I'd have to agree with Willie59 on this one, he's only asking for some guidance and advice, first off he's admitted he's new to the business and is only looking for ways to improve himself, now that said I'd have to give him a two thumbs up for even asking, second I'd think maybe some of you might feel a little ashamed for treating anyone like you just did, remember you were the new guy too once long ago and unless you came from heaven you learned as you went along, knowledge and wisdom is gained and learned not born into you, they say you get it from living and learning and time.
To help answer some of your questions, first off situational awareness is key on any machine no matter how big or how small, you need to know what's going on around you at all times and everything your machine is doing or will do or anybody thats around you now or will shortly be around you. As for the tailswing question, start slow and work from there, every machine has a different swing pattern and you need to learn what it is, if your not sure measure it and make sure your not any closer than that to anything at first. If your concerned about hitting anything your a step ahead of most out there, if you don't believe me look at used excavators and see just how beat up they are, apparently nobody was too concerned when they smashed all the side shields to beyond destruction, scraped the counterweight paint off and mashed the cab doors and sheet metal to death like is common on most used machines when they get traded in.
Next get rid of distractions, say for example cell phones unless the boss gives you orders to carry one, leave it in your pocket and shut off or in your vehicle, same goes for the radio, texting and all the other bs toys everyone thinks they need to carry and have with them or life will end, your paid to do a job, do it, its that simple and pay attention to the job your doing, along with everything else around you.
Learn your machines capabilities, study the reach and lift capabilities and don't try to go beyond those ever, if your not sure ask someone who does know or is supposed to know, if they are not going to answer any questions, seek a new employer, he's either an idiot or a moron for not answering questions from an employee no matter how stupid they may seem, safety is always the key to success.
Practice and patience are what keeps you alive and those around you and despite what some might think everyone learns by doing, watching, and by being told how, nobody is born with knowledge, experience, expertise, wisdom, and the ability to operate anything, some have a natural talent to learn faster than others, some never do learn and some are better than others after they do learn how, but everyone learns in some form or other.
And last, despite what some think there is no stupid question, if you have one ask it, if not here then somewhere else, a boss, coworker, foreman, whoever it may be but get an answer to your question somehow, even if its not what you wanted to hear keep asking until your questions answered in a form you understand and comprehend and if it brings up the next question to help answer the first ask that as well. I've seen too many too afraid to ask questions and someone ends up getting hurt because their pride, ignorance, arrogance, or whatever kept them from asking in the first place. With that only a fool thinks he knows it all, everyone else learns every day of their life, some things good others bad but learning never stops. If you have other questions ask those as well, if I didn't answer your question ask it again or what part I didn't answer for you. Best of luck Oh yea welcome to the forum and don't get scared off by incorrect grammar or phrasing from a different country some apparently have never been too far from home themselves.
