Operating An Excavator: Check these parts first

Excavator is one of the most important equipment for construction works for its great digging power and some other great functions. As a kind of heavy equipment, excavators cost a lot and you may break the bank if sometime you need to replace some parts. So you are supposed to take care of every part of your excavator to ensure it is in a good working condition. Here are five major parts that help the excavator to effectively perform.

1. Electrical system

The electrical system of an excavator is no different from a normal car that draws power from a battery. Typically, batteries with 12 volts DC are delivered to various mechanisms via cables. The engine will not run or start without the battery. The cables of the excavator are also part of the electrical system and we must make sure their insulation is intact. Because when the insulation of the cable wears down, it may trigger an electric shock that turns your excavator to ashes. In order to run the excavator properly, you also need to ensure that all cables are installed in the trunk to prevent them from loosening. Also, make sure all battery terminals are free of dust, as specks of dirt can create a barrier between the connector and the terminals that can cause your excavator to fail.

2. Undercarriage

The undercarriage is the backbone of the excavator, supporting the weight of the machine. It also provides traction on unstable surfaces. Excavator track allows this heavy equipment to move. They are made of high-quality rubber material to withstand extreme conditions. When your tracks wear out, your equipment may not work properly. So before use, the suspension of the track must be checked to ensure that it is not too tight or too loose. If the suspension is too tight, the track is vulnerable to cut or tear. If the suspension is too loose, it will result in the failure of the track motor.

3. Fuel

Your excavator will never work without fuel. That's why you should constantly check the fuel indicator on the dash to know if it's time to fill up before the tank dries up. If you plan to use the excavator for several hours, it is highly recommended to fill the tank up to the rim to ensure enough use throughout the work time.

4. Lubricant

For every heavy equipment, lubricating oil is important to ensure smooth operation of all moving parts and to keep the engine from rubbing against each other. When the oil in the engine runs out, the engine and moving parts will become very vulnerable. Because the boom, cylinder, vanes and bearings rub against each other. You can tell if it's time to refill by checking the indicator on the dashboard. Also, you can lubricate the moving parts regularly to keep them in good working condition.

5. Filter

Heavy equipment such as excavators has many filters. These filters are used to prevent air, oil and hydraulic solutions. They capture all the dust and debris contained in the air to ensure the oil is not affected by contaminants. If contaminants pass through the filter, it will cause engine failure. In addition, dirty filters will also lead to engine heat because air cannot circulate freely.

So before operating the excavator, do remember to check the above parts of the equipment to ensure your work can successfully done.