Construction projects are at an all-time high this year. Trillions of dollars are earned from various projects, and your firm can benefit from that. However, your firm won’t function as effectively if your equipment is broken.
One of the essential pieces of equipment for firms is the excavator. The average cost of one is between $50,000 to $250,000, depending on the size and purpose of your excavator. And if your excavator is not in good condition or if it’s broken, it can lead to a loss of productivity and increased costs. Here are four ways to fix your excavator:
Check the Problem Areas
The first step is to check the problem areas. Various things can go wrong with your excavator. Here are some essential parts you have to check:
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The engine:
This is the most crucial part of your excavator. If the motor is not functioning correctly, the entire excavator will not work.
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The hydraulic system:
It’s responsible for moving the different parts of your excavator. If there are any leaks or the fluids are not at the correct levels, your excavator will not function properly.
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The tracks:
These are what allow your excavator to move around. If they are damaged, then your excavator will not be able to move properly.
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The bucket:
This is used for scooping up dirt and other materials. If it is damaged, it will not be able to scoop up materials effectively.
These are just some of the essential parts you have to check. After checking the problem areas, you need to determine the cause of the problem. For example, is it because of wear and tear? Or is it because of an accident? Once you know the reason, you can fix the problem.
Fixing Minor Problems
If the problem is minor, then you can quickly fix it. For example, one of the most common minor problems is leaks.
Leaks
Some minor issues, such as leaks, can be problematic in the long run. Leaks happen when there is a break in the hydraulic system. The hydraulic fluid then leaks out, leading to a loss of power.
If you see any leaks, the first thing you need to do is to check the levels of the hydraulic fluid. If it’s low, then you need to add more. But if it’s not low, there might be a break in the system. Next, you need to find the source of the leak and seal it.
Worn Out Tracks
Another minor problem is worn-out tracks. This usually happens because of wear and tear. Over time, the ways will become loose, and they might even fall off.
If you see that your tracks are worn out, you need to replace them as soon as possible. But if you don’t have the time or the budget to replace them, you can repair them. To do this, you need to get new parts and weld them onto the old tracks. This will extend the life of your tracks and save you money in the long run.
Fixing Major Problems
If the problem is significant, you might need to replace some parts or even the entire excavator. Some major issues include:
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A broken engine:
If your engine is broken, you need to replace it. The cost of a new engine can range from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the make and model of your excavator.
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A damaged hydraulic system:
If your hydraulic system is damaged, you must replace it. The cost of a new hydraulic system can range from $10,000 to $15,000.
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A broken bucket:
If your bucket is damaged, you must replace it. A new bucket can range from $2,000 to $5,000.
These are just some of the significant problems that you might encounter. If you have any of these problems, you must replace the broken parts as soon as possible.
Always Store Extra Parts
If you want to do the repairs, it’s always good to have extra parts in hand. For excavators, you’ll need heavy-duty spare parts. These parts should be of good quality so that they can last long. Thankfully, you can purchase some of these online.
Storing extra parts will save you time and money in the long run. You won’t have to order new parts every time something breaks down. Instead, you can replace the broken part with a spare one. This will also allow you to do the repairs yourself, saving you a lot of money.
Your excavator is essential to your construction firm. If it’s not in good condition, it can lead to a loss of productivity and increased costs. That’s why it’s essential to know how to fix your excavator. Following the tips above, keep your excavator in good condition and avoid costly repairs.
