Assistant Greenkeeper Owen Mackay recently attended a 3-day Lantra certified training course to gain the skills and knowledge to successfully operate 360° Excavator (Tracked) below 10 tonnes. The course was held at Ringlink Services Scotland, Laurencekirk from the 4th – 6th March 2026.

The training included both classroom, practical demonstrations and a final assessment. Owen was attending the course to give him the knowledge and confidence to operate the machine safely and .

After attending the certified training course, Owen will now be able to:

• Describe the key requirements of health, safety and environmental legislation
• Interpret and comply with drawings, specifications, schedules, risk assessments and
  manufacturer’s operator’s manuals (MOM) related to the plant or machinery operations
  and the work to be carried out
• Identify the hazards associated with plant or machinery operations and put the
  appropriate control measures in place
• Identify and explain the purpose of machine components and operator controls
• Conduct all operational and pre-start checks
• Prepare the excavator for site and highway travel
• Drive the excavator safely over varying types of terrain
• Operate the excavator safely in restricted spaces
• Prepare the machine and bucket to excavate
• Demonstrate how to attach and remove different types of buckets and ancillaries safely
• Select the appropriate techniques to perform essential tasks
• Operate plant and machinery to excavate ground and loose materials to given work
  instructions
• Perform excavation activities in a variety of soil types
• Demonstrate how to grade, spread and level different
  types of material
• Demonstrate how to lift basic suspended loads with the
  excavator in set configuration(s)
• Shut down and secure plant or machinery
• Describe the procedures used for loading and unloading excavators when transported on
  a trailer.

Upon returning from the course, Owen will now be able to apply these skills to help ensure safer operations, better efficiency, and a more professional approach to excavator work on site here at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club.