Ways To Improve Your Excavator’s Uptime

Equipment downtime is one of the costlier delays when it comes to commercial construction sites. Beyond the loss of productivity, companies have to pay to repair equipment, and employee morale takes a hit. This can be especially damaging in the early stages of a construction project.
 
Losing access to your excavator can be one of the more detrimental problems to face. Finding ways to improve your excavator’s uptime will help keep your project on track.
 
Know Your Machines
 
The first step to improving your excavator’s uptime is to know your machine. This means you know best practices for your excavator’s operation and maintenance.
 
For instance, different types of excavators may need to have their fluids changed or have parts replaced at a certain rate. Additionally, they may utilize different parts. Being able to identify which parts a machine needs, such as final drive motors, will prevent costly mistakes that can damage equipment.
 
Train Employees Well
 
Downtime is often a result of wear and tear on machines when operators don’t use them correctly. Proper training will ensure operators follow best practices to protect machinery.
 
Perform Routine Maintenance
 
Another factor that can exacerbate normal wear and tear is not tending to small issues while they’re small. Be sure to review your excavator’s operation manual to learn how often to complete the following tasks:
 

Changing or topping off fluids

Replacing air and fuel filters

Changing spark plugs

Lubricating bearing and swing gears

Cleaning the body

 
You don’t have to wait for the manual’s recommendations to check your machinery, though. Operators should inspect these areas daily and look for damage.
 
Protect Excavator During Extreme Weather
 
Extreme weather conditions can impact excavators. Here are a few practices to keep in mind:
 

Extreme heat: Avoid using equipment during peak hours or storing them in direct sunlight.

Extreme cold: Monitor fluids and fuels during freezing temperatures.

Snow: Clean out mud and slush from the track, undercarriage, and joints before putting the excavator away at night to avoid freezing.

 
In case of weather conditions like flash floods or severe storms, your company should have an emergency plan in place. Know what to do with the equipment before evacuating the area.