If you have read Val’s recent post, you’ll know that I have bought a mini-digger.
Of course, the term “mini” is relative. My newly beloved Takeuchi is certainly small compared to the giant monsters you see ripping up the ground at large industrial sites, but at a ton and a half it feels big enough when you drive it.
Although “drive” is not really the right word. I’ve never really appreciated the skill of the digger operator. I thought I was skilful when I learned how to drive heavy goods vehicles many years ago, but now I realise that was in a different league altogether.
The basic controls of a modern digger are two joy-sticks – one for the left hand, one for the right. Each joystick moves in two dimensions simultaneously – left/right and backward/forward. To dig a hole requires the coordinated movement of both hands, each moving smoothly in two dimensions — so it’s a four dimensional task.
It’s hard. To do it well is extremely hard. And on top of that, there are also foot controls and four additional levers for doing things like controlling engine speed,
Many hours of practice will be needed.
Woohoo! This is so much better than a computer game.
Oh, you mean I should be doing a JOB?
Right then, let’s sort out the drainage system . . .
Nothing will dare to stand in your way now!!!