Maintaining Your Excavator
Modern heavy machinery makes construction more efficient and easy than ever! And whatever the construction job is, chances are you’ll be using an excavator. But these machines require some care to make sure they stay in good shape, so we here at RECO Equipment put together some maintenance tips. If you want more information, or you’re looking for a new excavator, contact our stores across Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania, today!
Visual Inspection
Any good maintenance operation starts with a thorough once-over. Look for any obvious problems like loose bolts, damage to the undercarriage, debris caught on the machinery, rust spots, fluid leaks, etc. Make sure the tracts have the prepper tension or that tires have the correct air pressure.
You should also check your gearbox to make sure it’s in good condition.
Swing Gear
The swing gear and bearing both need to be lubricated. Make sure there’s enough grease and that water hasn’t leaked into the compartment.
Cleans Up Nice
Your excavator is going to get dirty, and there’s not much to do about that, but cleaning it up regularly can improve function and extend its lifespan. Use a shovel to remove big chunks of dirt or mud and a pressure washer for more precise cleaning and to clean your undercarriage and tracks. Check after every ride to see if there’s any new major buildup.
Fluids and Filters
Like any modern vehicle, your excavator relies on a number of fluids for proper function. Make sure you replace oil and hydraulic fluid after every 250 operating hours, and top off your radiator fluid and fuel on a more daily basis. Gradual fluid loss is expected, but if there are any sudden dips in fluid levels, it may indicate a leak. You’ll also want to replace your hydraulic fluid filter every 500 hours or so to ensure it doesn’t get clogged with impurities or dirt.
Your gearbox oil will need to be changed out at approximately 1,000-hour intervals, though your owner’s manual might give you more specifics.
If you find any serious maintenance issues that you don’t think you can fix, make sure to contact a trusted maintenance department like our service centers at RECO Equipment. Our trained professionals will find the problem and fix it in no time flat!
That said, we hope these tips help you keep your excavator out of the service department entirely! If you have any questions, or you’d like to see the excavators we have for sale, contact us at RECO Equipment. We proudly serve the people of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana—let us serve you today!