Excavators are indispensable machines in many industries, from construction to demolition, but their proper functioning is highly dependent on maintenance. Being complex and expensive, these machines are subject to wear and tear issues that, if neglected, can compromise the safety of the machine and its operators. For this reason, regular and thorough maintenance is not only advisable, but essential!
Why is it important to maintain your excavator?
Taking a systematic approach to maintenance allows you to:
- Extend the useful life of the machine, reducing the overall cost of ownership.
- Ensure smooth and reliable operation, avoiding unexpected downtime.
- Safeguard the safety of everyone who works with and around the machine.
Maintenance Approaches
Corrective Maintenance
Corrective maintenance focuses on fixing issues that have already occurred. For example, changing a broken bucket tooth or repairing a hydraulic leak are both part of corrective maintenance. Although unavoidable in some cases, this type of intervention can be minimized with the right preventive maintenance.
Preventive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance consists of regular checks and interventions to prevent damage. This proactive approach is always recommended, as it allows you to identify any problems before they impact the performance of the machine.
Investing in preventive maintenance has a number of significant benefits that make this practice very useful for optimizing costs and ensuring safe and efficient operation of the excavator:
- Increased durability and reduced overall costs. A regularly maintained excavator will have a longer operating life, reducing the need to purchase new machines up front. Furthermore, if you decide to replace it, a well-maintained machine will retain a higher resale value.
- Reliable performance and uptime. A machine in good condition is less prone to unexpected breakdowns. This means you can complete jobs on site without interruptions or delays due to the need to urgently call out a mechanic for unexpected repairs.
- Increased safety for operators. Preventive maintenance minimizes the risk of malfunctions that could endanger the safety of the machine and operators.
Daily check and technical maintenance
Daily check
The daily check consists of a series of visual and practical inspections that can be carried out frequently and easily, without having to dismantle components or access the engine. These are quick checks that are based on direct observation and regular use of the vehicle, useful for promptly identifying any anomalies or signs of wear.
Here are the 8 checks you can do on your excavator:
- Controls and cabin check
Check the operation of the control console to ensure that the joystick responds correctly and that no warning lights are on. Also check the physical integrity of the cabin, including the roof and safety arm, which must be secure and free of damage.
- Hydraulic system
Inspect the pipes and cylinders for any fluid leaks. A hydraulic system in perfect condition is essential to maintaining the power and efficiency of the excavator. Check that the hydraulic fluid level is not too low.
- Coolant
Check the coolant level in the reservoir. This fluid is essential for regulating the engine temperature. If the level is low, top it up.
- Engine Oil
Engine oil helps keep the engine at the right temperature and lubricates its moving parts. If necessary, the oil should be topped up by a trained mechanic to avoid contamination that could damage the engine.
- Drive System
Check the condition and alignment of the tracks or wheels. For tracked excavators, check the tension; for wheeled excavators, check the tire pressure. In either case, excessive wear is a sign that requires prompt attention.
- Wear Components
Inspect the buckets for damage or signs of excessive wear. Check the teeth and pins, replacing them if necessary to ensure optimum performance.
- Attachments
Always check that each attachment is securely engaged with the arm. Also check the attachments for wear to reduce the possibility of failure during use.
- Water separator
Empty the water separator every morning to avoid condensation build-up, which could damage the injectors and cause corrosion.
Typically, this activity is performed every 50-100 hours of work. However, there is nothing to stop you from doing it more frequently. More frequent maintenance, in fact, helps to ensure consistent performance and reduces the risk of sudden breakdowns.
Maintenance: safety tips
To perform routine maintenance safely:
- Carry out all checks with the machine turned off.
- Make sure the parking brake is engaged.
Technical maintenance interventions
The advice we have seen so far is not sufficient for all cases. In fact, an expert eye is often needed to check the correct functioning of some parts of the excavator. Furthermore, the check is followed by small modifications to the machine, such as topping up and greasing.
These interventions, which are carried out by a specialized mechanic every 500-1000 hours of work, must be recorded in the machine's maintenance log.
Here are the main operations performed during this phase:
- Greasing the fifth wheel and rotation pinion to ensure the smooth movements of the excavator.
- Battery check. Check the connections, the condition of the cables and the charge level.
- Inspection of the alternator belt, an essential component for the correct operation of the machine.
- Cleaning or replacing the fuel filter to prevent impurities from damaging the engine.
- Checking the alternator and starting system.
- Checking the hydraulic fluids. Levels and pressures must be optimal to ensure effective performance, and if necessary, topping up or replacing is carried out.
- Greasing the joints, to prevent blockages or excessive wear.
- Inspection of the cooling system with control of the water and coolant levels to avoid overheating.
What if a component is damaged?
Don't worry! Install an excavator spare part!
There are three main types of spare parts available: new, used or reconditioned. Reconditioned spare parts, in particular, are used components that have been subjected to an overhaul and repair process to restore their performance, making them comparable to that of new spare parts.
- For new excavators or those under warranty, it is best to use new spare parts.
- For very old excavators, it is necessary to use used or reconditioned spare parts, since new spare parts are probably no longer available on the market.
- For excavators close to the end of their life cycle, we recommend using used spare parts.
If you need spare parts for your excavator or want to replace worn components, contact us: we are at your disposal with a wide range of quality products to keep your machine always at its best!
