Guidelines for Maintaining Excavators the Right Way

The evolution of excavators for the past decade has been tremendous. This has led to the need for proper handling of excavators. JCB parts suppliers can provide you with maintenance tips and manuals regarding the same.

JCB parts suppliers can come handy when you need genuine parts to replace that last long. Here are some tips on the proper handling of excavators.

Review Operation Maintenance Manuals from the Manufacturer

Safety features of the machine, instrumentation advice, controls, and points of maintenance are all provided in the manuals. Reviewing these manuals should be one of the vital tasks that you should do to familiarize yourself with the specifications and recommendations contained therein.

These manuals are given to you when you purchase the excavators. In case there is an update on the manuals, or you misplace your copy, your authorized dealer can always provide one.

Carry Out Daily Checks on Fluids and Lubricants

Fluids and lubricants such as hydraulic fluid and engine oil should be checked every day to determine their level in the excavators. If any of the listed above have a low-level, then it is crucial to take the initiative of refilling them depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation. You should use clean substances like rags when checking the fluid levels to keep this area dirt-free and avoid contamination.

It would help if you also undertook to lubricate the excavator parts regularly. Lithium-based grease is the most recommended in carrying out lubrication.

Filters Maintenance

There are several filters on excavators. These filters are for hydraulic systems, air, fuel, and engines, each with different service intervals. A filter has a significant effect on performance and can compromise sensitive components when not cleaned. It is vital to make sure that the filters do not get dirty to maximize their performance.

Filters should also not be removed until the required time, as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Fuel Use

Only clean and high-quality grade-1 or grade-2 fuel should be used. If your excavator is operating in colder climates, then you can use a blend of both grade1 and grade 2 Fuels. Lower quality fuel supply can lead to water separation occurring into the filter

Undercarriage

The truck is the most obvious part that will undergo wear and tear. Many excavators use rubber trucks that get worn out quickly, depending on the habits of the user and the environment in which it is operated. It is essential to have the tracks checked daily to identify tears, cuts, and spots that can expose the truck.

Track tension is the most crucial part of the undercarriage that should be monitored keenly. You should read the manual to know how to position the excavator when making the adjustments on truck tensions. Idlers and sprockets are essential parts that should be monitored daily to help identify potential problems on the excavator.

The Cooling System

The availability of enough airflow and appropriate coolant levels is sufficient for the cooling system. If these two factors are lacking, then there might arise an overheat condition, which may lead to engine damage. The cooling system should be maintained appropriately by doing an adequate check of airflow and checking for any leaks in the cooling system. You can also use low-pressure air or water to clean the radiator.

Electrical System

Most excavators have a 12-volt battery installed as part of the electrical system. This battery and fuse protect the excavator in case of an electrical overload. Damaged fuses should be replaced immediately.

It would help if you also made tight and clean electric cables ends. They should be inspected in case of any corrosion, wear and tear or rust. Dielectric grease can be used to prevent such corrosion.

Visual Checks of Attachments Component

Components that are attached to the compound excavator such as Shanks and teeth should be checked frequently to determine whether corrosion is occurring. Such attached parts should be replaced in case of wear and tear to ensure that the excavator remains productive.

Instrumentation

Some excavators have onboard instrumentation mechanisms installed on them. These onboard instrumentations have controllers that undertake several maintaining duties. The systems are also capable of displaying when the need arises, different vitals like coolant levels, and the temperatures of the fluids. They can also give warnings to the user of the excavator when the system components are not syncing.

The instrumentation system is also designed to shut down machines to avoid damages if the operator does not take heed of the warnings displayed.

Safety

Each operator has to be well aware of how to operate the excavator effectively. He should know what each part and lever means and how to control the excavator generally. The manufacturers manual usually contains instructions pf how to operate the machine. Excavator operators should follow these instructions to ensure the safety of the machine, their safety, and those of others.