Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eRW4BVcONw (5 min)

Operator safety, part 1. Mike from Rippa USA Sales covers basic safety for anyone running a mini excavator, using the Rippa R10 and R32 as examples. He points out that a large share of his customers have never run an excavator before, so these basics matter.

SAFETY LEVER

The safety (lockout) lever controls whether the hydraulics work. With it in the locked position, you can start the machine, but moving the controls does nothing. Lower it to engage the hydraulic pump so the boom, stick and bucket respond.

A good habit is to leave the lever in the locked position any time you leave the seat. Mike's point is that you should not leave it down, even for a quick job outside the machine while you raise and lower the boom, because a bumped control can move the machine.

CLIMBING IN AND OUT

- Always keep three points of contact: two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand, with one limb moving at a time.

- Loose clothing can catch on controls or handles as you climb in or out. Mike notes that his shirt or belt loop snags on a control and can trip him.

- A fall from the larger machines, like the R32, onto gravel or concrete could hurt you, so take your time.

Questions? Call Rippa USA Sales at 817-382-3201 or visit RippaUSASales.com. We deliver nationwide with flat rate shipping, and you get 50% off attachments when you buy a machine from us.

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrh8W7Q6eVQ (5 min)

Operator safety, part 2. Mike from Rippa USA Sales explains why you should always disconnect the hydraulics before you get in or out of an excavator, even if you are only stepping out for a moment. If you have not seen part 1, watch it first.

THE RULE

Before you climb in or out, turn around, reach for something, or step away, raise the safety lever bar to disconnect the hydraulics. This keeps a bumped control from moving the boom, stick, swing or tracks.

WHY IT MATTERS

- Climbing in and out, your leg, shirt, belt or jacket can catch a control. A fast swing or track move can crush a leg.

- On some of the smaller models, like the R10, there is no raised lever style safety device, only a lock. Mike calls this the machine where it is easiest to bump a control while you move in and out, so always check that the hydraulics are off.

- In cab models, raise the lever before you turn around to grab a jacket, lunch or anything else. A bump in the wrong place can crush someone standing near the machine.

- If you are only sitting inside eating lunch or cooling off with the air conditioner running, you do not need the hydraulics engaged. Raise the bar.

A REAL NEAR MISS

Mike describes a moment at the factory when someone bumped a control on a machine next to him, and the boom swung and shattered the cab glass inches from where he was standing. With the safety bar up, it never would have happened.

Questions? Call Rippa USA Sales at 817-382-3201 or visit RippaUSASales.com. We deliver nationwide with flat rate shipping, and you get 50% off attachments when you buy a machine from us.