When parking an excavator, which of the following is NOT a recommended practice?

When parking an excavator, it is crucial to implement safe practices to ensure the equipment’s stability and prevent accidents. Among these practices, leaving the bucket elevated is not recommended.

When the bucket is raised and the excavator is parked, it can create a risk of the machine tipping over or the bucket accidentally disconnecting from its position. If the ground is uneven, there could be additional instability. Ideally, the bucket should be lowered flat to the ground; this distributes weight evenly, providing a stable base and minimizing the risk of movement or lowering unexpectedly.

In contrast, parking on firm, level ground ensures that the machine remains stable, while parking away from accesses and hazards keeps it out of the way of operations and reduces the risk of collisions. Securing the parking brake is essential to prevent the excavator from rolling or shifting after being parked. Each of these recommended practices enhances safety and operational integrity when the excavator is not in use.