Growing Skills: Penny Tree Surgery & Landscaping Invest in 360° Excavator Training

Tim Benton • June 29, 2026

Practical training today means safer, more efficient groundwork and landscaping tomorrow.

TL;DR:

  • The team from Penny Tree Surgery & Landscaping completed 360° Excavator training.
  • Training took place on a Kubota KX018-4 mini excavator.
  • The course covered safe operation, excavation techniques and daily inspections.
  • Well-trained operators improve both safety and productivity.
  • Investing in training is investing in quality workmanship.

There's more to operating a mini excavator than simply moving earth from one place to another. Safe, efficient machine operation takes knowledge, planning and plenty of practical experience.


It was a pleasure welcoming the team from Penny Tree Surgery & Landscaping for their 360° Excavator (Below 10 Tonnes) training.

Training was carried out using a Kubota KX018-4, a compact yet highly capable 1.8-tonne excavator that's widely used across the landscaping, tree surgery and construction industries. Its size makes it ideal for working in confined spaces while still offering excellent digging performance and versatility.


As a growing Isle of Wight business, Penny Tree Surgery & Landscaping has built a reputation for delivering professional tree surgery, landscaping and groundwork services across the Island. Investing in operator training demonstrates their commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, professionalism and workmanship.


During the course, operators covered essential topics including:

  • Daily pre-use inspections and defect reporting.
  • Machine stability and safe operating limits.
  • Correct use of controls and hydraulic functions.
  • Safe excavation techniques.
  • Working safely around underground and overhead hazards.
  • Loading, grading and backfilling efficiently.
  • Good communication and awareness when working alongside others on site.


As I often tell delegates:

"A skilled excavator operator isn't judged by how fast they can dig—it's by how safely, smoothly and accurately they can complete the job."

For businesses involved in landscaping, tree work and site preparation, competent excavator operators help improve productivity while significantly reducing the risk of accidents and machine damage.


A big well done to everyone at Penny Tree Surgery & Landscaping for their enthusiasm throughout the course. I wish you every success with your future projects.

Whether you operate a mini digger, telehandler, dumper or forklift, Wight Training Services provides accredited on-site training across the Isle of Wight. Courses are tailored to your workplace, using your own equipment wherever possible, giving delegates practical experience that transfers directly to the job.


If you're looking for forklift training Isle of Wight or professional plant operator training, get in touch to see how we can help keep your workforce safe, compliant and confident.

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