Excavators are used every day in the UK to move more than muck. Manhole rings, trench boxes, rebar cages, even smaller plant often end up on the end of a chain. That’s where confusion starts: is this just “a quick lift” with a digger, or a lifting operation that needs a dedicated competence like CPCS A77? The difference isn’t academic. If you’re using an excavator as a lifting appliance, the expectations step up: planned lifts, duty charts, signallers, exclusion zones and demonstrable competence. Many principal contractors now expect A77 (or a clear equivalent) whenever an excavator will be used to lift suspended loads as part of the work.
TL;DR
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– Treat any suspended load on an excavator as a lifting operation with a plan, signaller, exclusion zone and duty chart.
– A58/A59 machine skills alone don’t cover lifting ops; A77 (or equivalent evidence) is widely expected when using an excavator as a crane.
– Do not lift off bucket teeth; use a rated lifting eye/hook and inspected accessories.
– Check ground conditions, radius, wind, communication and quick-hitch status before committing to the lift.
– If unsure whether A77 is required, escalate: lift planner/supervisor and the principal contractor will set the competency standard.
What A77 actually covers and why it’s different
/> CPCS A58/A59 show you can operate a 360 excavator competently for earthmoving. Lifting operations add another layer: planning, understanding duty charts, using rated lifting points and accessories, and working with a signaller within a safe system. A77 recognises that difference. It’s designed to evidence that the operator can set up and carry out excavator lifts safely and communicate within a lift team.
On many UK sites, if the excavator will be used as a crane (even intermittently), contractors want the operator to hold A77 or a directly equivalent competence. Some sites will accept documented in-house training plus experience; others won’t. The practical standard is the same: the machine is a lifting appliance, not just a digger, so expectations rise.
Deciding when A77 is expected on UK sites
/> If the task involves a suspended load on a chain or hook, assume a lifting operation until a supervisor says otherwise. Repetitive pipe-laying and handling trench boxes are often where operators get caught out; they feel routine but still need planning and competence in lifting. Lifts that involve travelling with the load, working close to maximum radius, or operating near services and people are clear triggers for A77-level competence.
Principal contractors frequently stipulate A77 whenever an excavator is used to lift on a hook. If you only hold A58/A59, the sensible route is to declare it early, have the lift planned, and agree the competence requirement. The answer may be: get an A77 operator, upgrade your card, or change the method.
How it plays out on a live dig
/> Urban school extension, November rain. A 14-tonne tracked excavator is trenching for drainage but the slab team needs two manhole rings shifted before a concrete wagon arrives. The access road is tight, the fencing bays haven’t been moved, and there’s pedestrian traffic to the temporary classrooms. The foreman asks the excavator operator to “just lift them across” to save time. The operator has A59 but not A77, the quick-hitch has a lifting eye, and chains are in the cab but no recent inspection tag is visible. The signaller is also spotting deliveries and there’s no set exclusion route. The moment gets messy: pressure on programme, poor segregation, and a suspended load across live walkways. This is exactly where A77-level discipline and a short, controlled pause to plan the lift prevents an incident.
Quick checks before the lift
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– Lifting plan agreed and briefed, including radius, load weight, and route (static or travelling).
– Machine suitability: rated lifting point/eye or hook, quick-hitch policy followed, slew/brake checks done.
– Duty chart understood and applied; allow headroom for unknowns like wet chains and minor snags.
– Accessories inspected and tagged; correct sling configuration chosen with adequate angle.
– Ground conditions verified; use mats/trackway if bearing pressure is doubtful.
– Signaller in place, radio/hand signals agreed, exclusion zone set with barriers or spotters.
– Weather and visibility suitable; stop for gusting winds, poor light, or tight blind corners.
Roles, communication and supervision for excavator lifts
/> An excavator lift is a team activity. The operator handles the machine but relies on a trained signaller for load control and clearances. Where required, a lift supervisor coordinates set-up, sequencing and safe routes. The plan doesn’t need to be complex to be effective; it does need to be understood, with everyone aware of stop signals, pinch points and what to do if conditions change.
