Becoming a better operator

[scrub332]

Hi all, relatively new to the game especially running machines. Done labouring for the last 5 or so years and now getting more time on the machines, mini, telehandler, 8 tonner etc.

Any tips for getting better? Other than the obvious "just practice" because the people teaching me, if any, have questionable levels of knowledge: i.e. have not been trained?? No CPCS for example.

Feels like I'm worse than I am I think. I just struggle to have an eye for heights, especially when levelling out or reducing dig for example.

Any tips appreciated cheers

 

[hiluxman]

Practice, Believe in yourself and youll soon work out ways that reference what you see from the cab to what your doing.

Only this week I had 2 moan I'd gone too deep. They put level on and it was cock on...I thought I was slightly high but they were adamant I'd gone way too deep....so moral here is. Don't believe those that tell you it's wrong without actually checking.

 

[diggerjones]

Yes you can sometimes use brick courses or roof lines/ridges to gauge your level. Unfortunately is just time in the seat is main thing. Unless your like @ gunners and get an idig

 

[doobin]

I’m s**t too even after fifteen years so I’ve bought an iDig.

In my defence I don’t use a digger much for groundworks.

 

[DaveDCB]

Sometimes you have just got to have it in you, some folk I’ve been around have been at it for a lifetime and still can’t gauge any form of level!
But seat time is the key, getting cpcs etc won’t make you a better operator , it will just tell you not to do pretty much anything!

 

[Furniss]

If you think your s**t thats a pretty good start ....sounds like you stand a good chance of being decent with seat time

 

[Storrsy]

I’m s**t too even after fifteen years so I’ve bought an iDig.

In my defence I don’t use a digger much for groundworks.

Exactly. Stick your average cpcs site monkey on a steep hillside swinging timber or rocks around and they'd probably have it over in minutes. There's alot more to digger operating then just pulling trenches on the level. A good operator IMO is one who can throw themselves at a variety of situations especially awkward and make a good job out of it.
The "monkey'" isn't referenced to any one on here btw

 

[charlie2]

Hi all, relatively new to the game especially running machines. Done labouring for the last 5 or so years and now getting more time on the machines, mini, telehandler, 8 tonner etc.

Any tips for getting better? Other than the obvious "just practice" because the people teaching me, if any, have questionable levels of knowledge: i.e. have not been trained?? No CPCS for example.

Feels like I'm worse than I am I think. I just struggle to have an eye for heights, especially when levelling out or reducing dig for example.

Any tips appreciated cheers

a lot can be learnt by watching how decent operators go about the job, hitting levels will come with time/experience set the machine as level as you can unless you are grading a bank/slope but everyone will have their own way of achieving things watch the guys that make it look effortless and easy and leave a tidy job. many will rush around and just leave a good mess and think they are the dogs dangly bits.

 

[Furniss]

Since being self employed I dont think im as good as I was when I was pretty much on a machine all day every day, will be the same for all of us who do the lot I would of thought.

 

[JerryRtilt]

Since being self employed I dont think im as good as I was when I was pretty much on a machine all day every day, will be the same for all of us who do the lot I would of thought.

To much other crap going on in the brain box ? I love a job where i can just concentrate on digging, all to rare at the moment

 

[Furniss]

To much other crap going on in the brain box ? I love a job where i can just concentrate on digging, all to rare at the moment

Yep its nice to get a job like that, never in the moment nowadays......usually planning the next move.

 

[hiluxman]

Yep its nice to get a job like that, never in the moment nowadays......usually planning the next move.

Yeah, seems the way when your the one in charge. Never really get to do what you like doing and enjoy it because your always thinking about logistics and the next job/customer and dealing with everything else that comes with it.

I do miss the days when I was just on my own digging away, nothing to worry about bar them paying on time

 

[Smiffy]

Since being self employed I dont think im as good as I was when I was pretty much on a machine all day every day, will be the same for all of us who do the lot I would of thought.

But I bet you it would only take a day or two of driving someone else's machine to get back in the rhythm.
I have operated all sorts from tractors and telehandlers to diggers dumpers and rollers. Also have class 1 licence. I couldn't keep up with my old self in any of those if I just jumped on but I know it's all still there somewhere in the merky depths.