Keep Your Compact Track Loader and Mini Excavator Attachments in Top Shape with These Maintenance Tips

You are tackling a critical construction project with your mini excavator paired with a hydraulic breaker. Because you make it a habit to follow a quick daily checklist, you spotted a slightly loose hose this morning. A simple tightening with a wrench took only a few minutes and your attachment was back to work, keeping the project on schedule.

This example shows that by dedicating time in your daily schedule for maintenance, you can prevent costly downtime and ensure that project timelines are met. However, there are other essential practices and maintenance steps you should follow too. Jay Patel, attachment product manager at DEVELON, provides practical advice to keep your attachments performing at their best.

Conduct Daily Inspections

The simplest, yet often most overlooked, maintenance step is a daily inspection. Before using an attachment, follow these steps.

• Examine welds, stress points and areas that experience heavy impact.
• Inspect for uneven wear on various components and excessive wear on your ground-engaging tools like bucket teeth and cutting edges..
• Check for any leaks, especially if there are hydraulic components involved, such as worn-out hoses or cylinders. Promptly address leaks to prevent fluid loss, environmental contamination and potential damage to the hydraulic system.
• Verify that the coupler is securely locked in place and check all other bolts, nuts, pins and hoses for tightness and presence. Vibrations during operation can loosen these components, leading to malfunctions or even detachment. Make sure nothing is loose on the attachment.
• Remove any accumulated dirt, mud or other debris that can hinder movement, trap moisture or cause corrosion. In harsher conditions like rocky or stony ground, hidden damage or corrosion can occur, so thorough cleaning is essential for proper inspection.

Lubricate Parts Before Operating

Many attachments have moving parts that require regular lubrication to minimize friction, reduce wear and prevent premature failure. Before each day of operation, or as recommended by the manufacturer’s manual, ensure proper lubrication of all grease points. Key grease points include:

• Pivot points and hinges
• Cylinder rods and bearings
• Rotating components on augers and brush cutters

“One of the biggest mistakes is either over-greasing or under-greasing,” says Jay. “Always follow the manufacturer’s service intervals for greasing, as these can vary depending on the attachment and the operating environment. While there aren’t strict generalized intervals, staying on top of lubrication and double-checking your service guidelines is crucial.”

Quickly Address Any Issues

Attachments will likely require repairs over their lifespan. However, addressing issues promptly is key to preventing further damage and extending their usability.

“Recognize early warning signs, such as seeing damage or misalignment, hearing odd or new sounds or noticing irregular movements from hydraulic attachments,” says Jay. “Visible leaks, whether high-pressure sprays or occasional drips, also indicate a potential issue.”

If you have a minor issue, such as tightening a loose bolt or replacing worn teeth, you may be able to fix it yourself after referring to the service manual. However, more complex issues, such as structural damage or significant hydraulic failures, should be handled by qualified technicians.

“Attempting complex repairs without the necessary knowledge and equipment can lead to further attachment damage and increase hazards on the job site,” says Jay. “Improper repairs can also often void the attachment’s warranty. Your local dealer has qualified service technicians who can provide expert service and easy access to genuine parts to help you get the most out of your attachment.”

Follow Post-Workday Care

Maintenance doesn’t end when the workday does. Jay outlines a few tips to follow after using an attachment:

• Clean the attachment to remove dirt, debris and corrosive materials like salt. For hydraulic attachments, clean the hoses and connections on both the attachment side and the machine side and relieve some of the pressure in the lines if you plan on disconnecting them.
• Conduct a quick visual inspection for any damage that may have occurred during operation.
• Consider touch-up painting to prevent rust in scratched areas.
• Choose a dry, preferably indoor, environment for storing store attachments to prevent weather-related wear.
• Store attachments on a level surface or use designated stands for stability. For hydraulic attachments, add caps to prevent contamination, especially if the attachment will be stored for a long time.
• Follow the specific storage recommendations in the manufacturer’s manual.

Prioritize Attachment Operating Procedures

Safety should always be your top priority when using attachments. This protects you and others around you, and it also prevents damage to the attachment and your machine. A few reminders:

• Secure the coupler. If your machine uses a hydraulic coupler (common for mini excavators and compact track loaders), always double-check that it’s properly locked.
• Respect capacity limits. Never use an attachment that exceeds your machine’s rated capacity (size and weight), even if it physically fits.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to bystanders and follow all job site safety protocols.
• Get proper training. Some specialized attachments require specific training for operators to understand their safe operation and limitations.

“Check your machine’s hydraulic settings for the attachment you’re using,” says Jay. “Many newer machines let you choose the attachment type, and they’ll adjust these settings automatically. However, using the wrong settings, like high flow with an attachment that’s not designed for it, can seriously damage the attachment. Often, you’ll find labels on the attachment that tell you its maximum flow rate and pressure.”

Transport Attachments Safely 

If you’ll be transporting attachments on a trailer with your compact equipment, safety is key. It starts with a well-balanced and securely loaded trailer.

• Spread the weight evenly. Make sure the attachment’s weight is distributed uniformly across the trailer. This is crucial for maintaining balance while towing.
• Secure loose parts. If your attachment has hoses or other components that could move around (common with hydraulic attachments), make sure they are properly secured to prevent damage during transport.
• Use rated tie-downs. Always use safety chains and straps that are strong enough for the specific weight and size of your attachment.
• Attach securely. Make sure these tie-downs are firmly connected to the designated anchor points on the attachment.
• Prioritize balance over position. While the exact placement of the attachment to your machine might vary, the most important factor is achieving even weight distribution for safe towing.

By following these expert recommendations and detailed steps, you can keep your mini excavator and compact track loader attachments running their best for longer, making your work safer and more efficient.

Allison Grettenberg is a public relations and content strategy specialist with Two Rivers Marketing.