{"id":18108,"date":"2024-06-10T16:55:24","date_gmt":"2024-06-10T16:55:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carolinacat.webpagefxstage.com\/construction\/?p=18108"},"modified":"2024-06-11T14:22:28","modified_gmt":"2024-06-11T14:22:28","slug":"difficult-terrain-excavation-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carolinacat.webpagefxstage.com\/construction\/difficult-terrain-excavation-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Sloped Excavation Tips to Safely Maximize Productivity"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Do you need to excavate a challenging slope or uneven terrain? With today\u2019s modern technology and a few fundamental best practices, you can make digging productive and safe\u2014even on sloped terrain.<\/p>\n
Performing excavation work on a sloped or uneven surface can easily shift an excavator’s center of balance, so it\u2019s a great idea to prioritize operator training and review.<\/p>\n
In this post, we\u2019ll cover a few basic tips to ensure you see consistent results when excavating sloped surfaces.<\/p>\n
For hands-on and classroom training on excavating, grading, and more, check out our\u00a0operator training classes at Carolina Cat<\/a>. We offer both operator and technology training to help you get the most out of your construction equipment.<\/p>\n Before you begin each day, here are a few tips and recommendations for working on sloped terrain safely.<\/p>\n Since sloped terrain can be more challenging for operators, consider the following factors:<\/p>\n Always select an appropriately sized excavator for heavy-duty jobs to reduce the risk of damage and accidents. A tracked excavator with a lower center of gravity is ideal compared to a wheeled excavator, especially on slopes. You can also enhance stability by choosing an excavator with an automatic leveling system.<\/p>\n Consider these equipment specs before excavating on sloped terrain:<\/p>\n Regular inspection and maintenance are critical when adding regular strain on a machine, especially if operating on sloped surfaces. Inspect the following components daily and replace damaged or worn parts to ensure your excavator is in safe operating condition:<\/p>\n The Carolina Cat Rental Store is your one-stop shop for light and heavy Cat construction equipment, attachments, and more. With over 70+ top-tier brands\u2014if you need it, we rent it.<\/p>\n Leveling your excavator is one of the most important steps when working on a slope or uneven ground. You should always keep the machine perpendicular to the slope to prevent tipping if the machine starts to slide.<\/p>\n Use the blade or bucket attachment to remove or add material under the tracks to create a level platform for increased stability. You can also use the blade to brace your excavator against a slope; always keep the blade low to the ground while excavating to maintain proper weight distribution.<\/p>\n Your machine’s tracks require proper tension for stability on sloped surfaces. Loose tracks can derail your machine, while over-tightening can cause wear and decrease stability.<\/p>\n Refer to the manufacturer’s recommended track tension in the operator’s manual for each machine.<\/p>\n If removing large loads of material at once is unsafe on a particular slope, you can work in smaller increments. Excavating a smaller volume of material can reduce the potential of overloading and make it easier to control the bucket.<\/p>\n What\u2019s called the benching excavation method is a technique to provide stability for the machine and prevent slopes from caving in. With this method, operators excavate a series of benches or levels \u2014 each level or step provides a stable platform for safer operation.<\/p>\n Different types of soils have different benching guidelines, so consult with an engineer if needed.<\/p>\n To excavate safely, you need to verify that the slope does not exceed a specific angle, which correlates with the soil type on the slope. For example, you can excavate slopes\u00a0less than 20 feet deep<\/a>\u00a0if they meet the right slope degree based on the following soil types:<\/p>\nSafe Excavation Tips for Sloped or Uneven Terrain<\/h3>\n
1. Evaluate the Terrain<\/h3>\n
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2. Select the Right Excavator Type<\/h3>\n
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3. Inspect Your Excavator<\/h3>\n
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If You Need It, We Rent It.<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
4. Keep the Excavator Level and the Blade Low<\/h3>\n
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5. Maintain Adequate Track Tension<\/h3>\n
6. Work in Smaller Increments<\/h3>\n
7. Try the Benching Method<\/h3>\n
Determine Maximum Slope Angles by Soil Type<\/h2>\n
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Use Cat\u00ae Equipment to Excavate Uneven Terrain Safely<\/h2>\n