As spring approaches, what preparations do excavators need to make?

Get your excavator ready for action
1. Check the fluid
We mention checking your excavator fluid regularly because it is one of the most important maintenance tasks you need to perform to ensure your excavator is running properly. Neglecting to check the condition and level of hydraulic fluid, engine oil, coolant, and filters can result in serious damage to excavator components. So make sure the fluid is clean and at the proper level, and replace the filter if needed.

2. Lubricate your excavator
Like fluids, grease is necessary to keep the moving parts of your excavator functioning properly. You need to lubricate them with good-quality grease to avoid friction and help extend their lifespan. You should lubricate the excavator boom, bucket, and all pins and bearings. You'll want to use at least the grease recommended by your excavator manufacturer, or if you can, use a high-quality synthetic grease that will last longer than petroleum-based grease. You must also lubricate based on operating hours (many manufacturers recommend approximately every 8 hours). However, try to avoid over-lubrication, as accumulated grease and oil can cause a fire hazard.

3. Check seals

Excavator seals are affected by temperature changes and usage. Therefore, it is important to check them for leaks or any obvious damage to keep your excavator working properly.

4. Check landing gear
Make sure the excavator’s undercarriage is clean and free of any debris. It is also important to adjust track tension to prevent damage and ensure optimal operation. An excavator's undercarriage is constantly stressed by the machine's total weight and exposed to obstacles and challenging terrain, causing it to wear out. Therefore, by keeping the excavator tracks in optimal working condition, the high working efficiency and operational safety of the excavator can be maintained. This requires keeping a close eye on the track tension, but you should also make sure nothing is out of the ordinary, which could happen if the track pins are damaged. Also, check for oil leaks due to sealing issues, which could damage track rollers, idlers, and track drive motors.

5. Check engine
Of course, if your excavator has been in storage for a few months, you'll want to check the engine to make sure all belts are in good condition and properly tensioned. You must also check the condition of all hoses. Hoses are not only affected by normal wear and tear, but also temperature changes, which means you need to check them for any cracks and swelling. Of course, you'll want to make sure you have the recommended engine oil and coolant for the season and keep them at the appropriate levels. Don't forget to check the battery to make sure it's in good condition and able to hold a charge to keep the excavator working.

6. Check the excavator’s boom and stick
Before using booms and arms, you need to make sure that hoses and hard lines are not damaged. Check the hydraulic cylinder for leaks and lubricate it properly. Also check for signs of cracks, bends, or corrosion. You must also check the bushings and pins for wear to ensure there is no excessive movement that could lead to expensive repairs later.

7. Clean and inspect cab and exterior
You should make sure that the excavator cab is clean and that the displays and monitors are working properly. Cabin air filters should also be cleaned so operators can breathe fresh air. You'll also want to check the lights, climate control system, and windshield wipers, as they also contribute to the safe and proper operation of your excavator.

Why do you need to prepare your excavator?

By taking the time to prepare for a more intensive work schedule and changes in circumstances, you can minimize expenses and maximize productivity. We want to help you protect your excavator and are ready to provide you with the excavator parts and components you need so you can get back to work quickly. We, Kyotechs Company, located in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China, serve the global market, sell to the world, serve our customers every day, and ship our excavator parts all over the world. Our experienced and knowledgeable staff is able to help you get standard service. And we have visible quality and performance, a high appearance, and a low price, allowing you to better save costs.