5 Tips to Caring For Your Excavator | Home DIY

An excavator is very efficient when you want to break ground at a construction site. The lifespan of an excavator depends on how well it’s taken care of. This is because damages start gradually and worsen when the owner allows them to persist. As a matter of fact, an excavator that’s hardly maintained is vulnerable to break down. These breakdowns come at a cost. You spend a lot of money on buying replacement parts and you also stay away from work. Caring for the excavator will actually prevent such damages from happening. Below are tips that can help you in keeping your excavator in good shape.

1. Keep It Clean

Some excavators are used once in a while others are used everyday. Those that are used frequently should be washed everyday with soapy water. On the other hand, an excavator that’s used once in awhile should be washed in the evening. If the equipment is not cleaned regularly, mud and dust will build up around moving parts and cause them to clog. When these moving parts are clogged by mud and other debris, the equipment can not be operated smoothly. If the equipment has been used on a site that’s wet, it should be rinsed thoroughly to prevent build up of rust.

2. Electrical System

The electrical system is used to power the lights and other mechanical functions of the excavator. The main source of energy for the electrical system is a 12 volt battery. If the terminals of the battery are not cleaned regularly, the equipment may fail to start when you turn on the ignition key. You should also examine the cables to make sure that they are still intact. If some of the cables have been stripped, you should call a technician immediately so the problem can be remedied in advance. This is because such uninsulated cables are the main culprit of electric shocks.

3. Cooling System

The cooling system helps in preventing build up of heat in the engine. The system mainly comprises a radiator, condenser and oil cooler. If the system is faulty, the engine is likely to break down due to overheating. You should therefore inspect the hoses that carry cold air from the system to find out whether they are cracked. If the hoses are cracked, you should replace them immediately. But since replacing such pipes can be tricky, you should have your equipment serviced by a qualified technician. If you notice that the cooling system is dirty, you should clean it using low pressure air or water to avoid tampering with the fins of radiator.

4. Undercarriage

The undercarriage is the most vulnerable part of the excavator. This is because it takes all the punishment the equipment goes through. Modern equipments have tracks that are made from rubber material. The main function of these tracks is to protect the metallic chain that’s constructed from steel. If the tracks are damaged by cuts or tears, the equipment will not move smoothly. Other parts that should be examined on a daily basis include the rollers, idlers and sprockets.

5. Filters

Filters are used to sieve that gets into the engine from the outside. This is because the air contains dust and other debris that can contaminate the engine oil and hydraulic systems. When the filter gets worn out, it allows dirt to penetrate through. In the final end, the debris cause the engine to malfunction due to clogging. Nowadays it’s easy to tell when the filter needs to be replaced. This is because they come with an in-built indicator that warns you early. For more insights on maintenance of excavator, please visit Fortis Tracks.

K Elizabeth xoxox

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