With spring weather approaching, March is the ideal time to prepare and service your John Deere and Hitachi excavator for the jobs ahead. Inspecting and servicing your excavator will help you ensure that it will not be faced with any unforeseen breakdowns and costly repairs.
Getting Your Excavator Ready for Action
Check Fluids
We mention checking excavator fluids on a regular basis because it is one of the most important maintenance tasks you need to perform in order to ensure that your excavator will function properly. Neglecting to check the condition and the level of hydraulic oil, engine oil, and coolants, as well as your filters, can result in serious damage to the components of your excavator. So, make sure the fluids are clean and at the proper level, and if needed, replace the filters.
Grease Your Excavator
Like fluids, grease is necessary to keep the moving parts of your excavator functioning properly. You need to lubricate them using high-quality grease to avoid friction and help extend their service life. You should grease your excavator boom, dipper, bucket, all pins, and bearings. You need to use at least the grease recommended by the excavator manufacturer, or if you can, high-quality synthetic grease which lasts longer than petroleum-based grease. You also have to grease according to hours of operation (many manufacturers suggest about every 8 hours). However, try to avoid over greasing, since accumulated grease and oil can be a fire hazard.
Check the Seals
The seals of your excavator are affected by temperature changes and usage. Therefore, it is important to check them for leaks or any visible damage to keep your excavator working properly.
Check the Undercarriage
Ensure that the undercarriage of your excavator is clean and free of any debris. It’s also vital that you adjust track tension to prevent damage and ensure it is operating optimally. An excavator’s undercarriage is constantly under the stress of your machine’s total weight and exposed to obstacles and challenging terrain that contribute to its wear and tear. Therefore, by keeping your excavator tracks in optimal working condition you can maintain your excavator’s working efficiency and operational safety at a high level. We have mentioned in previous articles that you need to keep an eye on track tension but you should also ensure that nothing looks out of place which could happen if you have a damaged track pin. In addition, inspect for oil leaks due to seal issues that could damage your track’s rollers, idlers, and track drive motor.
Check the Engine
Naturally, if your excavator was in storage for a few months, you need to Inspect the engine to ensure all belts are in good condition and properly tightened. You also have to inspect the condition of all hoses. Hoses are not only affected by normal wear and tear but also by changes in temperature which means that you need to check them for any cracking and swelling. Of course, you need to make sure you have the recommended engine oil and coolant for this season and that it is maintained at the proper level. Don’t forget to check the battery to ensure that it is in good condition and able to hold a charge to keep your excavator working.
Check the Boom and Arm of Your Excavator
Before using the boom and arm, you need to make sure that there is no damage to hoses and hard lines. Check the hydraulic cylinders for leaks, and lubricate them properly. Also, look for cracks, flexing, or signs of corrosion. You also have to inspect the bushings and pins for wear to ensure there is no excessive movement that could lead to costly repairs down the road.
Clean and Inspect the Cab and Exterior
You should make certain that your excavator cabin is clean and the displays and monitors are in good working order. The cabin air filters should be clean as well so your operator will be able to breathe fresh air. You also need to inspect the lights, climate control system, and windshield wipers as they also contribute to the safe and proper operation of your excavator.
Why Spring Excavator Preparation is Necessary
By taking the time to properly prepare your excavator for a more intensive work schedule, and environmental changes, you can minimize expenses and maximize your productivity. At Langley Excavator Parts Exchange, we want to help you protect your excavator and are always prepared to offer you the excavator parts and components you need so you can get back to work quickly. Our 21,000 square foot facility in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada serves clients throughout North America on a daily basis and ships our John Deere and Hitachi excavator parts across the world. Call us at 1-888-530-5444 or contact us online. With one of the largest inventories of John Deere and Hitachi components, our experienced and knowledgeable staff is equipped to help you with the part you may need.
