TOOLS, PLANT & EQUIPMENT
ADVICE ON MAINTAINING
A MINI EXCAVATOR
In the past decade, compact
excavators have become more and
more advanced allowing them to
become the favoured workhorse
of the working man on job sites.
Whether you’ve hired one or bought
it outright, it’s a big expense and you
expect it to do the job. In the current
economic landscape operators
will need to make sure that the
efficiency matches the expense
of the vehicle. This helps identify
whether or not the excavator is a
good fit for the suitor.
No one wants to experience a
problem with their equipment,
especially during a time-sensitive
project, therefore Apton Plant have
devised these helpful tips to help
keep on top of your machinery
worries.
Inspecting the Cooling System
on a Regular Basis
A competent cooling system has
to have a suitable airflow rate at
a good coolant level. If either is
unbalanced or lacking, it can ruin the
performance, become overheated
or even shorten the lifespan of the
engine. The best cooling system
maintenance involves making sure
there is airflow through the system
and checking cooling hoses for
discharge.
Coolant or oil leaks may be
responsible for causing a buildup of
debris in the future which will limit
the flow of air, therefore becoming
an insulator and lowering heat
exchange. The best way to clean the
radiator, air cooler or condenser is
to apply low-pressure air or water
to them. Be sure to use care and not
damage the radiator fins, as these
are important and may break if
you’re not careful.
Daily Inspection of Fluids and
Lubricants
A proactive maintenance routine
starts with a day-to-day checkup of
fluids such as coolant and hydraulic/
engine oil. If any of these levels are
abnormal or low, make sure to top
up with manufacturer-approved
and oil and pay close attention
to categorisations. It’s also very
important to make sure these
parts are cleaned by using clean
rags whilst checking levels to avoid
contamination.
It’s also necessary to oil the machine
at precise intervals, taking into
consideration that the appliance
and condition of the machine will
need to be at an operational level.
Manufacturers, more often than
not, usually advise the use of a
high-quality grease to apply to all
of the main pivot points, such as
dipper, bucket and ball pins. Using
the right amount of lubrication is
paramount for extending the life of
plant equipment, however using too
much grease can also be responsible
for environmental and fire safety
hazards
General Cleaning and
Maintenance
The excavator should be cleaned
and washed on a regular basis as
cleaning the exterior is a simple
task that can be done by washing
with high-pressure water or steam
cleaning. This not only helps it
stay presentable but also keeps
unwanted mud and dirt from getting
near the vital vehicle components.
The cockpit should also be
frequently cleaned.
Safety notifications should
be visible at all times and not
concealed by miscellaneous items,
dust or debris. It’s important to
check the steps of the vehicle to
ensure they are not loose or broken
and to prevent any accidents that
might be associated with them.
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