Tracked Excavator 101: Uses and Maintenance Guide

An excavator is construction equipment used in excavating or moving large objects. The excavator makes use of a hydraulic system that generates hydraulic force for controlling the mechanical arm of the machine. It also has a track system which helps in movement.

Uses of an excavator

An excavator consists of a cab, undercarriage, stick, boom, and bucket. The primary usage of the excavator is for digging trenches, holes, and foundations and thus provides power to perform these activities at ease and with great effectiveness than any other heavy equipment. These are used in various types of industries like forestry, mining, and all kinds of construction industries. Along with the work of digging, excavators are also used for tasks such as demolition, dredging rivers, handling materials, or lifting heavy materials.

Maintenance procedures for excavator

With proper maintenance, the efficiency of the fuel is maximized, and it also helps in reducing operational costs as well as equipment failure. Here are some of the tips to maintain excavators well.

Daily inspection list

Perform a daily inspection before operating the excavator. This won't take much time and if any issue is discovered, it can be easily solved. Before operating the excavator, here are some of the items to be checked:

• Check if there is enough coolant or not

• Engine oil and the hydraulic oil level should be checked

• Leakage in the compartment and under the machine should be checked

• Tracks should be checked

• Make sure the coolers are free of debris

• Pins must be greased and brushed daily

• Trash and debris from the cab should be cleaned

Undercarriage

One of the most expensive parts of excavator operation is undercarriage. Here are some of the following items to be checked for proper track operation:

• Check if there are any loose bolts on track and tighten them if required

• Check if there are bent shoes on tracks because one bent shoe can result in another bent shoe

• If there are any bent or damaged guards, make a replacement for them

• Clean the debris from around the track

• The gearbox oil must also be changed at about 1000- hour duration.

Changing air and fuel filters

Air, fuel, and hydraulic filters must be maintained properly so that equipment works well in dirty and wet conditions. You can refer to the operator's manual and change the air and fuel filters according to their instructions.

Swing bearing and swing gear maintenance

Swing gear is an essential component of an excavator and is often ignored while it's servicing. Bearing and gear both must be properly lubricated to avoid any contamination. Ensure that the bearing is greased well and check the swing gear regarding enough grease and no leakage.

#heavyequipment#construction#excavator#heavymachinery#constructionequipment#heavyequipmentlife#caterpillar#earthmoving#mining#excavation#komatsu#equipment#heavyequipmentnation#cat#digger#excavators#demolition#heavyequipmentoperator#machinery#constructionlife#engineering#truck#concrete#bulldozer#earthmovers#constructionmachinery#civilengineering