Excavator inspection: a complete checklist

tecnoter — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 11:57:54 +0000

Following a checklist to carry out a correct inspection of your excavator is useful in order not to skip fundamental steps and to carry out a complete check.

The excavator in construction: the earthmoving machine par excellence

Excavators, more precisely hydraulic excavators, are part of the “earth moving machines“, i.e. machines capable of excavating, transporting, loading and unloading, spreading and compacting earth and other materials. For this reason, they are used in all construction and demolition sites, but also in road construction sites and those intended for canalization.

They are self-propelled vehicles that can move on tracks, on wheels or on articulated supports, with a rotating structure (turret), positioned above the main body (chariot). The turret is the part that supports the articulated or telescopic arm of the excavator, which, integrated with different equipment chosen for different projects (such as those designed by Tecnoter), allows the excavator to transform itself into the earthmoving machine par excellence that everyone we know.

Not just construction: the excavator is a versatile machine with the right attachments

The excavator is “famous” for being a machine capable of digging, loading and unloading material in construction operations thanks mainly to the aid of the bucket, a useful accessory during these operations. However, it is a versatile equipment, useful in numerous and different production contexts, with the simple integration of various special attachments. In fact, it is also widely used for handling scrap (if a hydraulic magnet is installed instead of the bucket, for example), for handling rails and sleepers (if a hydraulic grapple is fitted), or it is still very useful during demolitions if comes with a hydraulic shear or a hammer.

With the right equipment, therefore, an excavator becomes a fundamental machine for different companies in different sectors.

The importance and versatility of this powerful machine is such that it is necessary to suggest a control and maintenance protocol that is periodic and precise, so that users (operators first of all) can guarantee its correct long-term functioning, with a reduced risk of accidents and, last but not least, to ensure that it continues to produce.

The checklist for a perfect excavator inspection

The control protocol is nothing more than an inspection to be carried out on the excavator, which concerns all its mechanical, electronic and hydraulic components. This inspection must include a check phase performed before, during and after using the excavator.

Assuming that every hydraulic excavator carries indications for its correct operation in its instructions for use, as is the case for every machine, we can divide the inspection into a series of useful steps to avoid forgetting important steps. A first useful tip that we at Tecnoter suggest is to start and finish the inspection from the same point, so as to cover all the parts of the excavator and be sure you have checked it entirely.

The perfect excavator inspection checklist includes:

Before using the excavator

Checking the control cabin: check the cleanliness of the control elements and handles, steps and platforms (they must be free from oil and grease), clean the glass surfaces to ensure optimal visibility for the operator
Verification of the work area: there must be no obstacles such as power lines along the direction of the maneuvers and the paths along the work areas must be reinforced or marked as yielding
Check for the presence of people: the work area must be free from the presence of people before starting the activity
Adjusting the operator’s seat: i.e. adjusting the position of the seat and the rear-view mirrors
Checking the correct functioning of the controls, instruments and all the indicators, mainly the beacon, the horn and the optical units for working in the absence of lighting
Checking the hydraulic system and hoses
Checking the efficiency of the attachment of the accessory to be used
Signaling of work areas with possible exposure to noise levels higher than the upper action values
Verification of the transversal and longitudinal slope limits of the ground, so that they do not exceed the operating limits of the machine
Checking the presence of the operator’s station protections, use of the required PPE and fastening of the seat belt

While using the excavator

Closing the cabin doors
Signaling of operation with the beacon
Use of stabilizers (if present)
Request for help from the staff in the event of maneuvers in confined spaces or due to poor visibility
In the event of inactivity or momentary interruptions of work, the excavator arm must be kept at a safe distance from the workers and the control and hydraulic system locking device must be activated before getting off
Keeping the cabin clean and clear
Timely reporting of any failures or dangerous malfunctions
No smoking and no excavator engine running when refueling

After using the excavator

Positioning of the excavator and the attachments at the end of the work: i.e. lower the mounted attachment to the ground, engage the controls and hydraulic system lock, apply the brake and stop the engine
Closing the windows and the cabin door
Check around the vehicle to check the condition of the bodywork and any oil or coolant leaks
Further reporting of any faults and anomalies
Ordinary maintenance and cleaning according to the factory instructions

By following this checklist, the operator can perform a comprehensive excavator inspection that is as safe as possible.

For more information about checking your excavator and excavator attachments, you can contact us here.

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