What should the operator do when nearing the desired excavation depth?

When nearing the desired excavation depth, it is important to clean the edges of the trench with the bucket. This action ensures that the sides of the excavation are smooth and free of loose material, which can prevent issues when the trench needs to be accessed or backfilled later. Cleaning the edges also helps maintain the stability and integrity of the trench walls, reducing the risk of collapse.

In this context, while decreasing the machine's speed is important for safety, it does not directly address the condition of the trench edges. Improving visual clearance can help the operator see surrounding areas but does not contribute directly to the quality of the excavation. Beginning backfilling at this stage would be premature; it is essential to ensure that the trench is properly prepared before any backfilling occurs. Thus, cleaning the edges with the bucket is the most effective and appropriate action as the operator approaches the desired depth.