Common Issues with Mini Diggers that Should Be Resolved Immediately

26 May 2021

Mini diggers have been very useful for construction projects that require excavation. As some parts of a site are excavated, they are often maximised to generate trenches, install water lines, repair sewer lines, place utility poles, construct pools and backyard features, and many more.

Aside from excavating and creating holes, mini diggers are also used to demolish buildings and structures. They can likewise conduct handling and transfer of materials as well as plough snow. These activities are possible due to the mini diggers’ ability to swap out attachments. Aside from their versatility, these diggers have been very useful for accessing small sites due to their compact form factor.

But mini diggers can still encounter issues and problems along the way. Some of the issues that are common with mini diggers include the following:

Loose Track Tension

Most mini diggers maximise rubber tracks to effectively move around the site. And as they operate, the rubber tracks must be adjusted properly to prolong their service life. However, if the track of a mini digger is running loose, then it will prevent and hinder the digger from moving easily around the site. A mini digger with a track that is running too tight, alternatively, will cause the rubber material alongside other track system components to obtain serious damages.

Grease Application

Another issue that mini diggers may obtain would revolve around grease application. Usually, the application of grease must only be between one to three shots. Going below or beyond these recommended shots, therefore, would lead to mini digger issues. Under-greasing the pins and bushings inside the mini diggers could lead to their operation failures. Over-greasing, on the other hand, can be wasteful in terms of overall expenses. It can likewise present a hazard to the environment.

Oil Contamination

The final drive motor of a mini digger is intended to provide power to turn the tracks. However, if it is contaminated with oil and other elements, the mini digger can have a hard time moving around the site. It might even stop working at all and cause unnecessary downtimes. To avoid oil contamination, the final drive motor must be cleaned fully and that any presence of oil must be eradicated. Proper cleaning must also be done with the gearbox so that it does not get damaged pretty easily.

Hydraulic Pump Failure

The operations of the mini diggers all rely on hydraulic components. That is why their hydraulic pumps must be inspected and maintained all the time to avoid encountering issues during the excavation process. Most of the time, hydraulic pumps fail as the hydraulic oil is not changed regularly. Without changing the hydraulic oil regularly, it will just break down, lose its viscosity, and prevent it from holding contaminants in suspension. Once the hydraulic oil has become cloudy, it must be changed right away.

For more information about mini diggers, you can call us at Melbourne Mini Diggers.