Proper maintenance of your mini excavator is the best way to protect and maximize the life cycle of your investment. The appeal of quickly starting the machine and getting the job done can cause daily maintenance and inspection to be overlooked or skipped altogether. Establishing a maintenance routine will minimize repairs and downtime in the field while keeping your machine running at peak performance. Here are a few commonly missed maintenance items to be mindful of to keep your mini excavator in the best shape possible.
Read the Machine Manual
The operation and maintenance manual is filled with information that can help prevent missing simple, but crucial maintenance requirements. The manual outlines key maintenance and inspection steps that can be used to create a daily checklist. It also includes recommended service intervals for critical machine components. These can be used to generate a schedule for extended maintenance and service between jobs.
Engage in Proper Greasing Practices
Even though many people understand the importance of routinely greasing the machine, this task can still be skipped or incorrectly completed. Over time grease zerks can be plugged with dirt or debris that prevents grease from getting to key wear surfaces. Or the full application process isn’t properly completed. For example, not rotating the upper structure of the machine when applying grease to the swing bearing. It is important to be sure the grease is getting to the surfaces where it is needed during the application. Your manual will provide helpful tips and outline the grease locations and proper processes for completing this critical task. 
Routine, simple maintenance minimizes repair downtimes in the field and keep your machine running at peak performance.Provided by Yanmar CE NA
Keep an Eye on the Water Separator
Temperature and humidity changes in your environment can cause condensation and water to build up in your fuel tank. The water separator is located downstream from the fuel tank and does exactly what the name says. Making sure to drain the water separator prior to starting the machine each day will keep your fuel injection system from ingesting the water that may be in the fuel and prevent unnecessary engine damage. A damaged injection system can cost thousands of dollars to repair, so it’s important to be familiar with this step to save time and money in the long run.
Proper Track Tension
Tracks are a key part of any mini excavator; and they will generally wear over time and need to be replaced. Improper track tension accelerates this wear and can cause undue stress to other undercarriage components. Regular track tension inspection will extend the life of tracks, rollers, sprockets and guides, which will help maximize the value of your investment by reducing any costly part replacements related to your undercarriage.
Other General Inspection Items
As you’re doing your machine walk around and completing your daily maintenance tasks, it is useful to inspect other key components for excessive wear or damage. Review hydraulic hoses and connection points for any leaks and loose fittings. Check the boom, stick and curl cylinder pins for any excessive wear or play in the pins. Running the machine through all hydraulic functions while listening for any unfamiliar noise or vibrations just after the initial warmup can also help identify any potential issues. Catching any of these items early, before they become a larger problem, will save you unwanted downtime and service expenses.
Contact an Authorized Dealer
In addition to tasks you can complete yourself, some things may be more easily noticed or completed by the service department at your equipment’s authorized dealer. Take your machine in regularly for tune-ups and the peace of mind that you are extending your machine’s longevity.
A little extra work now goes a long way to keeping your mini excavator running smoothly. Familiarizing yourself with each of these points will help maintain a high-performing machine that maximizes ROI. And, if there are any tasks you can’t complete yourself, an authorized dealer will help ensure machine longevity.
