360 Excavator Above 10 Tonnes (Wheeled) Training

A59A covers tracked 360 excavators, while A59B covers wheeled 360 excavators (commonly called 'Rubber Ducks'). The key differences are:

• Mobility: Wheeled excavators travel on roads at speeds up to 22 mph vs. 4-6 mph for tracked
• Applications: Wheeled excel in urban construction, road infrastructure, and paved sites; tracked excel in muddy/soft terrain
• Surface Impact: Wheeled excavators won't damage city streets or finished pavements unlike tracks
• Transport: Wheeled are self-propelled between sites; tracked require low-loader transportation
• Stabilizers: Wheeled use stabilizers for lifting capacity; tracked rely on undercarriage weight
• Maintenance: Wheeled have lower long-term costs with simpler tire/brake systems

Both require separate CPCS certifications, though A59A holders can add A59B with practical test only.

Yes! If you already hold CPCS A59A (tracked excavator) certification, you can add the A59B wheeled endorsement through an efficient conversion pathway:

• Test-Only Route: Half-day option with 30-minute familiarization followed by practical test
• One-Day Refresher: Half-day training covering wheeled-specific operations, then afternoon practical test
• No Theory Required: Your existing A59A theory qualification is recognized
• Focus Areas: Stabilizer deployment, road travel procedures, tire/brake systems, urban applications

This conversion is valuable for operators wanting versatility across both tracked and wheeled excavators, opening up urban construction and road infrastructure opportunities.

Having both A59A and A59B qualifications significantly increases employment prospects and earning potential.

Wheeled excavators earned the nickname 'Rubber Ducks' in the construction industry due to their rubber tires (as opposed to metal tracks) and distinctive yellow color common to construction equipment.

The term is widely used across the UK and European construction sectors, particularly for larger wheeled excavators in the 10+ tonne category. Modern wheeled excavators like the JCB Hydradig have embraced this identity.

Despite the playful name, Rubber Ducks are serious workhorses essential for urban construction, offering unmatched mobility, surface protection, and versatility in city environments.

A59B wheeled excavator certification opens opportunities on projects where mobility, road travel, and surface protection are essential:

• Urban Construction: City center developments, building sites with paved access, parking area construction
• Road Infrastructure: Motorway construction, highway maintenance, bridge projects, roadwork and resurfacing
• Utilities Installation: Gas mains, water pipes, fiber optic cables in developed neighborhoods and streets
• Multi-Site Contracts: Projects requiring rapid repositioning between locations without low-loader transport
• Pavement & Surface Work: Operations on finished surfaces where tracked excavators would cause damage
• European & American Projects: Wheeled excavators are industry standard in urban environments internationally

These projects typically offer competitive rates due to specialized equipment requirements and urban working conditions.

Wheeled excavator operators are increasingly in demand as UK infrastructure investment grows and urban development accelerates.

Yes! The CPCS A59B qualification covers wheeled 360 excavators above 10 tonnes AND below 10 tonnes. This is a significant advantage of the A59B certification.

With A59B, you're qualified to operate:

• Large wheeled excavators above 10 tonnes (primary focus of training)
• Mid-size wheeled excavators 5-10 tonnes
• Compact wheeled excavators below 5 tonnes
• All attachments and auxiliary equipment compatible with wheeled excavators

This versatility makes A59B certification valuable for operators working across different project scales and equipment sizes, from compact urban sites to major infrastructure developments.

Complete novice (no excavator experience): 7 days (full training from basics)

Experienced wheeled operators: 2-3 days (skills validation and test preparation)

A59A tracked excavator conversion: Half day to 1 day (familiarization plus test-only route available)

Experienced Worker Test: 1 day. If you're unsure which route applies to you, we can assess your current capability and recommend the most appropriate option.

No. Complete beginners are welcome on the 7-day novice course. If you have excavator experience (tracked or wheeled), we can shorten the training (2-3 days) or advise whether you're ready for a test-only route. We offer free practical assessments to help determine the best pathway for your situation.

Yes. The CPCS Red Card is valid for site work as soon as you receive it. It's recognised across UK construction, road infrastructure, and utilities projects.

However, you must upgrade to Blue Card (via NVQ Level 2) within the two-year validity period. Start gaining site experience and logging hours for your NVQ portfolio as soon as possible.

You need to complete NVQ Level 2 in Plant Operations (Excavator - 360) while working on site. This typically takes 6-12 months and is assessed based on your real-world competence.

