360 Excavator EXAM STUDY GUIDE
2026/2027 ACCURATE QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT DETAILED SOLUTIONS ||
100% GUARANTEED PASS
<NEWEST VERSION>
1. 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? -
ANSWER ✔ A. Position the machine in an agreed position
B. Lower the attachment and release hydraulic pressure
C. Close/lock all windows/doors and remove the key
2. Why should different soils be segregated during excavating? - ANSWER
✔ For reuse on or off site
3. If setting up to excavate in a confined area, name TWO things that should be
taken into account before starting. - ANSWER ✔ A. Exit and entry
B. Proximity hazards - people nearby, cables etc.
C. Capability to achieve specifications
4. Before manually changing any bucket:
A. Where should the bucket be positioned (in relation to the ground)
before removing the final pin
B. Explain why - ANSWER ✔ A. Touching the ground
C. To prevent injuries
5. If both levers (or travel pedal for wheeled machines) are pushed forwards
when the track motors (or driving wheels) in front of the cab, in which
direction would the machine move? - ANSWER ✔ Backwards
6. During work, the engine starts to overheat. Explain the danger if someone
tries to remove the radiator or expansion tank cap. - ANSWER ✔ Hot fluid
under pressure can escape uncontrollably causing severe burns.
,7. Give FOUR reasons that may cause the machine to tip over - forwards
and/or sideways - ANSWER ✔ 1. Soft ground
2. Too heavy a load
3. Working over the tracks
4. Slopes undercutting
5. Overextending
8. According to legislation, when are check valves and a rated capacity or load
moment indicator required? - ANSWER ✔ When the SWL of the machine
exceeds 1 TON
9. List SIX typical subject areas that should be covered in a site induction. -
ANSWER ✔ Toilets
Parking
Welfare
PPE
electricity
Canteen
Smoking areas
10.What is the meaning of this hand signal (being demonstrated by the tester)? -
ANSWER ✔ Slew to the left /right
11.accessories must only be attached to manufactures approved lifting points.
Explain THREE possible consequences if the recommendations are not
followed. - ANSWER ✔ 1. Cause damage to the load, accessories or
machine
2. Loads can fall
3. It's against regulations
12.Describe TWO actions to be taken for an open trench at the end of a working
day. - ANSWER ✔ Signed and fanced off
Notifying an excavation
13.If checking the oil level using a dipstick, why must gloves be worn? -
ANSWER ✔ To avoid skin contamination and contaminating the cab and
controls
,14.Give TWO reasons why, wherever possible, operators should excavate the
ground in layers. - ANSWER ✔ 1. Efficient bucket fill
2. Minimise overspill
3. Safeguard hitting services
15.Why must the controls be isolated before each load can be attached or
disconnected by the slinger? - ANSWER ✔ Unplanned movement can
cause injury.
16.Describe a physical method of checking that a bucket is fully secured to the
quick-hitch coupler prior to work - ANSWER ✔ Rotate the bucket
throughout the full working range several times or place the bucket lightly
on the ground and try to unhook the coupler from the bucket through
machine movement.
17.What THREE main duties of the Health and Safety at Work Act must
employees follow? - ANSWER ✔ Take reasonable care for
THEMSELVES and OTHERS who may be affected by their actions.
CO-OPERATE with the employer.
Not intentionally or recklessly INTERFERE with health and safety issues etc.
18.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? - ANSWER ✔ a)
The gap between the counterweight and a structure being
reduced or contacting the object/structure when slewing.
b) When the gap will be less than 600 mm.
c) Ensure sufficient clearance or block off access routes.
19.What is the purpose of a risk assessment? - ANSWER ✔ To identify and
place control measures on hazards.
20.When must a banksman/signaller be used before moving an excavator? -
ANSWER ✔ When the operator is unable to face the intended direction of
travel (such as when reversing).
, 21.What are the possible outcomes of prosecution for not complying with
legislation and regulations? - ANSWER ✔ Case dismissal, fine,
imprisonment.
22.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? - ANSWER ✔ Rearwards.
23.Why are plant operators generally regarded as 'safety-critical' workers? -
ANSWER ✔ Their actions (with the machine) could have significant
health and safety consequences for themselves and others.
24.According to legislation, when are check valves and a rated capacity or load
moment indicator required? - ANSWER ✔ When the maximum rated
lifting capacity exceeds 1 tonne (or there is an overturning moment of
40,000 nm).
25.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? - ANSWER ✔ a) The transporter
driver.
c) Ground support, trailer-ramp condition, ramp grip and incline,
overhead and other proximity hazards, positioning on the
trailer, machine configuration for loading, condition of the
machine for loading, direction for travel onto trailer
26.Explain ALL visual checks that must be carried out on all types of quick-
hitch bucket attaching systems before use. - ANSWER ✔ No visible
DAMAGE to the coupler, attachment, hoses and other components.
All components available and FITTED CORRECTLY.
Any locking system ACTIVE/IN PLACE.
Locking pin (if used) in the CORRECT hole etc. (Other answers will depend on
the coupler type.)
