Meta Description: There are many types and models of mini excavators. So, each model has specific service plans. So, consider the service plans and maintenance for a mini excavator!
Not only having a mini excavator is enough to help you in each task. You also need to maintain it to boost efficiency and increase the lifespan.
Not only this, maintenance help to avoid unwanted damages and breakdowns and save a lot of money. Besides, it also helps to improve operations and productivity. Read to know the benefits of routine maintenance for mini excavators!
Importance of daily inspections:
Not only regular maintenance of the machine is important. You also need to check each part of the machine daily. This way, you can get an idea about the condition and working of the machine.
No doubt, operators are the first ones to get an idea about the optimum working condition of the machine. Whether a company uses the fuel to lubricate the machine. But still, an operator needs to check whether the machine is performing well. Maybe operators find it challenging, but it may save the maintenance cost.
The following are some important tips that you must follow for daily inspection of famous HIXEN brand excavators:
- Check the engine oil, coolants, and hydraulic oil levels.
- You need to make sure that the lubricating of the machine grease points according to need.
- Make sure to inspect the hoses and other components of the machine. Moreover, you should also check for leaks and damages in the machine.
So, it is essential to follow all the guidelines present on the machine and the manual. This way, you can easily and properly inspect the machine after some hours. The manual help you to know where each check is present on an excavator.
When you inspect the machine’s condition daily, it assures you that the machine is completely safe. If there is anything wrong, then you may get an instant warning. The issue may relate to loose bolts and fittings. So, make sure to solve this issue to reduce the cost of maintenance.
Check List to Consider
The following is the checklist for the daily inspection of an excavator:
- Make sure to inspect each attachment to know if there is any damage
- You have to inspect the boom structures to know if there is any damage, such as line leaking.
- Inspect tracks to know if there is any wear and tear or damage.
- Check all the cab mirrors, glasses, lights, and handrails.
- Check the fuel gear and cooling packs to build up debris
Pre-start checklist
Suppose you don’t focus on the inspection of the machine before using it. Then it may cause many issues, such as hurting uptime. Moreover, it can cause unwanted wear and tear on the machine and hurt safety. So, make sure to inspect the machine before use to boost uptime.
The following are some guidelines that help you to check the machine before operation:
- You need to be sure to start the machine daily
- Make sure to inspect the machine daily
- Make a written version of the machine’s condition and provide it to the supervisor
The following is the common checklist that will help you:
- Check all the machine components to know if there is any leak or damage. If you find any leak, then take the necessary steps.
- You have to be sure to inspect the electric sections and air filters
- Inspect radiators and coolers
- Make sure to remove the dust and debris present in the bucket
- Visually check the machine and look closely at the booms, arms, and other compartments. Make sure to check the working of the machine in cold climates.
Necessary Areas to Check:
The following are some necessary areas that you should inspect to save time and money:
- Boom and cylinder, arm and cylinder, and bucket and cylinder mounting.
- Main pump section.
- Battery section.
- Swing drive and main control faucet.
- Track drive and track chain and shoes.
- Lower frame and superstructure.
- Side doors and cowl frames.
It is good to disconnect the main battery switch. Make sure to extend the digging equipment while parking the machine.
Moreover, it is good to understand the undercarriage to minimize strains during winter. Suppose you don’t focus on this factor. Then there are many chances that the mud will freeze under the carriage. So you will not be able to operate the machine the next day. It may also become much more costly if you focus on it later.
Importance of recordkeeping
When you keep a record of everything about the machine’s condition, it is helpful for you to evaluate the machine’s service life. Moreover, it helps you to know that your machine service is proper. So, you may discuss it with the manufacturer and dealer. Make sure to keep a record of the machine’s history because it is just like a human’s medical history.
Moreover, when you have a detailed report of the machine, it helps you prepare the machine’s wear and tear parts. So, you can easily replace the machine’s cutting edges, tires, and tracks. Besides, it helps you to know if you need much training to operate the machine.
Moreover, recordkeeping helps you to know the oil condition. So, it is good to send your oil sample to check after every use. So, you get an idea if there is something out of specification. You may also know which components are wearing out through the oil sample. So, it helps you to plan the downtime to solve this issue easily.
No doubt, mini excavators are the most versatile among all other machines. So, there are mostly preferred in the construction industry. That is why you need to care for its maintenance to increase its efficiency and lifespan.
Heavy Equipment Maintenance and Inspections Benefits
Early Detection of Potential Equipment Issues
Preventive measures are the only way to keep your machine safe and protected from possible issues. You must focus on regular inspection of the machine and its compartments. So, you can easily notice any small or minor damage to your machine. This way, it is easy for you to repair such damages as soon as possible to avoid any future issues. Not only this, early repairing may take less time and money.
