To used excavator owners as well as construction firms, ensuring that the heavy equipment last as long as possible is fundamental. This is because used excavators can work for many years without a problem when their maintenance needs are met but if an essential part of their maintenance is not applied then the used excavators can break down and result in more losses. Here, you will find the basic and important used excavator maintenance tips for proper functioning of the machine.
It is good practice to schedule the routine periods to ensure that problems that may lead to major damages are detected and solved on time so as to make the excavator to keep running. Matters of inspection should include the engine, hydraulic system, and the cooling system in addition to undercarriage and the filters. Maintaining daily movement in a logbook is effective as it keeps you organized and makes it impossible to miss any detail. It should be used to document simple inspection, maintenance and replacement of part signals.
It is rare to find excavators that have been used and not suffered early degradation mainly due to missed service-period maintenance. Some manufacturers offer maintenance schedule according to the model, but each of them has its own. Adhering to this plan makes it possible to minimize the possibility of a sudden failure and extend the useful lifespan of the machine.
Hydraulics are therefore the engine of an excavator since they supply power to all the working components. When it comes to used machines it is crucial to keep an eye on signs of degradation. Ensure you often consider hydraulic hoses as well as parts for signs such as leakages, cracks, or harm for example, contamination in the system. Replace hydraulic filters as said, and always have extra filters in your pocket in case of a mid-fight change.
The smallest of all cracks or peeling could lead to the worst if not well managed. Daily rituals that help include periodic checks of hoses and connections for signs of leakage, and repair if there is leakage in a hydraulic system.
Insufficient amounts of appropriate type of fluid should not be used and the fluid level should be checked regularly.
Cold or dirty fluids hinder the free flow of heat and result in over heating and low engine performance especially for reused excavators. Engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and cool have to be checked from time to time, or a petroleum product, hydraulic fluid and a coolant respectively. They can block the systems and cause serious harm to it, therefore, do not underestimate the importance of monitoring both in the quality and quantity of the fluids.
The type and grade of fluids to be used should be the correct one according to the manufacturer’s specification. Choosing right fluids is crucial; cheap or improper ones can be a decision that will cost more in the long run. Thus, frequent fluid changes are as important a rule as frequent checks.
Most of loadbearing on the bad terrains is done by the tracks and undercarriage of the excavator. This can wear away without attention, and thus why it’s important to clean and check the tool regularly. Regularly clear dirt, rocks and debris as that will cause damage and reduce maneuverability. Make sure that the tracks have the right tension, tracks that are too tight or too loose will wear out very quickly.
Maintaining proper undercarriage ensures that tracks are able to last longer and that moving them on the job site is smooth and efficient. If it’s muddy or rocky, cleaning and inspecting it each day after work will help keep it from wearing out needlessly.
Eroded excavator parts impact both safety and performance. Replace belts, filters, hoses or seals that become worn as opposed to waiting for a complete failure. Wait too long and it usually only becomes more expensive fixes. In addition, your excavator is more likely to last longer if you use original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts since OEM parts are crafted to match the configuration and functionality of your particular excavator model.
With prompt replacement, your used excavator continues to run efficiently and you are less likely to incur more costly damage from worn out parts.