How to Change Engine Oil and Filter on Your Mini Excavator

Changing the engine oil and oil filter on your mini excavator is essential to keeping your equipment in good working order. Regular oil changes ensure your engine runs smoothly, prevents excessive wear, and prolongs the life of your machine. This guide will walk you through the steps to change the oil and filter efficiently, keeping your excavator ready for action.

(Reading Time: 5-8 Minutes)

 

Why Changing Engine Oil and Filter is Essential for Your Excavator?

  1. Keeps the Engine Clean: Fresh oil helps remove dirt, debris, and sludge that build up over time, preventing engine damage.
  2. Maintains Performance: Regular oil and filter changes ensure smooth engine operation, delivering consistent power and efficiency.
  3. Extends Engine Life: By reducing wear and tear, clean oil and a new filter help your engine run longer without major repairs.
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When to Change Engine Oil and Filter?

Change the engine oil and oil filter every 100 hours of operation. Regular changes help maintain engine performance and longevity.

Changing Engine Oil and Filter is Essential for Your Excavator

What Tools and Materials Do You Need?

Materials: Synthetic 5W-30 engine oil (2 L), oil filter (1 piece)

Tools: 12mm wrench, wrench for filter, funnel

Remove and Replace the Oil Filter FOR KUBOTA ENGINE AND B&S ENGINE

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Engine Oil and Filter

Step 1: Prepare the Excavator

  • Lower the Bucket: Bring the bucket down to the ground to stabilize the machine.
  • Turn Off the Engine: Shut down the engine, remove the key, and store it in a safe place. Allow the machine to cool down to ambient temperature before proceeding. This ensures safety and prevents burns from hot oil.
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Step 2: Locate the Oil Drain Bolt, Oil Fill Port, and Oil Filter

  • Remove Rear Panel and Lift Seat.
Take off the rear cover of the small excavator using a 12mm wrench and tilt the seat forward. This will expose the oil drain bolt, oil fill port, oil dipstick, and oil filter.
Remove small excavator Rear Panel and Lift Seat

 

  • Identify Your Model's Oil Filter Position

Model 1501: The engine oil filter is located behind the engine, next to the battery.

AHM 13.8HP Kubota Engine Mini Excavator


Model 1601: The engine oil filter is located in front of the engine, below the silencer.

AHM 23HP B&S Engine Mini Excavator

Step 3: Drain the Old Engine Oil

AHM 13.8HP Kubota Engine Mini Excavator

 

AHM 23HP B&S Engine Mini Excavator

 

AHM 13.8HP Kubota Engine Mini Excavator
AHM 23HP B&S Engine Mini Excavator

 

Remove the Oil Drain Bolt. Place an oil pan underneath, then use a 12mm wrench to remove the oil drain bolt. Let the old oil flow out completely.

Be patient—this might take a few minutes. Once drained, screw the drain bolt back tightly to prevent any leaks.

Step 4: Remove and Replace the Oil Filter

  • Remove the Old Filter: Use a filter wrench to turn the old filter counterclockwise and remove it. Clean the mounting surface to ensure a proper seal for the new filter.
  • Prepare the New Filter: Apply a thin layer of clean engine oil to the seal on the new filter. This helps create a better seal and makes removal easier during the next change.
Remove and Replace the Oil Filter
  • Install the New Filter: Screw the new filter on by hand. Once the seal makes contact with the mounting surface, use the filter wrench to tighten it an additional 3/4 turn.

Don’t overtighten—this could damage the filter or cause leaks.

Step 5: Refill the Engine Oil

Add New Engine Oil: Place a funnel in the oil fill port and pour in the new 5W-30 synthetic oil. Be careful not to overfill. Check the dipstick and ensure the oil level is between the upper and lower marks. The oil should not exceed the upper mark on the dipstick.

Secure the Oil Fill Cap: Once filled, tightly screw the oil fill cap back on.

Check the dipstick and ensure the oil level is between the upper and lower marks.

 

Step 6: Clean Up and Test the Machine

  • Clean Up: Wipe off any spilled oil around the engine and oil filter area.
  • Reinstall Cover and Seat: Put the rear cover and seat back in place.
  • Start the Engine: Turn on the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Check for any leaks around the oil filter and drain bolt area.

Conclusion

Regularly changing the engine oil and filter on your micro excavator is a straightforward process that greatly impacts the machine's performance and lifespan. Keeping up with this routine will ensure your excavator runs smoothly and stays in good shape, ready for any job. At AHM, we offer high-quality mini excavators and top-notch support for all your equipment needs. Please feel free to contact us by email or phone if you have any questions

 

David Johnson
I'm David Johnson, an engineer with experience in mechanical engineering. I specialize in construction machinery and have worked with heavy machinery like mini excavators for a long time. My aim is to simplify difficult technical ideas so that everyone can grasp them. Whether you work in construction or just want to learn more, I'm here to help make things clear.
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