Preparing excavators for the work ahead

For those who work in cold climates, winter never seems to end – but the snow will eventually stop falling and the temperature will rise. When that happens, it’s time to get your excavator ready for the work ahead.
Checking your equipment and getting it ready for spring will help you set the tone for a great year.

With that in mind, here are eight excavator spring start tips.
Check hydraulic oil, engine oil and coolant levels, fill accordingly and change all filters. Thoroughly lubricate major components. Check hydraulic oil, engine oil and coolant levels and change all filters before spring starts.
Locate leaking or damaged seals and replace as needed. Please note that the black rubber. (Nitrol) O rings will shrink when cold, but may reseal when cleaned and heated. So make sure they are indeed damaged before replacing them or having someone like me fix something that is not a problem.
Undercarriage. Clean debris from the landing gear and adjust the tension. Check for loose track plates and repair if necessary.
Boom and boom arm.
Check nails and bushings for excessive wear, and hard lines and hoses for damage. If there is excessive wear.” Gap” please replace pins and bushings. Do not wait; this can result in a lot of maintenance work and possibly a lot of downtime this season. Also, boom, arm and bucket have washers to eliminate side travel.
Engine. Check all belts to ensure they are properly tightened. Replace any torn or otherwise damaged belts. Check the integrity of all hoses for signs of damage such as wear, cracking, swelling or injury. Replace as needed. Assess the engine for oil and coolant leaks and address them immediately. If these signs are ignored, they could become a bigger problem in the future.
Battery. Even if you remove the battery at the end of the season, check the terminals and terminals and clean them if necessary. Check the electrolyte levels and ratios, then charge.
Inside and out: Clean the cab thoroughly and replace the cab air cleaner. This helps protect the machine’s electronics and makes your space more comfortable. I once removed the cab air filter from a nasty machine – this is the air the operator breathes. Remove the snow with a broom, or blow it away with compressed air. If possible, move the machine to a warm storage area to thaw any ice. Check for ice around the oscillating mechanism, motor or drive, as it can tear seals and cause damage and downtime.
Other functions. Make sure to check that lights, wipers, heater, and air conditioning are in working order and repair as needed.