Compliance with OSHA
The abbreviation of OSHA is Occupational Safety and Health Administration. According to the US agency, it is necessary for each worker to maintain healthy working standards. So, make sure to follow the rules of OSHA for machine maintenance.
Risk Management
Each operator must aim to manage risk or threats. For this, they need to know the possible problems and make a plan to solve such problems. Make sure to inspect the machine regularly to know the way to manage risk.
If you regularly inspect your machine, it gives you an idea about its condition of the machine. So, you will know what is likely to damage, what you need to replace, and so on. This way, you can make a plan accordingly.
Employee Safety
Make sure to check the condition of the equipment. The reason is that if these break once, then it takes much time and money to maintain. Moreover, broken equipment is more likely to threaten the safety of employees. So, make sure to maintain the heavy equipment to ensure the safety of employees.
When it comes to checking the maintenance level of the machine, you may use the software. So, it gives you a clear picture of what measures you already have taken. Moreover, it helps you to know which actions you need to take for possible safety.
Prevent Breakdowns and Downtime
Make sure to thoroughly inspect and maintain your machine to prevent any breakdowns. This way, you can keep your machine up-to-date and well-operated. While if you don’t focus on regular inspection and maintenance. Then it may cause serious issues such as downtime, more cost, and time. As a result, it badly affects the productivity and profitability of the company.
So, it is good to regularly inspect the machine. This way, you can minimize the chances of wear and tear. Moreover, it helps you to know the weak spots of the machine. Regular maintenance may take only a few hours. It can reduce downtime and cost.
Increase the Lifespan of Your Equipment
No doubt, regular inspection and maintenance of the machine may increase its lifespan. So, it is good to ensure that all the parts of the machine are in good condition. This way, you may get an idea of how long this machine may operate. Moreover, it may help the machine to move from one site to another and increase its lifespan.
Stop Worrying About Your Heavy Equipment
Obviously, machines are more likely to damage and wear and tear. So, when your machine gets damaged, it is the most anxious and stressful period for you. So, here is the need to use the right heavy equipment maintenance software. This way, you can give all your worries to the software. It helps you to know the condition of your machine. So you may solve the issue before it gets serious damage. This way, you can get peace of mind.
What Approach to Heavy Equipment Maintenance Works Best?
When it is time to consider the maintenance strategy for your heavy equipment, then it is not good to wait until your machine becomes damaged. Otherwise, you will pay a lot of money and invest time in handling the serious damage. So, make sure to apply the right strategy to avoid turning small issues into big ones.
Software is an ideal option for you to get in touch about the machine’s condition. If there is any due inspection, then this software sends you a notification. Moreover, this software allows workers to easily check the condition and progress of the machine. They just need to scan a QR code on their phones. So, if they notice any complex repair, they can share it with highly qualified employees. But softwares may help you and make it an easy process.
Common Preventive Maintenance Mistakes
Setting Unclear Instructions
Though you may find it challenging to follow preventive measures programs. That is why you may often face serious damage to your machine. So, it takes much time and cost to repair such issues. The main and common mistake that you may often commit is to provide unclear instructions.
So, it is necessary for you to give step-by-step instructions to complete the maintenance process. Otherwise, employees will complete the maintenance work without finishing it.
Not Outlining Feasible Timeframes
Make sure to perform the preventive maintenance steps at the exact time. It is not good to follow the steps too early or too late because these may cause problems. Suppose a company focuses on over-maintenance of the machine. Then it is just a waste of time, money, and labor. So, each company must ensure to follow the preventive measures at the feasible timeframes.
Errors in Prioritization
Make sure to give priority to things and actions that may prevent the failure of the machine. This way, you can get many benefits from the maintenance program. One of the major benefits is to keep your machine in good condition by minimizing the risk of damage.
Mishaps in MRO parts
Make sure to have a solid MRO in your hands. It is the best practice that allows technicians to have all the necessary tools, equipment, and other resources. So, it will enable technicians to easily and efficiently perform the job.
Disadvantages of Preventive Maintenance
The following are some drawbacks of preventive measures:
- Possible over maintenance
- Require more labor, so you need to have much staff
- More maintenance costs to keep the machine in the good condition
So, make sure to overcome all these drawbacks to boost the machine’s efficiency. Hopefully, you will come out of the cost of reactive maintenance.
Final Verdict:
We have discussed some important preventive measures and their benefits. Now, everyone is aware of how these measures may improve the efficiency and productivity of the machine.
Moreover, this help to identify the problem and its solution. Make sure to go for CMMS because it is the best measure. It can analyze the details and give the proper report to help you solve the problem!