If the site is small and roles double up, be realistic about capacity. Your signaller cannot safely control a lift while also chasing deliveries or banksman duties elsewhere. Pause, resource the task properly, and keep pedestrians out of the danger area.
# Common mistakes
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– Lifting off bucket teeth or a non-rated point. This short-cuts set-up and invites a dropped load or damage.
– Ignoring radius changes. Loads that are “light” at close radius can exceed capacity once boomed out.
– No communication discipline. Mixed hand signals and shouted instructions lead to uncontrolled movements.
– Travelling with a load over soft ground without checking bearing capacity. Tracks sink, radius increases and control is lost.
Equipment set-up: hitches, lifting eyes and RCIs
/> Use a rated lifting eye or hook. Quick-hitches vary; follow the site’s hitch policy and the manufacturer’s instructions. Never choke slings around a bucket or lift on teeth. Keep the bucket off unless the plan requires it and it doesn’t interfere with the lifting point.
Some excavators have rated capacity indicators or load charts in the cab. Treat them as aids, not guarantees. You still need to know the load weight, sling angles, and the radius at which you’ll handle it. If the numbers don’t stack up with margin, change the method.
Training route: getting to A77 and staying current
/> If you already hold A58/A59 and regularly handle suspended loads, A77 is the logical next step. Expect a mix of theory on lifting principles and a practical assessment that looks at planning, communication, safe set-up and accurate machine control. Training yards will typically run through duty charts, fitting accessories, managing radius, and working with a signaller under realistic site conditions.
Competence drifts when the paperwork becomes routine and shortcuts creep in. Keep a simple lift log, refresh your knowledge periodically, and ask for periodic observed checks by supervisors. If you don’t lift for months, a short refresher or mentoring session before returning to lifting tasks is sensible.
What good looks like on a UK site
/> A short written plan, a brief toolbox talk, barriers or cones defining the exclusion zone, and one signaller focused solely on the lift. The operator confirms the load, radius and travel path, checks the hitch and accessories, and tests communication before lifting clear. The team pauses when conditions change and stops the job if pedestrians wander into the zone. It’s methodical rather than slow.
If you’re genuinely using the digger as a crane, the operator holds A77 or equivalent proof agreed by the principal contractor. That removes ambiguity and protects everyone if the lift goes wrong.
Bottom line
/> If an excavator will handle suspended loads, treat it as a lifting appliance with the competence to match. A77 isn’t a badge for show; it’s a practical way to prove the operator understands lifting discipline on real sites.
FAQ
# Do I always need A77 to lift with an excavator on a small job?
/> Not always, but it’s increasingly expected when the excavator is used to lift suspended loads under a plan. Many contractors set A77 (or equivalent evidence) as their site standard, regardless of job size. If in doubt, escalate early and get agreement before the lift.
# What does an assessor generally look for on an A77 practical?
/> Assessors typically want to see safe planning, correct use of lifting points and accessories, clear communication with a signaller, and control of radius and stability. Expect to demonstrate pre-use checks, set up an exclusion zone, and work within a basic lift plan. Smooth, controlled movements and knowing when to stop are as important as technical accuracy.
# Can I rely on my A58/A59 and “experience” instead of A77?
/> Experience helps, but machine-operating categories alone don’t evidence lifting competence. Some clients will accept documented training and supervised experience, but many won’t. If lifting forms part of your regular work, A77 removes the uncertainty.
# What paperwork should be in place for excavator lifting operations?
/> Keep a simple lift plan, a pre-use check record for the excavator, and recent inspections for lifting accessories. A short briefing note or signed toolbox talk helps show the team understood the method and roles. It doesn’t need to be complex; it needs to be clear and current.
# How often should I refresh lifting-ops competence?
/> There’s no one-size-fits-all schedule, but regular refreshers are good practice, especially if you haven’t lifted for a while or site rules change. Short toolbox talks, mentoring from a lift supervisor, or a formal update course can all keep standards sharp. Use near-miss reviews and site audits to target what needs topping up.
