Excavator Maintenance Guide

Excavator is a jack of all trades in the world of heavy construction equipment. It can be used for digging trenches, loading heavy materials onto trucks, and demolishing a house, among many other uses. Most of the time, excavators are subjected to harsh conditions since they are operated in the heavy rain, snow, or under the heat of the sun. Whether it’s a new or a used excavator, if it is in good condition and fuel efficient, it can lessen the operating cost.

One of the important parts of the excavator is the undercarriage. The undercarriage, which is referred to as the backbone of the excavator, has tracks that allow the equipment to move. The tracks are made from a rubber material and you must always ensure they’re not worn out. 

There’s also the electrical system which gets its power from a battery containing 12 volts of DC. You must check if the electrical system’s cable insulation is intact as faulty insulation can cause the electrical system to release a large amount of energy that can lead to overheating. Excavators also have filters that trap the dust and debris, ensuring that the oil remains free from contaminants. To guarantee the efficiency of the excavator, it’s necessary to change the filters once in a while.

Make sure to keep a record of your machine’s maintenance and repair information. Before operating the machine, run through the following checklist to avoid damage to the equipment and ensure your safety. 

• Check the fluid oil levels (Is there enough coolant? Are the engine oil and hydraulic oil levels correct? Are there leaks in the compartments and under the machine? Is there enough fuel?)
• Ensure that water is drained from fuel/water separator
• Make sure the suspension of the tracks is not too tight nor too loose
• Clean the radiator/intercooler
• Ensure that there is no irregular noise while the machine is running
• Check the dust ejector, bucket teeth, and wear plates
• Ensure that seatbelts, lights, alarms, and controls are working well
• Make sure coolers are free of debris
• Grease pins and bushings

You can print this checklist and review it before using the excavator. Remember, regular maintenance of the equipment avoids unexpected failures, downtime, and costly repairs.

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