Compact Excavators
With the way the weather has been rapidly changing these days, it could
start snowing next week in the northern states. That means it’s time to
get into winter-mode now and prep your compact excavator for whatever
Mother Nature throws at you. Mini excavators aren’t used specifically
for winter jobs (like snow removal), but the work doesn’t stop for the
machines in the colder months. Construction still has to happen, even
when the ground is frozen.
“Mini excavators are very versatile machines and contractors will
continue to operate them to complete everyday applications,” says Jake
Jeffords, product manager for the construction equipment division of
Yanmar America Corp. “They will still perform everyday on the jobsite
for different underground utility construction contractor applications —
any infrastructure, telephone, plumbing — will still be installed
throughout the winter no matter what.”
The first maintenance issue for winterizing compact excavators deals
with comfort. If your compact excavator is enclosed and has a heating
unit, you’ll want to make sure that is working and keeping the cab warm.
Second, just like a car, make sure you have your antifreeze additives,
your battery is charged and your oil levels are topped off. Above all,
storing the machine indoors and under cover will keep the winter
maintenance down to a minimum.
“During the winter months a best practice is to store your compact
excavator under cover as much as possible,” Jeffords says. “If it is
necessary to store the unit outside for long periods of time, it is
crucial that the contractor conducts routine service checks on the
unit.”
Follow the excavator’s owner’s manual for specific daily, weekly and
monthly maintenance checks. Routine checks include making sure the
antifreeze, engine oil and hydraulic oil haven’t froze or gelled. Before
startup, clean out any ice or snow from the tracks and around the
engine. Patience is the most necessary tool when it comes to using
compact excavators in the winter months. Before starting work each day,
Jeffords always recommends preheating the machine first.
“When the unit is constantly in the elements, it is necessary to preheat
the engine to prevent future maintenance issues,” he says. “This
procedure ensures proper engine startup.”
The hydraulic response time will also be delayed until your compact
excavator has warmed up completely. Keep that in mind when you try going
hard at the beginning of a job. At the end of the day, it might be wise
to give the compact excavator a good bath to clean off any salt or
other small debris that could encourage corrosion. Storing the machine
indoors also helps protect it from the elements.
“The best case scenario for any piece of equipment is storage indoors
during the harsh winters months,” he says. “This allows the unit to see
longer track, hydraulic and engine life. Also, while storing equipment
outdoors, be aware of hydraulic attachments and their exposed lines. The
less amount of hydraulic oil in an exposed line the better.”
If you stay aware and patient during the winter months, your compact
excavator should survive the cold and keep pushing each day to get the
job done.
Kelly Pickerel is associate editor of Compact Equipment, based in Brecksville, Ohio.
