Excavator attachments are essential tools for construction, demolition, and a wide variety of other industrial tasks. Manufacturers know that these attachments will go through the wringer, so they design them to be as tough as possible. However, nothing lasts forever, especially under neglect.
Proper storage and maintenance are crucial to extend excavator attachment lifespan, maximize performance, and ensure safety on the jobsite. Neglecting adequate care can lead to costly repairs, downtime, and compromised equipment efficiency.
This guide will walk you through the most important storage and maintenance tips for excavator attachments. By the end, you’ll know how to best care for these essential pieces of equipment so that they can continue performing invaluable work on your projects.
Maintenance Tips for Excavator Attachments
Regular maintenance is the foundation for keeping excavator attachments in a reliable and durable condition. Below are some comprehensive tips to guide you through an effective maintenance routine.
1. Inspect Attachments After Every Use
Your attachments are most likely to sustain damage after they perform some work. Therefore, the most important time to check up on their condition is immediately after use. This checkup doesn’t have to take a long time. All it takes is a simple once-over to look for cracks, dents, loose parts, and other concerning signs of wear and weakness.
For instance, when you check out the bucket teeth, look for ones that are broken or worn down. If there are hydraulic hoses involved, check for leaks or cracks that may compromise hydraulic system performance. As for the mounting pins and bushings, examine for misalignment, rust, or wear that might affect the attachment’s fit and functionality.
This quick examination could save you a lot of trouble on the jobsite by catching problems before they compromise equipment function.
2. Keep Moving Parts Lubricated
Lubrication reduces friction in moving parts like the pins, bearings, and bushings, which prevents excessive wear. Lack of lubrication can lead to overheating and eventual failure of critical parts.
To lubricate, use a high-quality grease recommended by the attachment manufacturer. Establish a lubrication schedule based on usage frequency and environmental factors. For instance, if your project takes place on a dusty worksite, lubricate your attachments more frequently. Just remember to wipe off excess grease so it doesn’t collect grime that could hamper the equipment.
3. Clean Your Attachments
Cleaning attachments after use is important, especially if they’re exposed to mud, concrete, or corrosive materials. Though construction equipment is always going to be a little bit dirty, you can take steps to prevent overwhelming buildup that could impair the performance of mechanical parts.
Simply use a pressure washer to remove thick or stubborn grime. Just avoid using excessive water pressure on delicate parts like hydraulic seals. To deal with chemical exposure (e.g., salt water or acids), apply rust-inhibitor cleaning agents. Again, your attachments don’t need to be sparkling clean all the time. However, they shouldn’t be sitting around caked in mud or corrosive substances.
4. Replace Wear Parts Promptly
Wear parts are components that manufacturers know are bound to degrade over time. Therefore, manufacturers make these parts easy to replace; your job is to stay on top of these replacements!
Common wear parts on excavator attachments include cutting edges, teeth, and adapters. Replacing them promptly when it becomes necessary maintains optimal performance and prevents damage to surrounding components.
Check with your manufacturer for OEM-spec replacements to guarantee compatibility and performance standards.
5. Monitor Hydraulic Systems
If your attachments rely on hydraulic mechanisms, maintaining the hydraulic system is imperative. Check fluid levels regularly and replace hydraulic oil following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Look out for fluid contamination or unusual noise during operation, as these may signal system failure. Finally, remember to inspect hydraulic cylinders and seals for leaks or cracks.
Storage Tips for Excavator Attachments
Even if you clean, replace, and inspect your attachments regularly, they will still degrade rapidly if you leave them out in the rain and mud. That’s why proper storage goes hand in hand with maintenance. Implementing a structured storage process will safeguard your attachments from environmental damage. Below are the main storage considerations to keep in mind.
1. Clean and Dry Attachments Before Storing
Before putting attachments away, make sure they’re not coated in grime. If you’re shelving an attachment for a long time, that’s when you should complete a thorough clean to rid the part of dirt, moisture, and other contaminants. Anything left on the attachment for weeks or months could corrode or otherwise weaken it.
2. Choose a Suitable Storage Location
Where you store attachments affects their long-term condition. Indoor storage is always ideal, but you should at least secure a covered area to shield against rain, snow, and wind. If your storage location is enclosed, make sure it features plenty of ventilation. Otherwise, humidity could build up and lead to mold and rusting on your equipment.
When you move your attachments into the storage location, use pallets or racks to prevent direct contact with dirty, damp floors and pests. You might also need to cover the parts with tarps if the storage site doesn’t have walls.
3. Organize Attachments Systematically
If you just toss your attachments willy-nilly into the storage space, you’ll probably lose track of a few. This isn’t great for the parts because it makes them more likely to go longer without maintenance, and it’s not good for your operations because it takes longer to locate equipment.
To streamline your system, organize attachments based on their usage frequency or type. Label storage racks and maintain an inventory list for quick access. A well-organized storage system saves time and reduces the chance of accidental damage.
When To Call in Professionals
Despite following maintenance and storage practices diligently, you might still encounter an attachment with care needs beyond your abilities. Consider the following times when seeking professional assistance is the best option:
- Extensive damage: If an attachment shows significant damage, a certified technician can conduct advanced repairs.
- Hydraulic repairs: Hydraulic system malfunctions often require specialized tools and expertise to resolve completely.
- Reconditioning: Many manufacturers or dealers offer reconditioning services to extend the life of attachments (e.g., bucket re-lining).
Teaming up with experts ensures safe and cost-effective resolutions to attachment-related challenges.
Maximize Your Equipment’s Lifespan Today
The proper storage and maintenance of excavator attachments are essential for safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations. By implementing the tips above, you can reduce downtime, extend the lifespan of your equipment, and protect your investments.
Start Right With TMG Industrial
Whether you need to replace your equipment or want to start off strong with high-quality parts, TMG Industrial is the place to turn to. Our incredibly expansive inventory of tools, machines, structures, and, of course, attachments includes everything you could ever need to sustain productive, profitable, low-maintenance operations. Explore our mini excavator attachments and more on our website today.
