26th June 2006, 10:58 AM
I think that a well-intentioned but inexperienced archaeologist is potentially going to cause more damage to archaeology than a sympathetic and highly experienced non-archaeologist, when at the helm of a JCB or 360.
I have known a number of very good machine operators who can remove layers in 'spits' of 1cm at a time. Where possible I prefer to engage specific firms and ask for specific drivers that I know to be good. At our level it is more cost-effective than hiring a machine without driver and paying for training and (as Mercenary points out) upkeep of hours. In a large unit however it might be worth having a machine driver as a full-time staff member.
In which case would it be better to get an experienced and sympathetic driver and send them on a few archaeology courses, or get an archaeologist and send them on a few digger driving courses?
I have known a number of very good machine operators who can remove layers in 'spits' of 1cm at a time. Where possible I prefer to engage specific firms and ask for specific drivers that I know to be good. At our level it is more cost-effective than hiring a machine without driver and paying for training and (as Mercenary points out) upkeep of hours. In a large unit however it might be worth having a machine driver as a full-time staff member.
In which case would it be better to get an experienced and sympathetic driver and send them on a few archaeology courses, or get an archaeologist and send them on a few digger driving courses?