In the construction industry, term “downtime“ is the greatest enemy. When the excavator suddenly breaks down or experiences a decrease in performance in the middle of catching up on a project, Time losses and operational costs can increase drastically.
Often, Severe damage begins with small symptoms that are ignored. As a heavy equipment partner that prioritizes prime unit performance, PT Perkasa Sarana Utama (PSU) shares technical guidance for diagnosing common causes of excavator damage and how to handle them.
1. Weak Excavator Power or Slow Motion
This is the most common complaint in the field. The excavator feels heavy when lifting loads or moving swing being unusually slow.
- The cause:
- Dirty Hydraulic Filter: Accumulated dirt inhibits oil flow to the main pump (main pump).
- Bad Hydraulic Oil: The oil is runny or contaminated with water (cloudy color), up to pressure (pressure) decrease.
- Leaking Seal: Seal pada silinder boom/arm/bucket out, causing oil to leak out of the way (internal leak).
- How to Solve It:
- Check Pilot Filter and Return Filter. If it's dirty, replace new (Don't just spray it and then install it again).
- Check the color of the hydraulic oil. If it's like milk (milky), means mixed with water. Drain immediately.
- Perform a pressure test (pressure test) on Main Relief Valve.
2. Machine Heats Up Fast (Overheat)
The temperature indicator rises to the red zone and the alarm sounds. not be forced, because it can crack the engine cylinder (crack head).
- The cause:
- Blocked Radiator: Radiator fins covered in dust, dry mud, or insects so that the wind cannot pass.
- Loose Fan Belt: The fan belt is loose or broken, so the fan rotation is not optimal.
- Thermostat Macet: The thermostat valve won't open when it's hot, water does not circulate to the radiator.
- How to Solve It:
- Clean the radiator fins with air spray or low pressure water.
- Check tightness fan belt. Press with your finger, If it's too soft, it means it needs to be readjusted or replaced.
- Make sure there is enough radiator water and use it coolant the good one (not plain water).
3. Track Problems Often Missed
Loose tracks in muddy terrain are very troublesome and take a long time to repair.
- The cause:
- Loose Track: Not enough grease on adjuster cylinder.
- Components Off: Gigi Sprocket, Idler, or Track Link Already “run out” so it can't hold the chain well.
- Improper Use: Operators often make sharp U-turns (pivot turn) on hard or rocky ground.
- How to Solve It:
- Routinely measure track tightness. Adjust to work location (Mud soil requires a slightly looser setting than hard soil).
- Physical check undercarriage once a week.
4. Exhaust Smoke Color Meaning
The color of the smoke can be an indication of the health condition of your excavator engine.
- Black smoke: Incomplete combustion due to lack of air. Check Air Filter (Air Cleaner), usually clogged with dust.
- White smoke: There is water entering the combustion chamber or the diesel is bad. Check Water Separator.
- Blue Smoke: Engine oil also burns. This is a danger sign, usually the piston ring is hit or the turbo is leaking.
The Importance of Regularly Carrying Out P2H
Most of the damage above could actually be prevented if the operator was disciplined P2H (Implementation of Daily Inspection). Before boarding the cabin, must check the oil level, air radiator, defecate in the water separator, and physically check the unit.
Well Maintained Heavy Equipment Rental Solutions at PSU
Having your own equipment means you have to be prepared to worry about costs maintenance and mechanic wages. If you want to focus on work without the hassle of workshop matters, Heavy equipment rental is the solution.
From PT Perkasa Sarana Utama (PSU), We guarantee the unit is ready to work:
- Healthy Unit: Each unit has passed physical and machine checks before sending.
- Mekanik Ready: There are obstacles in the field? Our mechanic immediately launched.
- Operators Understand Machines: Our operators are trained to be sensitive to early signs of damage.
Don't let broken tools hinder your project.
- WhatsApp: 0812-5233-3349
- Email: rent@psualatberat.com
- Website: psualatberat.com
PT Perkasa Sarana Utama – Heavy Equipment Solutions, No Weight Problems.
