Any excavator is an expensive and valuable equipment that requires care and attention. On-site downtime means money loss. You can avoid downtime through regular maintenance, and spending a certain amount of time and money on maintenance will help save money in the future. A fixed routine maintenance program can help avoid many problems that are not only time-consuming but also costly.
Please pay attention to the following tips and misunderstandings:
Check engine and hydraulic oil level
These should be checked daily and added when needed. All machines are slightly different, so consult the excavator manual to find out how often you need to change the oil. Contaminated oil can cause hydraulic failure.
Use the correct type of oil
This is not a place where you can save money. Using low-quality engine oil may cause many problems. High-grade engine oils are specially formulated to prevent thermal and oxidative decomposition, and improve the viscosity and wear of soot. The hydraulic system design is very precise, therefore, the wrong type of oil or any other type of contamination will usually cause hydraulic failure. Inexpensive motor oils usually decompose additives when used at high duty cycles. This is especially true for large boom boom operations, because anti-corrosion and anti-wear additives degrade under high temperature conditions, so choosing the correct hydraulic oil type and viscosity is critical.
Check the oil-water separator
Most modern excavators have a fuel filter that has a water separator to remove water from the fuel. These filters require daily inspection and regular drainage.
fuel
Just as the oil should be of the right type and higher quality, so should the fuel. For larger work sites, it is usually necessary to contract with a fuel technician, who is responsible for providing the correct fuel and ensuring the cleanliness of the fuel and its delivery. Fuel technicians will also ensure that the fuel contains appropriate additives to prevent the growth of algae and other organisms. If you rent a small excavator for smaller jobs, be sure to seek advice on the type of fuel and any additives needed. At the same time, remember to check the exhaust port of the fuel tank. It is easy to be blocked when working in a dusty environment, which will cause excessive force on the fuel pump when delivering fuel.
Regularly check the cooling system
The heat insulation layer and heat shield of the radiator in the engine compartment should be placed in the correct position, and should be replaced if worn. The heat exchanger must be kept clean. Coolant or oil leaks can cause dust and debris to accumulate, which will slow down the passage of air and act as an insulator that reduces heat exchange. The coolant must also be replaced according to the manufacturer's recommendations, because the coolant additives will stop working over time, causing overheating and possible engine failure.
Well-lubricated pivot point
All accessories must be regularly lubricated with high-quality grease. This should include the boom, bucket, bucket, all pins and pins. Adequate lubrication is the key to longer equipment life, but excessive lubrication can also cause problems such as environmental hazards. The accumulation of grease on the machine also poses a fire hazard.
Check bucket and accessories
During use, the bucket should be checked daily for cracks and wear. If the bucket is used for heavy cutting work, the teeth will wear out quickly. Other accessories should also be checked for cracks and wear.
Track adjustment/track tension
If the excavator is used frequently, it should be checked once a day. A track that is too tight will cause premature wear and breakage, and a track that is too loose will lead to poor handling and eventually derailment. A properly adjusted track will maximize the service life and minimize the wear of the track and its components.
Repair the gearbox
The gearbox requires regular oil changes and maintenance, which is a place that is sometimes overlooked.
Check for leaks
All leaks must be corrected, the liquid level of the monitor must be checked, the cooling system, hydraulic system, and swing drive must be checked for leaks. If you suspect a leak anywhere, you must correct it immediately.
General cleaning and maintenance
Excavators should be cleaned regularly. Steam cleaning or high-pressure water can be used for external cleaning.
The cabin should also be cleaned frequently.
The safety information must be visible at all times and not covered by dust and debris.
The safety of the pedals and handles must be checked to ensure that they are not loose or damaged.
The air recirculation filter element must be cleaned regularly. If it is full of dust, it will shorten the life of the air conditioner or cabin heater and cause performance degradation.
We recommend daily inspections to check your machine. Manufacturers and local distributors can provide training and necessary information on how to repair excavators, as all models of excavators are slightly different. Some excavators have electronic screens that display maintenance reminders and program alerts for any potential problems, which helps operators quickly identify and resolve problems. In the long run, spending time on maintenance will save you a lot of maintenance costs.
