Ohio Excavator Operator Exam Practice

Ohio Excavator Operator Exam Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2025|2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

Q1. Before starting an excavation, the first step is to:

• Start digging carefully
• Contact the local utility company to locate underground lines
• Mark the dig area with your bucket
• Lower the blade

Answer: B

Rationale: Underground utilities must be located to prevent damage,

injury, or fatal accidents.

Q2. The term “swing radius” refers to:

• How far the tracks can move
• The circular area the rear of the upper structure covers when rotating
• The length of the boom 1 / 3

• The bucket capacity

Rationale: The swing radius includes the entire rotating upper body to

prevent struck-by hazards.Q3. Excavators typically use what type of hydraulic system?

• Non-pressurized
• Pneumatic
• High-pressure hydraulics
• Gravity-driven

Rationale: Excavators rely on high-pressure hydraulics for boom, stick, and

bucket movement.

Q4. When operating near a trench edge, you should:

• Work as close to the edge as possible
• Park the machine on loose soil
• Maintain a safe distance from the trench to avoid collapse
• Swing the boom over workers

Rationale: Equipment weight can cause trench cave-ins; distance is

essential.

Q5. The proper way to enter and exit the cab is:

• Jump from the tracks
• Step on hydraulic hoses
• Maintain three points of contact
• Use the bucket as a step

Rationale: Three points of contact prevents slips and falls. 2 / 3

Q6. A machine’s load chart provides:

• Fuel levels
• Track tension
• Maximum lifting capacity limits
• Bucket wear tolerances

Rationale: Load charts ensure safe lifting operations.

Q7. “Center of gravity” is important because:

• It affects travel speed
• It affects machine stability
• It affects hydraulic pressure
• It affects bucket size

Rationale: Shifting weight affects tipping and rollover risks.

Q8. When backfilling, to avoid damaging underground pipes:

• Use full power
• Use smaller controlled bucket movements
• Use the blade only
• Slam material in quickly

Rationale: Controlled placement prevents utility damage.

Q9. To reduce track wear:

• Operate constantly on asphalt
• Make sharp pivot turns
• Avoid unnecessary turning and travel
• / 3