Maintenance and care of second-hand excavators

Release time: 2024-09-13

With the acceleration of infrastructure construction and urbanization, second-hand excavators, as an important type of engineering machinery, are cheaper than new models and have become the first choice for many companies and individuals. However, the maintenance and upkeep of second-hand excavators is particularly important. Timely and standardized maintenance can extend the service life of the equipment, improve work efficiency, and reduce maintenance costs. This article will introduce the key points of the maintenance and upkeep of second-hand excavators in detail.

Regular maintenance items for second-hand excavators

    1.Engine maintenance

    The engine is one of the core components of the excavator. Regular maintenance can ensure its continuous and stable operation.

    Regularly change the engine oil: The engine oil can reduce the wear of the internal parts of the engine and keep the engine running smoothly. Second-hand excavators need to change the engine oil regularly according to the usage, generally every 500 hours or once a year.

    Replace the oil filter: The function of the oil filter is to filter out impurities and dirt in the oil to prevent them from causing wear to the internal parts of the engine. While changing the oil, the filter should also be checked and replaced regularly.

    Check the cooling system: Regularly check the coolant level and the working status of the cooling system to ensure that the engine does not overheat. The coolant should be selected according to the use environment and maintain the appropriate liquid level.
    2.Hydraulic system maintenance
    The hydraulic system is the power source of the excavator, and its normal operation directly affects the working efficiency and stability of the whole machine.
    Check the hydraulic oil: The hydraulic oil needs to be checked regularly to ensure that the cleanliness and viscosity of the oil meet the requirements. Hydraulic oil may deteriorate after long-term use and needs to be replaced regularly. Under normal circumstances, the hydraulic oil is replaced every 2000 hours or two years.
    Check the hydraulic filter element: The filter element of the hydraulic system should be checked and replaced regularly to prevent the filter element from clogging and causing hydraulic system failure.
    Check the hydraulic pipeline and joints: The hydraulic pipeline and joints should be checked regularly for leakage or damage to avoid hydraulic oil loss and cause insufficient system pressure.
    3.Transmission system maintenance
    The transmission system includes components such as the engine, transmission, drive shaft, chassis, etc., and it is crucial to ensure its normal operation.
    Check the transmission oil: The transmission oil plays an important role in the shifting performance of the equipment. The level and quality of the oil should be checked regularly, and the transmission oil should be replaced as appropriate.
    Check the drive shaft and transmission belt: The drive shaft and belt in the transmission system are often worn due to long-term use. Check them regularly for looseness, cracks or wear, and adjust or replace them if necessary.
    4.Chassis and track maintenance
    The chassis of the excavator is the basis for supporting the gravity of the equipment and performing various operations. The track, as part of the chassis, bears huge pressure and friction.

    Check the tightness of the track: The tightness of the track is crucial to the driving stability of the excavator. If the track is too tight or too loose, it will affect the driving performance and safety. The tightness of the track should be adjusted in time according to the usage.
    Clean the track and chassis: After the operation, clean the dirt and debris on the track and chassis in time to avoid accumulation and wear.
    Check the wear of the track: After long-term use, the steel plate and rubber of the track may be worn, especially when working on hard roads. The wear of the track should be checked regularly and replaced if necessary.
    5.Maintenance of working device
    The working devices of the excavator, such as the bucket, boom, and dipper, are parts that are directly involved in the operation and require special attention to maintenance.

    Check the wear of the bucket: The bucket and bucket teeth may have problems such as wear and cracks during long-term excavation operations. Check the wear of the bucket and its bucket teeth regularly, and replace them in time if severe wear is found.
    Lubricate the hinge points: The hinge points of the bucket, dipper, boom and other components should be regularly filled with lubricating oil to reduce friction and wear and extend the service life of the components.

    Daily inspection and maintenance of second-hand excavators


    1.Regularly check the working environment
    Before using a second-hand excavator each time, it is very important to check the impact of the working environment on the equipment. For example, whether there are hard rocks, debris, extreme climate and other factors at the work site, all of which may cause additional wear on the equipment.

      2.Keep the equipment clean
      Frequently clean the external dirt of the equipment and debris in the working area, especially around the hydraulic system and engine components, to avoid excessive dust accumulation that causes poor heat dissipation or affects other functions.

      3.Regularly replace wearing parts
      During the use of second-hand excavators, many parts such as seals, hoses, rubber parts, etc. may age or wear. Regular inspection and timely replacement of these wearing parts can effectively prevent equipment failures.

      Fault prevention of second-hand excavators


      1.Keep good equipment records
      Establishing detailed equipment use and maintenance records will help track the use of equipment. By analyzing historical data, potential fault hazards can be discovered in advance.

        2.Perform regular comprehensive inspections
        Second-hand excavators are more prone to aging and wear than new models, so they need to be inspected and diagnosed regularly. Professional maintenance personnel can inspect and diagnose the equipment and troubleshoot faults in a timely manner.

        3.Deal with minor problems in a timely manner
        If the equipment has any abnormal sound, vibration, or unstable performance, it should be stopped for inspection and resolved in a timely manner. Avoid small problems from developing into major failures, resulting in greater maintenance costs and downtime.


        The maintenance and maintenance of second-hand excavators can not only extend the service life of the equipment, but also improve its operating efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. Regular maintenance and inspections, including engines, hydraulic systems, transmission systems, crawlers, and working devices, are the key to ensuring the long-term and stable operation of excavators. As the service life of the equipment increases, maintenance and maintenance work becomes more important. A reasonable maintenance plan can help the equipment maintain its best working condition and create greater economic benefits for the company.

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