Maintaining Your Excavator

Excavators are invaluable tools in any operation that requires a lot of digging or the moving of loose materials. From the farm to the construction site, these immense machines are moving incredible amounts of soil, gravel, sand, and more. Unfortunately, they still require regular maintenance despite their power and rugged build, so we here at New South Tractor have put together our favorite excavator maintenance tips below. To learn more, or to see the excavators we have for sale, contact our store in Newton, North Carolina, today!

Visual Inspection

Your first step here should be a thorough once-over to look for any visible signs of damage or excessive wear and tear. Check for obvious things like loose bolts, gouges or holes in the undercarriage, debris caught inside the machinery, rust, fluid leaks, etc. Take the time to ensure the tracks have the proper amount of tension, or that the machine’s tires have the correct amount of air pressure.

Next, check the gearbox to ensure it’s secure and hasn’t leaked oil or had water leak into it. The oil in the gearbox should be changed every 1,000 hours or so, unless your owner’s manual says otherwise.

Swing Gear

Both your excavator’s swing gear and its bearing require regular lubrication in order to function smoothly. Without it, your excavator won’t be doing much excavating. Inspect it regularly to ensure it’s properly greased and, again, what no water has leaked in.

Fluids and Filters

Like any modern machine, there are a number of fluids and filters your excavator relies on heavily for proper function. Without them, your machine might overheat or just stop working altogether. The motor oil is especially important and should be replaced every 250 operating hours or so, though you should check its condition more frequently. If it isn’t amber-colored, largely transparent, and fluid, and is instead speckled, dark, or sludgy, replace it entirely and replace the oil filter as well. 

The hydraulic fluid filter will need replacing after every 500 operating hours, as well. Your radiator fluid, however, needs more regular care. Check it daily and top it off as often as is required. The fluid will naturally deplete over time, but make sure it isn’t getting lower on a daily basis, as that might indicate a serious problem. 

Cleaning

Finally, it’s important to keep your excavator as clean as possible. Obviously, it’s going to get dirty—excavation is a dirty job. But don’t let dirt, mud, or debris build up on or in the machine, since this can cause corrosion and other serious issues over time. 

We hope these tips help you care for your excavator! If you have any questions, need maintenance assistance, or just want to browse through our excavator inventory, contact us at New South Tractor. We proudly serve the people of Newton and Asheville, North Carolina—let us serve you today!