Mini Excavator Training & Certification
Hard Hat Training courses meet all training requirements set by OSHA and CSA.
We Offer Three Types of Mini Excavator Safety Trainings
Our regulation-aligned Mini Excavator certification courses are updated to reflect the most recent changes made to safety standards. Whether you want a certification in as little as two hours, or a more robust training, we can help! We offer online trainings that can be completed in a day, DIY training kits that provide training materials, Train the Trainer certifications that certify individuals to train others and provide training materials, or onsite training. No matter what you choose, we can get you what you want, at a price you can afford.
Online Training
Online training is for those who prefer self-paced training from any location and/or for employers who need to assign and monitor employee training progress and exam scores.
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Training Kits
The training kit is for those who want the freedom of doing the training themselves. It is an PowerPoint Presentation (PPT) that you can present yourself to a group of trainees.
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Train the Trainer
Train the Trainer courses are online and meant to certify a individual to use the training kit to train others. Training kit and materials are included with the Train the Trainer online course for no additional cost.
Purchase OptionsWhat’s in the Mini Excavator Training Course?
Our Mini Excavator safety training course is OSHA Aligned, and our online version fulfills OSHA’s classroom training requirement. Each class contains sections on anatomy, stability, operations, common hazards, and more.
This presentation includes intermittent practice quiz questions to prepare for the final written exam included with the course. In addition to the written exam, this course also includes a checklist for employers to use when administering a practical exam as required by OSHA.
Though you will still need to familiarize yourself with all other applicable federal, state, and local standards, this training encompasses the following OSHA Requirements for mini excavators:
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For most courses, we offer OSHA trainings in English and Spanish, CAL/OSHA trainings in English, and Canada trainings in English. See all of our options!
View Purchase OptionsMini Excavator Certification Standards
U.S. Standards
CAL/OSHA Requirements
Canada Standards
Train the Trainer Certification
The Train the Trainer option is used to certify a trainer to teach others using the included training kit. It incorporates the online course with an additional train the trainer module, as well as the training kit. This option results in an regulation-aligned lifetime trainer certification from Hard Hat Training. This certification is not company-specific, meaning you can take it with you should you change employers.
Why Do I Need Mini Excavator Safety Training?
In line with OSHA requirements, anyone who operates heavy equipment must receive training prior to operating the machine on their own. OSHA requirements for refresher training related to forklifts or other processes are very specific. Most other equipment doesn’t have such specific requirements, but it’s wise to follow the same guidelines.
When it comes to refresher training, OSHA’s standard in some instances (like forklifts) are very specific: operators must be re-evaluated every three years to see if they are still competent to operate the equipment. Best practices say to apply this same rule to all types of equipment. A so-called “free-pass” cannot be awarded based on experience, age, or time on the job. The extent of the evaluation is to be determined by the employer but should include a written and practical examination that prove continued competency.
Stay Informed On All Things Mini Excavator
Did You Know?
A mini-excavator only differs from a regular excavator by its weight.
The only manufacturer of mini-excavators is in the United States under several company names.
The first excavator, called the steam shovel, was used in 1796.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a mini excavator cost?
A new model can cost between $20,000 to $90,000 USD. Micro models begin lower, at about $4,000. Used excavators start at $3,000 and cap at about $50,000.
What’s the smallest mini excavator?
Komatsu makes a small model of rideable mini excavator with a bucket capacity only a little larger than a shovel. It’s designed to work in tight spaces and works well for laying pipes in small lots.
What mini excavator is the best?
When considering a mini excavator, you should take several factors into account. Consider cost, but also which attachments you’ll need, the size of your space and the size of the equipment, the type of boom, and the terrain you’ll be working on. Remember that you’ll need to keep your training up to date for the equipment you use, and different models will have different safety features and procedures.
What can you do with a mini excavator?
Ultimately, these versatile machines are designed to dig in the dirt. But some related uses for a mini excavator might include snow removal, digging trenches, demolishing small structures, accessing sewer lines, landscaping projects, and digging or dredging pools or ponds.
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For most courses, we offer OSHA trainings in English and Spanish, CAL/OSHA trainings in English, and Canada trainings in English. See all of our options!
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