Here are the theory test questions for A58 Excavator 360 below 10 tonnes.
During the theory test you'll be asked a maximum of 40 questions.
Please note that your paper will include all the questions we have marked here with an asterisk *. In addition you will have a random selection of the other questions that are not marked here with an asterisk.
These questions will appear on every A58 paper
When an object needs to be lifted on a site, what should be the first consideration of planning? (2 marks)*
Using the lifting capacity diagram for A58:
a) what is the maximum lifting capacity at a 4 m radius over the sides of the track with the load at a height of 1 m
b) what effect does fitting a bucket have on the lifting capacity
c) what effect does the dozer blade have on the lifting capacity? (4 marks)*
Explain the purpose of a lift plan. (4 marks)*
What is the main purpose of the Rated Capacity Indicator (RCI) or Load Moment Indicator (LMI)? (2 marks)*
What information does the ‘dig-envelope’ (also known as ‘working range’) chart give?
(Candidates may be shown a copy of a chart.) (1 marks)*
The safe working load (SWL) or working load limit (WLL) of a multi-leg chain sling only applies in what TWO conditions or configuration? (2 marks)*
If setting up to work in a pedestrianised area, state THREE factors that need to be taken into account. (3 marks)*
If a trench has a depth of 2 metres:
a) What is the minimum distance to maintain from the edge of the trench when placing spoil and
b) explain why? (2 marks)*
Why must excavator operators not begin to load vehicles until the forward-tipping dumper driver is clear of their machine? (1 marks)*
What factors determine the shoring requirements of a trench? (2 marks)*
The operator is asked to excavate a new trench. State FIVE different requirements that must be considered or implemented before work commences. (5 marks)*
Why must the controls be isolated before each load can be attached or disconnected by the slinger? (3 marks)*
If a hook is fitted to the machine for lifting purposes, what must be checked before use? (2 marks)*
Name TWO types of equipment used to ensure that excavation levels, measurements and positions are to the required specification. (2 marks)*
With regards to lifting accessories, irrespective of who supplied the accessories, what THREE factors should be ensured before the accessories are used? (3 marks)*
A random selection of these questions will appear on each A58 paper
Why is it important that the bucket/attachment is lowered and the engine switched off before the operator exits the cab? (3 marks)
What makes up the total (or gross) weight of a load that is to be lifted? (3 marks)
If the operator has loaded the machine onto a transporter/trailer on behalf of a driver, what checks must be carried out before they leave the cab? (2 marks)
Describe ONE physical method of checking that a bucket is fully secured to the quick-hitch coupler prior to work. (4 marks)
Give FOUR reasons that may cause the machine to tip over (forwards and/or sideways). (4 marks)
When working in a confined area or space:
a) what danger can be present with regards to the counterweight of the machine,
b) when should measures be taken and
c) what measures should be implemented? (3 marks)
When slewing with a load, where should the operator be looking? (2 marks)
What is the purpose of the counterweight of the machine? (1 marks)
Why should different soils be segregated during excavating? (1 marks)
What is regarded as the danger or hazard zone during a lifting operation? (2 marks)
If a yellow-coloured marker tape is unearthed during excavating, which TWO types of services could this indicate? (4 marks)
When must a signaller be used before moving an excavator? (2 marks)
If travelling with a load, name FIVE factors that must be taken into account by the operator before moving. (5 marks)
Describe TWO actions to be taken for an open trench at the end of a working day. (2 marks)
Explain ALL visual checks that must be carried out on all types of quick-hitch bucket attaching systems before use. (4 marks)
Who determines the lifting/object handling capacity of the machine? (1 marks)
What is the purpose of a roll or ROPS frame? (2 marks)
If attaching accessories to a quick-hitch coupler, give TWO reasons why the coupler should be tilted in the downwards position (ram extended)? (2 marks)
According to legislation, when are check valves and a rated capacity or load moment indicator required? (3 marks)
Before manually changing any bucket:
a) where should the bucket be positioned (in relation to the ground) before removing the final pin and
b) explain why? (2 marks)
What is meant by zero-tail swing excavators? (1 marks)
What effect can a swinging load have on an excavator? (1 marks)
If the operator has to top-up the hydraulic oil, state TWO precautions to ensure cleanliness of the system. (2 marks)
The operator has to fit and use a new bucket using a quick-hitch coupler that they are unfamiliar with. What do Regulations (i.e. PUWER 98) and other guidance require the operator to have? (3 marks)
Accessories must only be attached to manufacturers' approved lifting points.
