How to operate a mini excavator: a beginner’s guide. How to operate a mini excavator comes down to a few steps. First, inspect the machine. Then drop the blade for stability, learn the joystick pattern, and use a smooth dig, swing, and dump cycle. Moving the machine is easy. Using it well takes more attention. Before startup, check the ground condition, work zone, underground utilities, overhead clearance, hydraulic hoses, tracks, and fluids. Use three-point contact when entering the cab. Fasten the seatbelt. Lower the blade before digging. The left joystick controls stick and swing. The right joystick controls boom and bucket. The cleanest bucket fill comes from combining bucket curl with stick retraction, not from forcing the bucket straight down. Keep the bucket low when traveling. Travel straight up or down a slope, not across it. Take smaller controlled cuts. Keep spoil on one side.