How far away from the edge of an excavation should you position the machine?

Positioning a machine at the correct distance from the edge of an excavation is crucial for safety and stability. The recommendation of placing the machine 1 to 1.5 times the depth of the excavation is based on industry best practices to ensure that the machine is not at risk of sliding into the excavation or causing a collapse of the edges.

When the machine is positioned too close to the edge, the weight of the equipment can destabilize the soil, particularly in loose or undermined areas. The 1 to 1.5 times measurement provides a buffer that accommodates any unforeseen ground shifts or erosion, adding a layer of safety for both the operator and the surrounding worksite.

Other options may not provide sufficient safety margins. For example, positioning the machine closer than 1 time the depth could be hazardous in many scenarios, while extending the distance beyond 1.5 times could be unnecessarily conservative and impractical, potentially wasting space and resources. The selected distance strikes an optimal balance between safety and operational efficiency.