When it comes to construction and earthmoving jobs, uptime is everything. If a machine goes down, it costs you precious time and resources that you may not have. To prevent that from happening, it’s important to follow some basic maintenance guidelines to keep your compact excavator working at top performance. Here are a few things that you or your team should do before starting work each day.
Walkaround inspections
One of the most important parts of compact excavator maintenance is to conduct a daily check. Look at the engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and coolant, and top them off, if necessary. Inspect your fuel filter and drain any water or debris that are caught in it. Finally, check all the hydraulic hoses and air system for leaks, so you can catch small issues before they turn into large and expensive problems.
Don’t skimp on the grease
All of the pivot points on your compact excavator need to be greased regularly. Always check your operator’s manual to see how often the manufacturer recommends greasing, and stick to that interval. You should also grease your bucket or other attachments.
Check track tension
When you’re finished greasing your machine, the next key part of compact excavator maintenance is to check your track tension and adjust as needed. It’s important to check tension on the jobsite, too, as weather or ground conditions may change the tension compared to what it was on your lot.
Look at your bucket teeth
If your compact excavator’s bucket teeth are worn down too much, it can have a serious negative effect on your machine’s performance. If the teeth are worn down and dull, your excavator needs to work a lot harder to complete the project, and there’s no reason for the added wear and tear on the machine.
Remember the cooling system
You need to keep your excavator’s radiator, oil cooler, and other heat exchangers clean during operation, especially in the summer months. Remove any accumulated dirt and debris, which can lead to engine overheating.
Always consult your manual
When it comes to compact excavator maintenance, don’t forget to check the owner’s manual. Follow the recommended service intervals, and only use the fluids and filters that are specified as compatible.
If you have any questions about compact excavator maintenance, then please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team!