Common Excavator Maintenance Mistakes: Are You Making Them?

Proper maintenance is crucial for excavators, but some common mistakes can inadvertently harm these machines. This article summarizes several pitfalls to check if you might be making.

01 Fuel Management:

1. Choose diesel of different grades based on ambient temperatures.
2. Avoid contaminants, dust, and water in diesel to prevent premature fuel pump wear.
3. Poor-quality fuel with high wax and sulfur content can damage the engine.
4. Top up the fuel tank daily after operation to prevent condensation on the tank walls.
5. Before daily operation, open the fuel tank's drain valve.
6. After the engine exhausts fuel or replaces the filter, purge air from the fuel system.

02 Management of Other Lubricants:

1. Include engine oil, hydraulic oil, gear oil, etc.
2. Avoid mixing oils of different brands and grades.
3. Different excavator oils may have additives with varying chemical or physical effects during production.
4. Ensure cleanliness to prevent foreign particles (water, dust, particles) from contaminating the oil.

03 Lubricating Grease Management:

1. Lubricating grease reduces surface wear and prevents noise.
2. Store grease away from dust, sand, water, and other impurities.
3. During application, expel old grease entirely and wipe clean to prevent sand adherence.

04 Filter Maintenance:

1. Filters prevent impurities from entering oil or air circuits, averting system malfunctions.
2. Regularly replace filters according to the maintenance manual.
3. Check for metal particles on old filters during replacement; address any issues promptly.
4. Use genuine filters specified for the machine; substandard filters can significantly impact normal machine operation.

05 Rainy Season Maintenance: During the rainy season, the excavator's parking location is crucial. If possible, park it indoors, avoiding excessively damp environments. Rust prevention is essential when indoors for extended periods, and periodic engine startups and short drives help charge the battery. If outdoor parking is unavoidable, choose a solid surface, preferably concrete or asphalt, away from rivers, slopes prone to collapse, and under large trees to prevent lightning strikes or potential tree falls during storms.

These practices help ensure effective excavator maintenance and longevity, preventing common mistakes that could compromise performance.