235]

Thanks for video brother great tips for a beginner like myself

[@modifyman6977]

Okay, about to operate a mini excavator for the second time in 22 years. I obviously forgot what I did back then. But I did learn and of course it did take time. But when you have a clock that's timing you, time is money. The last excavator I was on 22 years ago I cheated. It was simple. I unplugged the clock. And I had it over memorial Day weekend. This time that ain't going to happen. 8 hours over the weekend. So thank you very much for the tips. Don't have the luxury to figure it out on my own time. One other thing for those who are thinking about renting one. Once you get the hang of it, these are kind of fun. But don't flip it unloading it off the trailer. Make sure your bucket is pointed towards the front of the trailer. That might be another tip for beginners. Also, beware of what you try lifting.

[@ksmith87]

Im sitting on a ditch right now, realizing I've painted myself into a corner because i didn't know how to get off of it. Lol. Thanks for showing me bud

[@carltonking2915]

Thanks for the help and tips will have my machine next month will look at your video for help.

[@SuerteDelMolinoFarm]

Greetings from the LooseNatural farm in Andalusia Spain

[@marcelrobert9178]

Great information .

[@talishaseoane882]

Learning to operate yanmar vio 35 appreciate the tips as a beginner myself very useful thanks!

[@nbragtop]

Very helpful teaching, Thank you !

[@rivernet62]

Great tips, thanks. Wish I'd'a seen this video a week ago :(

[@shawntyreke6857]

Extremely helpful

[@flyonthewall9213]

very helpful thankyou and happy digging

[@mikethelakesidelogger8757]

You’re doing fine. Practice smooth over fast, watch other operators for tips and tricks and most importantly seat time.

[@markrussell9719]

Good tips - thanks for sharing.

[@MLJohnsonian]

Good stuff, thanks for the tips.

[@leonardolopez9005]

Good tip brother 👏🏻

[@stevebowman421]

Good video helpful tips

[@ZR1Terror]

Excellent tips man!! Thank you very much.

[@optout007]

Great video and even greater tips thank you for sharing your experiences

[@geraldaustin1033]

Good clip man. Thanks! Doing some work next week with mini rental🙂

[@jessie5440]

Thank you very much for the tips

[@rickynelson2941]

Yes. Helpful! Thank you

[@Sparkylu100]

Great video for starter mini Ex tips

[@61marley]

Great Tips man. I've been guilty of all of your tips at doing them wrong. Thanks so much for the tips, I am doing a trenching job tomorrow and going to app[y them.

[@WendellLeeWellServices]

im in the same boat as you are

[@roadtrains]

Your a champion great advice real helpful Thanks mate👍

[@PilotJames3]

Great tips. Thanks for sharing. I'm about to buy one so I'm sure this will help

[@WendellLeeWellServices]

seat time helps the most

[@alexcarr8503]

Looking at the specs sheet for my mini Kubota, it has the best lifting power below the surface of the ground. Using the blade to tip the machine full back does add extra power for breaking off tree roots. This does work.

[@IngloriousGlueBombs]

Hey Alex, what rev range do you operate at for optimum performance? My mini Kubota tends to shudder a bit pulling in the boom at lower rev range but smooths out the higher the revs. I'm fairly new at it so just keen to see what the average rev range when digging is.

[@connorm02]

@@IngloriousGlueBombsalways full throttle

[@IngloriousGlueBombs]

@@connorm02 Cheers thanks for the reply.

[@pdj26]

Great video thank you very much learnt a lot

[@JS-jh4cy]

Good tips

[@danhenshaw4191]

Quick question from a fellow well guy.... What is the best way you have found to dig past the well for the water line when starting from the house....Thanks Good video ...

[@AC.Prince]

Thanks, I got a few hundred hrs .very helpful

[@mmjr881]

Thanks mane🤙🏽

[@michaelterlizzi1684]

Fantastic and practical

[@sajnohead]

Awesome tips men !

[@WendellLeeWellServices]

thanks for commenting and watching

[@sajnohead]

I especially love this tip with moving an undercarriage in place. 👊

[@WendellLeeWellServices]

@@sajnohead i use it all the time

[@garyhughes22]

Thank you!!!

[@ilexwang715]

well demonstrated mate thanks

[@edwardaldridge2828]

Good video

[@alejandroguzman2375]

Thank You

[@JS-jh4cy]

Seat of the pants experience is good, that how pilots learned to fly planes in the beginning of the air age

[@justinpratt3462]

Helpful video 👍

[@darrenwinham]

Good video, bud!

[@OZ1DK]

I feel the planning out are difficult, any tips?

[@tomnagle2001]

Tremendous!!

[@imoore8908]

Hey thanks man!

[@WendellLeeWellServices]

No problem!

[@michaelsawyer8313]

Thx for this video professor, I really enjoyed the class, I've been looking for 3 months for one, but can't decide on the brand, too many out there, that looks like a bobcat, are you happy with it, whats the horsepower of it, year, and estimated price if you don't mind me asking.

[@SG-oi8rl]

I have a 2015 Yanmar 35 6A, I like the machine but no local dealer for parts & service. I would have preferred a Cat but too much $$$$. I paid $26,500 included factory thumb, 1500 hrs. Went thru machine & serviced, changed some hoses & it’s dependable. Just put on new tracks, $1,500.

[@ktrails]

Hey, thanks for the tips! Question for you: does tip #3 (lifting the front with the boom and swinging the tracks underneath) put stress on the undercarriage or undue wear on the tracks? Should you only do that in dirt? I’ve got no time in the seat, but getting ready to real soon.

[@PrecisionCSGO]

Got an any new insight?

[@bounce12]

I’ll even drop the bucket to make a sharp turn with a skidsteer!!! You will get the feel for what stresses out your machine pretty quick..

[@gixxer_owl]

@@bounce12 can you explain what you mean? i operate a mini ex/skidsteer everyday & have never heard of someone doing a jump turn with a skidsteer

[@bounce12]

@@gixxer_owl I run a John deer at work and trying to just turn sharp or tight turns on pavement especially it doesn’t want to turn there for I just put the blade down on the flat part of the buckets cutting edge taking pressure off the front and she turns perfect. Better than the skidsteer feeling like it’s gonna tear itself apart

[@steve123261]

Being fast is good but what you people charging per hour ?

[@ozjado]

I love the foot track controls but im a big fella and in a small machine its very hard to "heal-toe" the foot control

[@buddhikadissanayaka6822]

Thanks bro..

[@WendellLeeWellServices]

sure thing, thanks for watching

[@NORPAofficial]

What mini excavator is this?

[@noturbizz1]

great advice! I once "hopped" an extension cord laying in my way because I was being lazy.. try that if you have a blade!

[@Alan-ho6wn]

Great video and tips! Quick question how much do you think operators should be making? I live in California and i get 25$hr but i don’t know if i can be making more or if my price is right

[@abbaslim9674]

I live in the UK. $25 works out to £19.21 an hour which is decent. Most 360 jobs over here pay £18-£21, you can earn £24+ ($31.23) though if you're really good.

[@SG-oi8rl]

If you’re working for someone on their machine I guess $25/hr ok. If you own machine $100/hr +/-. Good luck!

[@afilthycheatah]

First thing’ I noticed was one of your boom lines on fire , lololololololo my god ....

[@DisasterInExile]

I thought so too but it's a reflection

[@juanamador7853]

👍👍👍👍

[@travishoward662]

Another tip would be put your blade down to stabilize yourself and to give the tractor more down force.

[@eliasclark494]

What an idiot. Jk 😂 thanks for the quick vid and great tips!