2026/2027 ACCURATE QUESTIONS WITH
CORRECT DETAILED SOLUTIONS ||
100% GUARANTEED PASS
<NEWEST VERSION>
1. 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? -
ANSWER ✔ A. Position the machine in an agreed position
B. Lower the attachment and release hydraulic pressure
C. Close/lock all windows/doors and remove the key
2. Why should different soils be segregated during excavating? - ANSWER
✔ For reuse on or off site
3. If setting up to excavate in a confined area, name TWO things that should be
taken into account before starting. - ANSWER ✔ A. Exit and entry
B. Proximity hazards - people nearby, cables etc.
C. Capability to achieve specifications
4. Before manually changing any bucket:
A. Where should the bucket be positioned (in relation to the ground)
before removing the final pin
B. Explain why - ANSWER ✔ A. Touching the ground
C. To prevent injuries
5. If both levers (or travel pedal for wheeled machines) are pushed forwards
when the track motors (or driving wheels) in front of the cab, in which
direction would the machine move? - ANSWER ✔ Backwards
6. During work, the engine starts to overheat. Explain the danger if someone
tries to remove the radiator or expansion tank cap. - ANSWER ✔ Hot fluid
under pressure can escape uncontrollably causing severe burns.
,7. Give FOUR reasons that may cause the machine to tip over - forwards
and/or sideways - ANSWER ✔ 1. Soft ground
2. Too heavy a load
3. Working over the tracks
4. Slopes undercutting
5. Overextending
8. According to legislation, when are check valves and a rated capacity or load
moment indicator required? - ANSWER ✔ When the SWL of the machine
exceeds 1 TON
9. List SIX typical subject areas that should be covered in a site induction. -
ANSWER ✔ Toilets
Parking
Welfare
PPE
electricity
Canteen
Smoking areas
10.What is the meaning of this hand signal (being demonstrated by the tester)? -
ANSWER ✔ Slew to the left /right
11.accessories must only be attached to manufactures approved lifting points.
Explain THREE possible consequences if the recommendations are not
followed. - ANSWER ✔ 1. Cause damage to the load, accessories or
machine
2. Loads can fall
3. It's against regulations
12.Describe TWO actions to be taken for an open trench at the end of a working
day. - ANSWER ✔ Signed and fanced off
Notifying an excavation
13.If checking the oil level using a dipstick, why must gloves be worn? -
ANSWER ✔ To avoid skin contamination and contaminating the cab and
controls
,14.Give TWO reasons why, wherever possible, operators should excavate the
ground in layers. - ANSWER ✔ 1. Efficient bucket fill
2. Minimise overspill
3. Safeguard hitting services
15.Why must the controls be isolated before each load can be attached or
disconnected by the slinger? - ANSWER ✔ Unplanned movement can
cause injury.
16.Describe a physical method of checking that a bucket is fully secured to the
quick-hitch coupler prior to work - ANSWER ✔ Rotate the bucket
throughout the full working range several times or place the bucket lightly
on the ground and try to unhook the coupler from the bucket through
machine movement.
17.What THREE main duties of the Health and Safety at Work Act must
employees follow? - ANSWER ✔ Take reasonable care for
THEMSELVES and OTHERS who may be affected by their actions.
CO-OPERATE with the employer.
Not intentionally or recklessly INTERFERE with health and safety issues etc.
18.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? - ANSWER ✔ a)
The gap between the counterweight and a structure being
reduced or contacting the object/structure when slewing.
b) When the gap will be less than 600 mm.
c) Ensure sufficient clearance or block off access routes.
19.What is the purpose of a risk assessment? - ANSWER ✔ To identify and
place control measures on hazards.
20.When must a banksman/signaller be used before moving an excavator? -
ANSWER ✔ When the operator is unable to face the intended direction of
travel (such as when reversing).
, 21.What are the possible outcomes of prosecution for not complying with
legislation and regulations? - ANSWER ✔ Case dismissal, fine,
imprisonment.
22.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? - ANSWER ✔ Rearwards.
23.Why are plant operators generally regarded as 'safety-critical' workers? -
ANSWER ✔ Their actions (with the machine) could have significant
health and safety consequences for themselves and others.
24.According to legislation, when are check valves and a rated capacity or load
moment indicator required? - ANSWER ✔ When the maximum rated
lifting capacity exceeds 1 tonne (or there is an overturning moment of
40,000 nm).
25.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? - ANSWER ✔ a) The transporter
driver.
c) Ground support, trailer-ramp condition, ramp grip and incline,
overhead and other proximity hazards, positioning on the
trailer, machine configuration for loading, condition of the
machine for loading, direction for travel onto trailer
26.Explain ALL visual checks that must be carried out on all types of quick-
hitch bucket attaching systems before use. - ANSWER ✔ No visible
DAMAGE to the coupler, attachment, hoses and other components.
All components available and FITTED CORRECTLY.
Any locking system ACTIVE/IN PLACE.
Locking pin (if used) in the CORRECT hole etc. (Other answers will depend on
the coupler type.)
