If you are looking for reliable and versatile heavy machinery for your personal or business needs, consider getting a mini excavator. These machines are powerful and durable, but there are still some issues you can encounter over time. By learning more about these issues and some basic mini-excavator repairs, you can prolong the lifespan of your mini-excavator, so keep reading to learn more!
5 Most Common Mini Excavator Issues
There are many different mini-excavator models and manufacturers, which means the issues you encounter may vary from one mini-excavator to another. Yet, some issues are simply more common in general, regardless of which mini-excavator you own:
1. Hydraulic System Leaks
Most mini-excavators are powered by hydraulic systems and have hydraulic cables that allow you to attach and control various attachments and mini excavator tools on your machine. Sometimes, it can happen that you didn’t connect the hydraulic cables properly or that they got damaged while working. The rest of the hydraulic system can also get damaged or start malfunctioning.
In any case, it will lead to the leaking of the hydraulic fluid. This fluid is essential for everything to work properly, and when there isn’t enough of it, your mini-excavator won’t work as it should (or at all).
To prevent this from happening, regularly inspect the hydraulic system for any leaks. Replace the parts that are leaking as soon as possible. If you notice that the hydraulic system isn’t working properly but there are no leaks, you might have to change the hydraulic fluid. Drain the old fluid and replace it with the new one.
2. Worn-Down Tracks
As you drive your mini-excavator across various terrains, its tracks wear down with time. This decreases the traction between your excavator and the soil, which can lead to accidents on slippery terrains.
To prevent that from happening, regularly inspect the tracks of your mini-excavator. If they look worn down, you should consider replacing them. Additionally, look for cracks, unusual bends, and other types of damage. Even if they aren't worn down, the tracks can suffer from other types of damage, which will reduce their efficiency and safety.
3. Overheating Engine
Sometimes, there is so much work to do that you forget to take a break. Even if you don’t think you need a break, your mini-excavator does. This can lead to engine overheating, but there are also other potential causes that can make your engine overheat.
For example, the air filters might be clogged, or maybe there isn’t enough coolant in the system. There might also be some issues with the radiator. In either case, if you notice the engine is overheating, don’t waste even one second - look for the potential causes and fix them. An overheated engine can lead to some costly mini-excavator repairs, and you want to prevent that from happening.
4. Electrical Issues
There are also complex electrical systems inside your mini-excavator, and these systems can malfunction from time to time. Most often, these issues are related to the battery, but there can also be issues with wiring or sensors.
Unless you are an expert on the subject, we don’t recommend that you try to do electrical repairs on your own. Many things could go wrong, and you might even get injured when messing with electricity. However, what you can do is regularly inspect the electrical components of your mini-excavator, and if you notice any potential issues, call someone who specializes in such repairs.
5. Control System Issues
Finally, one of the most used parts of your mini-excavator is its control system. This includes pedals, joysticks/wheels, and various buttons. With prolonged and repeated use, some of these components can become less responsive or completely unresponsive.
Again, regular inspection can help you notice control system issues much before they start affecting the way you operate your mini-excavator. This can also help you avoid some costly mini-excavator repairs by fixing a minor issue before it becomes much bigger.
How To Avoid Mini Excavator Issues and Costly Mini-Excavator Repairs
After reading about these common mini-excavator issues, you will be better at preventing them. First of all, use your mini-excavator as per the manufacturer's user manual. Don’t ignore the limits of your mini excavator, such as the maximum load capacity or maximum digging depth.
Regularly inspect the whole excavator and look for any minor damages or anomalies. By fixing those minor issues, you will avoid much bigger issues down the road. Finally, only use compatible tools and attachments with your mini excavator. If unsure, look for the best tools mini excavator here.
Additionally, if you are planning to buy a new mini-excavator, this is a perfect time to think about common issues and their prevention. By investing in a high-quality mini-excavator, all of the abovementioned issues will be less likely to happen. We suggest you take a look at these two options:
13.5 HP Mini Excavator
If you need to use a mini-excavator in narrow and otherwise small spaces, then this mini-excavator is a perfect choice for you. It is small and easy to maneuver, but don’t let its size fool you. With a maximum load capacity of 264.5 lbs and a maximum digging force of 2585 lbf, this is a powerful machine capable of doing everything you need.
23 HP Mini Excavator
Maybe you need more power? Then, you should check out this mini-excavator of 23 HP, a maximum load capacity of 264,5 lbs, and a maximum digging force of 3262 lbf. It is slightly larger than the previous model, but it is still small enough to fit in tight spaces. Thanks to its reduced tail-swing designed, this mini-excavator will do the work with minimum ground disturbance.
Conclusion
Mini-excavator repairs can be costly and time-consuming, which is why you need to pay close attention to the most common mini-excavator issues. This will teach you how to prevent some of those issues, or at least how to spot them in their early stages before they can cause much more damage.
Remember, buying a high-quality mini-excavator and then maintaining it properly will ensure its longevity and functionality!
