360 Degree Excavator Operations (Tracked) – Novice Operators (LANTRA Awards)

Operating a tracked 360 degree excavator safely requires judgement, spatial awareness, and disciplined control of powerful hydraulic machinery. Assumptions and informal learning are not sufficient.

This LANTRA Awards course provides structured, assessed training for novice operators who are required to use tracked 360 degree excavators safely and competently on site.

Course overview

Tracked 360 degree excavators are central to many construction, civil engineering, and land-based operations. Their versatility allows them to dig, lift, slew, and place materials within confined and dynamic environments. That same versatility introduces significant risk if machine limits, ground conditions, and site interactions are not fully understood.

This course develops safe, competent excavator operation from first principles, combining classroom learning with extensive practical instruction. It focuses on understanding machine layout and controls, managing stability and working envelopes, assessing ground conditions, and coordinating movements safely around people, structures, and services.

Training reflects current industry standards and includes formal assessment. Successful candidates receive a LANTRA Certificate of Competence, confirming their ability to operate tracked 360 degree excavators safely as novice operators.

Key benefits

• Develop safe operating habits from the outset of excavator use

• Understand machine behaviour, stability, and working envelopes

• Reduce the risk of collisions, overturning, and uncontrolled movement

• Operate excavators safely in restricted and active site environments

• Apply site-specific risk assessment to excavation activities

• Demonstrate assessed competence through recognised LANTRA certification

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Identify hazards and risks associated with tracked 360 degree excavator operations

• Select and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Identify excavator components, controls, and safety features

• Carry out pre-use checks in line with the operator’s manual

• Assess ground conditions and plan safe positioning of the machine

• Operate the excavator safely within defined working envelopes

• Control slewing, digging, and lifting movements accurately

• Work safely around people, services, and structures

• Identify faults and take appropriate action

• Apply safe shutdown, parking, and isolation procedures

Who should attend

This course is suitable for:

• Individuals new to operating tracked 360 degree excavators

• Construction and civil engineering operatives

• Groundworks and utilities staff

• Anyone required to operate tracked excavators as part of their role

This course is designed for novice operators and is not intended as refresher training for experienced excavator drivers.