TECHNICAL RESOURCE

Lifting

In general, excavators should not strictly be used as cranes, even if they have check valves fitted to their lift rams. However, there are certain circumstances where it is necessary to lift using and excavator, particularly where it is safer than manual handling.
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We do supply pallet fork attachments, block/kerb grabs, and also lifting eyes on our larger quick hitches, all of which are tested.

Checks

You MUST check to the safety and integrity of any such equipment and procedures with the relevant lifting ad safety bodies, beforehand, taking into account:

1. Seek advice from qualified lifting gear safety inspectors.
2. All lifting attachments must be tested and certified on a regular basis, by qualified lifting gear safety inspectors.
3. As well as the attachments, your machine itself should be tested (taking into account the manufacturers declared safe working limits) and the safe working load displayed clearly on the excavator arm.
4. Never assume that an excavator can lift to the capacity of it’s attachment – normally the attachment’s capacity should exceed that of the excavator.
5. Remember to account for the weight of the attachment on the excavator arm, and in the case of lifting eyes on Quick Hitches, the weight of any bucket attached. It is clearly advisable to keep this to a minimum.
6. Never allow co-workers or spectators into the working arc of the machine, especially under a raised load.
7. Never loop chains or straps over the bucket linkage and tipping linkage, as this is unsafe and will cause damage to the excavator.
8. Notes on OPERATING should be read.