The process:

1. Pass A59B and get Red Card (valid 2 years)
2. Work on site, logging hours on wheeled excavators and building portfolio
3. Complete NVQ Level 2 with workplace assessor (6-12 months)
4. Apply to CPCS for Blue Card (valid 5 years, renewable)

We can connect you to NVQ providers and help you explore funding options (CITB grants, Apprenticeship Levy, etc.). It's important to start the NVQ process early during your Red Card validity.

First, we'll debrief you on what went wrong—whether it was stabilizer deployment, road travel procedures, urban operations, or safety protocols. Then we'll discuss the best way forward.

This might mean:

• Additional practice time on wheeled excavator operations
• More training on specific weak areas
• Further instruction on stabilizer setup or road travel
• Booking a retest when you're properly prepared

Failing isn't the end of the world, but it's better to go in properly prepared first time. Our small group sizes mean your instructor will identify any issues early during training.

For construction sites and private land: No driving licence required. The CPCS A59B qualification alone permits wheeled excavator operation on sites and private property.

For public roads: To drive a wheeled excavator on highways at road speeds, you typically need:

• Category B (car) licence for lighter models under 3.5 tonnes
• Category C1 or C licence for heavier wheeled excavators
• The machine must be road-registered, taxed, insured, and have working lights/indicators

In practice, most wheeled excavators on UK infrastructure projects are driven on roads between sites, so having an appropriate driving licence significantly increases employment opportunities. Many operators hold both CPCS A59B and HGV licences.

Wheeled excavators have different maintenance requirements compared to tracked machines:

Wheeled-specific maintenance:

• Tire pressure checks and tire condition inspections
• Brake system maintenance (disc brakes, hydraulic lines)
• Wheel hub and bearing servicing
• Transmission and axle oil changes
• Stabilizer hydraulics and leg inspections

Advantages:

• No track wear or replacement costs (major saving)
• Simpler undercarriage with fewer wearing components
• Tire replacement is less expensive than track replacement
• Generally lower long-term maintenance costs

Our training covers daily pre-use checks specific to wheeled excavators, including tire inspections, brake system checks, and stabilizer maintenance awareness.

Stabilizers (outriggers) are hydraulic legs that deploy from the wheeled excavator chassis to provide stability during excavation and lifting operations. They're essential because wheeled undercarriages have less inherent stability than tracked undercarriages.

Deployment procedure:

1. Position machine on level, firm ground
2. Extend stabilizer legs hydraulically to full width
3. Lower stabilizer feet until they contact ground firmly
4. Apply hydraulic pressure to lift wheels slightly off ground (typically 5-10cm)
5. Check machine is level using built-in spirit levels
6. Verify all stabilizers are properly loaded before commencing work

Safety considerations:

• Never operate with partially deployed stabilizers
• Use timber mats or steel plates on soft ground to spread load
• Check stabilizer legs and feet for damage before deployment
• Retract fully before road travel

Proper stabilizer operation is a major component of A59B training and testing. You'll get plenty of practice deploying and retracting stabilizers safely.

Mobility: Travel at road speeds (up to 22 mph) between sites without low-loader transport, saving time and money. Self-propelled mobility is a game-changer for multi-site contracts.

Surface Protection: Rubber tires don't damage paved surfaces, city streets, or finished pavements. Tracked excavators tear up tarmac and concrete, making them unsuitable for urban environments.

Urban Suitability: Perfect for road infrastructure, bridge construction, utilities installation in developed areas. Less noise and vibration than tracked machines.

Operating Costs: Lower long-term maintenance due to simpler undercarriage. No track replacement costs (which can be £10,000+ on large tracked excavators).

Versatility: Can work both on soft ground (with stabilizers) and on paved surfaces. Can be driven legally on public roads.

However, tracked excavators excel on muddy, soft terrain where wheeled machines would struggle or sink. Each has its place—wheeled for urban/paved work, tracked for soft ground and heavy earthmoving.

Yes, CPCS is the industry-standard certification accepted on construction sites throughout England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Major contractors, road infrastructure firms, utilities companies, and civil engineering contractors all recognise CPCS cards.

A59B wheeled excavator certification is particularly valued on:

• Motorway and road construction projects (M25, A-roads, Smart Motorways)
• Urban development and city center construction
• Utilities installation (gas, water, electric, fiber optic)
• Bridge construction and highway infrastructure
• Industrial facilities requiring surface protection

Many European contractors also recognise CPCS, making it valuable for international construction work. Wheeled excavators are even more common in Europe and the USA than in the UK, so A59B skills are internationally transferable.