Top 5 Tips for Mini Hydraulic Excavator Maintenance - Yancey Bros. Co.

A mini hydraulic excavator is a big investment for your business that pays big dividends in time, productivity, and expands the types of jobs you can tackle. These versatile machines are prized for their ability to maneuver without sacrificing their ability to take on heavy-duty projects. When these machines are down, it can cause a big blow to your schedule and your bottom line. 

It’s no wonder then that mini hydraulic maintenance would be top of mind for many Georgia mini excavator owners. We’ve rounded up our top maintenance tips and resources to help you maximize your machine throughout its lifetime.

Enroll in a Preventive Maintenance Plan

Here are 5 ways to get the most out of your mini excavator

1) Commit to Preventative Maintenance.

The best way to avoid a malfunction is to prevent them in the first place. Regular inspections and maintenance help you catch small issues before they become big problems. This often involves checking smaller parts and filters to make sure they’re replaced and repaired as recommended. 

Cat makes it easy to get the parts you need when you need them through their online e-commerce tool Stop spending hours searching for the right part only to find that the one you ordered isn’t correct. Simply enter a Cat serial number into the tool and easily choose the preventative maintenance parts you need the first time and every time. 

2) Create and Follow an Equipment Maintenance Schedule.

One of the key aspects to preventative maintenance is consistency. Creating an equipment maintenance schedule will help you stay on top of regular tasks to keep your machine running smoothly. We recommend tracking your tasks in 4 different categories: daily, weekly, 6 months, and 2 years. Daily tasks include checking fluid levels and connections before operation while more time-consuming tasks, like cleaning your fuel injectors, can be performed every two years. 

To make maintenance even easier, Cat offers planned maintenance kits delivered straight to your door. Visit their website, enter your serial number, and Cat will provide you with everything you need in one convenient package. You’ll receive genuine Cat filters, fluids, gaskets, and more to extend the life of your machine. 

3) Learn Your Machine’s Major Indicators.

It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the common signs that your machine needs some TLC. For example, knowing the difference between excess black, blue, or white smoke can help you troubleshoot an issue and get back to work quickly rather than waste time on diagnostics or worse yet, miss the problem altogether. 

To expedite the process, Cat has put together a handy guide to repair indicators for some of the major systems found in their machines. Use the guide together with Cat’s S.O.S Services and Site Operations Maintenance Advisor software for maximum efficiency. 

4) Keep the Operation Manual Handy. 

There’s a lot to keep top of mind when you’re running a job. That’s why it’s critical to keep your mini excavator operation manual on hand. It’s an important reference that contains all the information you need to understand and operate your mini excavator. Look up instructions and common issues as they arise without having to keep everything in your head. 

Lose your operation manual? Not to worry. Download the Cat SIS2GO app and get instant access to Cat service and parts information for your equipment. Rather have a paper copy at your fingertips? You can also purchase a copy online at publications.cat.com

5) Upgrade Your Machine. 

One of the strongest features of a mini hydraulic excavator is its versatility. Getting the most out of your machine means outfitting it with the right attachment for the job. When you have the right attachment you’ll improve job site safety, boost productivity, enhance operator comfort and lower maintenance costs. 

Choose from dozens of attachment options. Each one comes with genuine Cat quality that you can trust. 

Request a Consultation from an Expert

For over 100 years, Yancey has been helping build Georgia through trusted partnerships with cities, counties, and businesses all over the state. Let us help simplify your Cat mini excavator maintenance through our unmatched service and support. 

We’re proud to be the nation’s first Caterpillar dealer and we’re ready to use our century’s worth of expertise to help you keep your Cat machines in top shape. Contact us to start streamlining your mini excavator maintenance today.