Excavators of all sizes are widely used throughout the construction and demolition industry, however the majority of companies will also have at least one mini digger. Not only that, landscaping companies and individuals looking to carry out private work can also benefit from having the knowledge to operate mini diggers.
Find out more about the NPORS courses we have available here at the Diggerland Plant Training School and why you should think about booking on.
WHAT IS A MINI DIGGER, AND WHAT ARE THEY USED FOR?
Mini diggers are excavators generally below 7 tonnes. Despite their size, they are an incredibly versatile machine that can be used for a multitude of tasks. A mini digger can be used for the following tasks:
- Digging and backfilling holes
- Landscape work
- Removing unwanted debris
- Digging trenches
Construction companies tend to opt for smaller diggers as they can complete the same jobs as larger diggers, however they are very cost efficient. Not only will it save you money, they are much better for the environment. Due to being compact, can offer a lot more accessibility when on sites.
Although mini diggers are a common type of machine within the industry, they are relatively new to the market. It didn’t take long for mini diggers to increase in popularity!
WHAT NPORS TRAINING IS REQUIRED TO OPERATE A MINI DIGGER?
Although a qualification is no longer needed for operators wanting to use small types of excavators, individuals still need to be competent and trained to use a mini digger for health and safety reasons. Operators should know the basics when it comes to using the machine correctly and safely and be able to maintain the machine and as correct use.
Here at the Diggerland Plant Training School we can run two excavator 360 courses. Operators have the choice of a digger above 10 tonnes or below. In this case, the below 10 tonne course would be beneficial to successfully learn how to operate mini diggers.
Is a licence required to use a mini digger?
If you require a mini digger for projects on private land or worksites, a licence will not be required in order to operate the machine. If needed by the road side, and other types of sites, a ticket will need to be held by the operator by law.
Are you ready to train?
NPORS EXCAVATOR 360 COURSES
Our NPORS N202 excavator 360 course is perfect for operators needing to safely use a digger. If the digger is below or above 10 tonnes, our construction courses will meet your requirements. With a mix of both classroom and physical training, our operators can expect to learn:
- The various components / controls of a mini digger as well as being able to locate them
- Have a working knowledge of the manufacturer’s handbook
- The type of PPE that is needed when operating a digger
- How to enter and exit the cab of the digger safely
- The safety checks that need to be completed before moving the digger
- Moving the machine safely
Our instructors are highly skilled in training beginners and operators with existing experience. If a refresher course or EWT (Experienced Worker Test only) is required, we can work with your previous knowledge to ensure you’re fully trained.
Once operators have successfully passed they will hold the excavator 360 ticket for up to 5 years before it needs to be renewed. NPORS training can also take anything between 1 to 10 days.
WANT TO BOOK ONTO ANY OF OUR OTHER CONSTRUCTION COURSES?
Along with our excavator courses, we also have a range of NPORS accredited training courses. When you book through the Diggerland Plant Training School, you can choose from the following courses:
- Roller courses
- Dumper courses including forward tipping and rear tipping dumper
- Telehandler courses including industrial and suspended loads
- Health and safety courses including harness and fall arrest, emergency first aid at work and construction site manager
- Other construction courses including scissor lift, appointed person and plant loader securer
All of our NPORS accredited courses can be found here.
CONTACT THE DIGGERLAND PLANT TRAINING SCHOOL TODAY
We are open from 8am – 6pm, 7 days a week. With 4 UK training sites located at Diggerland Kent (our main site), Devon, Durham and Yorkshire, we are in the prime location for any construction based learning.
Are you looking to book onto our construction courses?
Whether you need to operate a mini digger or a larger excavator, be sure to have the correct knowledge and experience behind you. Our NPORS N202 Excavator 360 course is the ideal path for any aspiring operators.
We are happy to train individuals or groups safely, in line with government guidelines. Alternatively, our experienced instructors are happy to carry out training on private construction sites and training areas if required.
Get in touch with a member of the team today by emailing us today if you have any questions, or want to book. Otherwise, you can give us a call on: 01634 295355 to discuss our NPORS training courses in more detail.
