I'm hiring a mini digger next week to do some simple groundwork in my
garden. (levelling, digging round small trees/big shrubs, plus footings for
an outbuilding)
Before it arrives I'd like to read up on basically how to drive such a
beast.
I'd sure the hire people will show me what to do when it arrives but I'd
rather not look a complete idiot by doing a little preparation.

Any pointers to online resources greatly appreciated.

TIA

Bob

Bob Minchin wrote:
[snip]
> I'd sure the hire people will show me what to do when it arrives but
> I'd rather not look a complete idiot by doing a little preparation.
>
> Any pointers to online resources greatly appreciated.
>
> TIA
>
> Bob

I'm sure that you won't, lets face it..its something you don't do every
day.
And hands on experience is no substitute for theory.

On Sat, 20 Aug 2005 15:19:10 GMT, "Bob Minchin"
<(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:

>I'm hiring a mini digger next week to do some simple groundwork in my
>garden. (levelling, digging round small trees/big shrubs, plus footings for
>an outbuilding)
>Before it arrives I'd like to read up on basically how to drive such a
>beast.

Most of the modern ones will have "common knowledge" controls, all
diggers of any size are about the same.

Generally there will be two hand controls and two foot controls, often
these foot controls will have extensions for hand use.

The left hand control works in two axes, left-right axis is the slew,
forward-back axis is boom up-down. Similar on rhs is for jib and
bucket crowd. The two foot controls are for track direction.

There may be a front mounted blade and/or an function to offset the
digger for working up against obstructions, these are normally hand
operated to the rhs (IIRC).

Engine is likely key start and stop, with an inhibit often fitted to
the left arm rest that raises to get in and out.

Frustrating to learn as you get older but you just have to put the
hours in. Make sure others observe your riskzone.

Its best not to drive over obstructions if you can level them first.
If you are using it on steep ground there should be a seat belt and
reversing uphill and slewing is the easiest way to throw a track.

AJH

Bob Minchin wrote:
> I'm hiring a mini digger next week to do some simple groundwork in my
> garden. (levelling, digging round small trees/big shrubs, plus
> footings for an outbuilding)
> Before it arrives I'd like to read up on basically how to drive such a
> beast.
> I'd sure the hire people will show me what to do when it arrives but
> I'd rather not look a complete idiot by doing a little preparation.
>
> Any pointers to online resources greatly appreciated.
>
> TIA
>
> Bob

http://www.galaxygraphics.co.uk/illu..._sample_06.htm

AJH wrote in message <(E-Mail Removed)>...
>On Sat, 20 Aug 2005 15:19:10 GMT, "Bob Minchin"
><(E-Mail Removed)> wrote:
>
>>I'm hiring a mini digger next week to do some simple groundwork in my
>>garden. (levelling, digging round small trees/big shrubs, plus footings
for
>>an outbuilding)
>>Before it arrives I'd like to read up on basically how to drive such a
>>beast.
>
>Most of the modern ones will have "common knowledge" controls, all
>diggers of any size are about the same.
>
>Generally there will be two hand controls and two foot controls, often
>these foot controls will have extensions for hand use.
>
>The left hand control works in two axes, left-right axis is the slew,
>forward-back axis is boom up-down. Similar on rhs is for jib and
>bucket crowd. The two foot controls are for track direction.
>
>There may be a front mounted blade and/or an function to offset the
>digger for working up against obstructions, these are normally hand
>operated to the rhs (IIRC).
>
>Engine is likely key start and stop, with an inhibit often fitted to
>the left arm rest that raises to get in and out.
>
>Frustrating to learn as you get older but you just have to put the
>hours in. Make sure others observe your riskzone.
>
>Its best not to drive over obstructions if you can level them first.
>If you are using it on steep ground there should be a seat belt and
>reversing uphill and slewing is the easiest way to throw a track.
>
>AJH

Thanks AJH

Regards

Bob

Bob Minchin wrote:
> I'm hiring a mini digger next week to do some simple groundwork in my
> garden. (levelling, digging round small trees/big shrubs, plus
> footings for an outbuilding)
> Before it arrives I'd like to read up on basically how to drive such a
> beast.
> I'd sure the hire people will show me what to do when it arrives but
> I'd rather not look a complete idiot by doing a little preparation.
>
> Any pointers to online resources greatly appreciated.

When they drop it off they will show you what the most important levers do.

Try and get them to park it somewhere that you can't hit anything (ie no
buildings within reach of the arm) while you get used to how it works. Also
keep any onlookers out of the danger zone.

After 5 minutes instruction from the hire company I was demolishing a WWII
air raid shelter and have since dug out foundations for a large house
extension. They're great fun to use!

>Engine is likely key start and stop, with an inhibit often fitted to
>the left arm rest that raises to get in and out.
>
>Frustrating to learn as you get older

Bet this is the sort of thing a teenager would adapt to with no problems
especially if he's been playing computer games for a while).....


--
Tony Sayer

"Bob Minchin" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
news:ORHNe.11712$(E-Mail Removed)...
> I'm hiring a mini digger next week to do some simple groundwork in my
> garden. (levelling, digging round small trees/big shrubs, plus footings
> for
> an outbuilding)
> Before it arrives I'd like to read up on basically how to drive such a
> beast.
> I'd sure the hire people will show me what to do when it arrives but I'd
> rather not look a complete idiot by doing a little preparation.
>
> Any pointers to online resources greatly appreciated.
>
> TIA
>
> Bob

Bob

What is the max width of these things. The access to my garden is through a
34 inch door.

Bobby

In article <de7qsl$rsl$(E-Mail Removed)>,
"Bobby Bewl" (E-Mail Removed) says...
>
> "Bob Minchin" <(E-Mail Removed)> wrote in message
> news:ORHNe.11712$(E-Mail Removed)...
> > I'm hiring a mini digger next week to do some simple groundwork in my
> > garden. (levelling, digging round small trees/big shrubs, plus footings
> > for
> > an outbuilding)
> > Before it arrives I'd like to read up on basically how to drive such a
> > beast.
> > I'd sure the hire people will show me what to do when it arrives but I'd
> > rather not look a complete idiot by doing a little preparation.
> >
> > Any pointers to online resources greatly appreciated.
> >
> > TIA
> >
> > Bob
>
> Bob
>
> What is the max width of these things. The access to my garden is through a
> 34 inch door.
>
Although that could easily be widened :-)

Spend a happy afternoon at Diggerland.

Regards
Capitol