Excavator maintenance tips
Best practices to get the best performance out of your machine
If you've owned or operated an excavator for any length of time, you know that proper maintenance will not only help keep you up and running but also preserve the machine's resale or trade-in value in the long run. Without the luxury of unlimited timelines or budgets, we have to take every step possible to protect that bottom line — and an excavator that isn't working can be the bottom line's worst nightmare.
The good news is that it doesn't have to take a lot of time and energy to maintain your excavator if you give it a quick inspection at the beginning and end of each day. The even better news is that this will actually save you a lot of time and energy because you'll catch potential problems sooner and keep your operators and mechanics safer.
Here's how you or your operators can spend five minutes each morning to keep your excavator happy.
Best practices before starting up your excavator in the morning
1. Start in the same place every time. The front of the cab is a logical starting point because you can just hop in and head out if everything looks good when you get back to that point.
2. Develop a routine and/or checklist that becomes second nature. Be sure to look in less obvious (but still critical) areas. Look up and down, left and right. Be as thorough as possible.
3. Talk through any findings with a supervisor or mechanic and provide a written version so nothing is forgotten.
The details of excavator inspection matter
The goal of a daily inspection is to visually examine every possible compartment and component for leaks, damage, etc. Make sure to look closely at the boom and arm for cracks, especially if you're working in harsh conditions or cold temperatures.
Other parts you cannot skip:
- Boom and cylinder mounting, arm and cylinder mounting, and bucket and cylinder mounting
- Main pump compartment and battery compartment
- Swing drive and main control valve
- Track drive, track chain, and shoes
- Lower frame and superstructure
- Side doors and cowl frames
- Electrical box
- Engine air filter and cabin air filter
- Radiators and coolers
- Hydraulic lines and all hydraulic connections, pipes, and hoses
- Mirrors, cameras, seat belts, and safety levers
- Transmission, hydraulic, and coolant fluid levels
Bonus tip: When an excavator is new and the engine has only run for a few hours, it's smart to check the engine oil level. This can be done from the cab by looking at the display. If you prefer to use a dipstick, that's fine too.
There are a few things you should do at the end of a shift as well. Refill your fuel to reduce the risk of condensation developing in the tank overnight. And while you're doing that, you might as well top off the DEF. Always disconnect the main battery switch and park the excavator with the digging equipment fully extended to protect the piston rods.
Clean the undercarriage to reduce strain on the components, especially when temperatures are below freezing. If you don't, any mud or debris in the chain could freeze and you may not be able to move the machine the next day. Cleanliness also makes it easier to spot potential issues earlier.
Don't underestimate the undercarriage
Speaking of undercarriages, they're one of the most expensive components to repair or replace, so be sure you pay them enough attention. The undercarriage supports the full weight of the machine and is continuously subjected to rocks and other debris. Dealer technicians are great resources for undercarriage inspections, but I also recommend conducting your own detailed visual inspection once a week or every 40 operating hours.
Remember: Visual inspections should not replace regularly scheduled undercarriage management. Proper management entails measuring and tracking wear, replacing worn components, and swapping component positions as appropriate.
Be sure to inspect the track shoes, links, pins, bushings, top and bottom rollers, idlers, and sprockets. Carefully check the links for cracks, spalling, side wear, and wear on the pin boss. You can also count the links to see if any were removed in an effort to tighten the undercarriage. If someone has made it too tight, that could spell trouble down the road. And finally, compare the two sides of the undercarriage assembly to see if one side shows more wear than the other.
Service contracts and telematics provide additional peace of mind
Want a few more suggestions for easing maintenance-related headaches? First, get your excavator from a brand that offers service contracts — this will keep you on schedule and provide a go-to team you can trust when questions or problems pop up. Some OEMs will offer different packages or levels of these contracts to better fit your needs and budget.
A great telematics program can support your maintenance regimen because it will send you simplified alerts on only the most critical issues with clear information on how to resolve them and the consequences of ignoring them. A strong warranty is a sign that the OEM is confident in the quality of its excavator and will be helpful should an issue arise. And, of course, if you are ever unsure about what might need to be done to your excavator, connect with your local dealer.
We hear "time is money" so often in this industry that it could drive a person mad — but it's the truth. A few minutes at the beginning and end of your shift can save you many more minutes (and hours and days and weeks) in the long run, so don't skip inspections.
José Rosales is head of product management — maintenance, Volvo Construction Equipment.
