Congratulations on your new mini excavator! Before you dive right into your first project, it’s important to ensure that your equipment is primed for safe operation. Here are five key tasks to complete before putting your new mini excavator to work:
- Fluid Levels Inspection:
- Begin by verifying all fluid levels to ensure your mini excavator is ready for operation. This includes checking engine oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant, and other essential fluids. Maintaining proper fluid levels is crucial for the smooth functionality and longevity of your equipment.
See our article: Hydraulic Oil: How To Check Levels to learn more.
- Begin by verifying all fluid levels to ensure your mini excavator is ready for operation. This includes checking engine oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant, and other essential fluids. Maintaining proper fluid levels is crucial for the smooth functionality and longevity of your equipment.
- Lubricating Moving Parts:
- Make sure all moving parts, such as joints and pins, are adequately lubricated. Regular greasing helps minimize friction, prevent wear and tear, and extends the overall lifespan of your mini excavator. Consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended lubrication schedule.
See our article: Lubricating Your Mini Excavator to learn more.
- Make sure all moving parts, such as joints and pins, are adequately lubricated. Regular greasing helps minimize friction, prevent wear and tear, and extends the overall lifespan of your mini excavator. Consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for the recommended lubrication schedule.
- Filter Examination:
- Inspect and replace air, fuel, and hydraulic filters as needed. Clean filters contribute to optimal engine performance and fuel efficiency. Routine filter maintenance is a simple yet effective way to keep your mini excavator running well.
- Track Tension Check:
- Proper track tension is crucial for stability and maneuverability. Ensure that the tracks are appropriately tensioned. Tracks that are too loose may come off your machine, officially referred to as “detracking.” Loose tracks can also speed up the wear of important parts like pins, bushings, and the sprocket. Additionally, a worn sprocket may mimic problems with the final drive. Refer to your equipment’s manual for the correct tension specifications and adjust as necessary to ensure optimal performance and minimize unnecessary wear.
See our article: A Comprehensive Guide to Mini Excavator Track Tension to learn more.
- Proper track tension is crucial for stability and maneuverability. Ensure that the tracks are appropriately tensioned. Tracks that are too loose may come off your machine, officially referred to as “detracking.” Loose tracks can also speed up the wear of important parts like pins, bushings, and the sprocket. Additionally, a worn sprocket may mimic problems with the final drive. Refer to your equipment’s manual for the correct tension specifications and adjust as necessary to ensure optimal performance and minimize unnecessary wear.
- Safety Features Review:
- Familiarize yourself with the safety features of your mini excavator. Confirm that all key functions are in working order prior to going out on a job. If you machine is equipped with any features like lights, horns or other devices, check their functionality.
Taking the time to complete these five essential checks enhances the performance and reliability of your mini excavator while contributing to a safer working environment. Be sure to consult your equipment’s manual for specific guidelines and recommendations.
Equipment purchased from Bison Equipment from any of our locations will have already been checked and cleared for operation, but its still important to check for yourself no matter where you purchase your equipment from.
Investing a bit of time initially to go over things will save you time and frustration later on. You will also be able to work with more confidence from the get-go. Happy excavating!