When you take a look at the equipment in your construction or work site, you’ll most likely consider the aspect and responsibility of proper maintenance after weeks of operations.
Looking at the exterior of your different pieces of equipment alone, you’ll have lots to consider when gauging the overall condition they have and when you need to step in and give them some care. Whether it’s a skid-steer loader, dump truck, forklift, or wheel loader, there’s much to realize and learn by looking at the most visible part of your equipment.
If you’re looking to ensure proper round-the-clock care maintenance to keep your equipment in tip-top shape, it’s vital to understand that you’ll need to be thorough in terms of their servicing. While the most visible part of your equipment is an indicator of what needs to be worked on, the less visible underside of your tools is just as vital, especially for your excavator’s undercarriage.
Why you should start looking at your excavator’s undercarriage
Although it may not be the first aspect that comes to mind when you think about excavator maintenance, its underside often takes the most daily bumps and bruises. As opposed to any other part in an assembly, the undercarriage comes into the most contact with the ground, leaving it prone to damage that’s most likely to build up.
The component in question is much more vital than many ought it to be because it’s responsible for protecting other critical yet brittle parts that are only a few inches away from it. By taking the time to inspect the undercarriage and maintain it properly, you’ll be able to avoid breakdowns and other problems that will decrease your excavator’s lifespan and cost you time and money.
A few tips well worth considering
If you want to prolong the excavator’s lifespan so that it can keep running smoothly, here are three maintenance tips worth practicing:
Tip #1: Run routine inspections
When it comes to making the most out of your maintenance processes, it’s vital to understand that prevention is the best cure, especially for excavator undercarriages.
With the help of a proper routine inspection, you’ll be able to spot any growing problems that can be solved before they turn your piece of equipment into a money pit. During a routine check, you’ll need to inspect the following components in further detail to avoid any issues:
● Track chains, shoes, bolts, and belt tensions
● Drive sprockets and motors
● Rock guards
● Main idlers and rollers
Tip #2: Clean your undercarriage regularly
Among all the different tips you can start applying during your maintenance practice, none are as effective yet simple as keeping it clean.
Although it may not seem like the most intricate or complicated item on this list of tips, learning to keep your undercarriage as clean as possible will make a significant difference in the excavator’s longevity and functionality. With the help of a pressure washer every week or bi-weekly, you can prevent premature wear-and-tear, component interference, and a compromised fuel economy right off the bat!
Tip #3: Follow proper digging procedures
When it comes to keeping your excavator running smoothly and maintaining it well enough to keep it in its best shape, nothing makes a more significant difference than the way you use it. In their very essence, proper digging procedures are considered a maintenance procedure because they help prevent any unwanted problems from popping up!
Conclusion
Among all the different components you’ll need to consider when taking care of your excavator, one area that you should pay even more attention to is the undercarriage. By taking the time to follow and implement the three tips mentioned above, you’ll be able to maximize the lifespan and functionality of your equipment in no time!
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