Downtime can be detrimental to a construction project because it often leads to delays. One major cause of downtime is heavy equipment breakdowns with machinery like excavators. Keep reading and discover the most common problems with excavators so that you can avoid them in the future.  

The first common problem with excavators has to do with track tension. To run properly for long periods of time, excavator tracks must be adjusted properly. If the track is loose, then it can be difficult to maneuver around a construction site, which leads to wear and tear.   

The final drive motor in the mini excavator may also have contamination that lies in the oil. Contamination can happen very easily with even the smallest particle getting in the oil. Therefore, you must make sure that your final drive is not only clean, but also that there isn’t anything in the oil that could cause some serious damage.  

Another issue with excavators has to do with the oil. Like most heavy machinery, there are oil leaks from time to time. Leaking oil can lead to low oil levels that you may not notice and that cause an excavator to fail. Instead of just topping off the oil, find the source, so you don’t have to worry about a breakdown that leads to downtime.  

Your excavator might also be suffering because the hydraulic pump has failed. This is usually a result of not taking care of the hydraulic oil, which can lead to serious and expensive damage to the engine.

The final excavator issue you may come across has to do with the gearbox. The gearbox is essentially an excavator’s transmission where all the different gears are stored. If an excavator is old, then a gearbox can malfunction over time and may require a replacement.

The best way to avoid all of these common problems is to keep up with the maintenance your excavator requires, from checking the oil to keeping parts clean and inspecting them regularly.