Explain THREE possible consequences if the recommendations are not followed. (3 marks)
Why must the seat belt be worn, even with the cab door closed? (2 marks)
If the accessory attachment point is not part of the bucket, give TWO reasons why it should be removed. (2 marks)
If the excavator is carrying out deep excavating work using the full working range, what hazard may occur? (1 marks)
If setting up to excavate in a confined area, name TWO things that should be taken into account before starting. (2 marks)
What particular and specific hazards can affect the stability of the machine when working on old industrial (brownfield) sites? (2 marks)
In what situation does a hard hat NOT need to be worn when operating a 360 excavator? (2 marks)
On both tracked and wheeled types:
a) what differs between lifting over the side compared to over the front or the rear of the machine?
b) Explain why. (4 marks)
If both travel levers (or travel pedal for wheeled machines) are pushed forwards when the track motors (or driving wheels) are in front of the cab, in which direction would the machine move? (2 marks)
What needs to be inspected on a quick-hitch coupler if attaching lifting accessories for the lifting of slung loads? (4 marks)
On a semi-automatic quick-hitch bucket attaching system:
a) what is the purpose of the safety pin and
b) what checks MUST be made to the pin before use? (3 marks)
State the purpose of the check valve(s) located on the boom cylinder rams. (1 marks)
What is the nearest distance allowed to gas pipes when excavating with the machine? (3 marks)
If the load inadvertently or accidentally lands, what course of action should be taken? (2 marks)
If checking the oil level using a dipstick, why must gloves be worn? (1 marks)
Before leaving the cab for a rest break, after parking and switching off the machine, what final action must be carried out? (2 marks)
Give THREE reasons why an oversize bucket should not be used when excavating trenches to specification. (3 marks)
Before lowering into or moving a drag box into a trench, what trench-related checks must be made? (2 marks)
Which parts of the machine is the radius (for lifting) measured from? (1 marks)
Why should an excavator be re-fuelled at the end of the day? (1 marks)
Why should long loads be lifted using a swivelling type lifting accessory? (3 marks)
Many smaller excavators have the ability to slew the boom (mounted on a king post) relative to the cab/upper structure. Give one application where this facility may be used. (1 marks)
a) What determines the minimum distances that any part of plant and machinery has to be kept from over head electricity lines and
b) explain why a distance should be kept. (4 marks)
If the machine's rated capacity/object handling capacity chart is not available for reference, what other method can be used to determine the machine's lifting capacity? (1 marks)
Give TWO reasons why, wherever possible, operators should excavate the ground in layers. (2 marks)
When parking the machine at the end of the shift, name THREE places where the machine should not be parked. (3 marks)
Manufacturers' lifting or object handling capacity charts apply (in all known cases) when the machine is level. What is the effect if a load is lifted or travelled facing downhill on a downhill slope? (2 marks)
The operator has been asked to drive the machine onto a transporter/trailer.
a) Who is responsible for the loading operations and
b) state FOUR actions to be considered by the operator before loading commences? (5 marks)
During work, the engine starts to overheat.
Explain the danger if someone tries to remove the radiator or expansion tank cap. (2 marks)
Cable avoidance tools (CATs) can detect a variety of buried services. What type of material do they have limitations in locating? (2 marks)
End of questions for A58 Excavator 360 below 10 tonnes
