Used excavators are pricey and represent a large capital outlay. Here are five things you need to look at before pulling the trigger. #1 Undercarriage This is the bottom substructure of the machine and the point of impact with the ground. You firstly want to check the sprockets. The more rounded or smooth the teeth of the sprockets the better. If they are razor-sharp like a knife, it means that they have been exposed to considerable wear and will need to be replaced. Having said this, it is not costly to replace a sprocket. Secondly, you have the top and bottom rollers. Here you want them to be as rounded as possible. Also, listen to hear if they make a loud squeaky noise when the tracks are moving. There should be no play in the rollers – if there is, the bearings are shot. Like the sprocket, rollers are not expensive to replace. Thirdly, you want to closely inspect the chains (also referred to as links). Again they should be as rounded as possible. If they have been worn into the shape of a C, it means that the tracks are older and have a limited lifespan in front of them. These flat spots in the links are caused by sharpening in the sprockets. Fourthly you want to check the grousers (also referred to as shoes). You want them to be tight on the tracks with a limited amount of play. Finally, you need to look at the track adjuster. Again, you must listen for noise when the machine is moving. Also, if the adjuster is extended far out forward, it means that the chains are stretched and may soon need to be replaced which is going to cost you money.
#2 Engine Now you need to fire up the engine and go up on top to inspect the engine. The first thing you want to look at is the exhaust to ensure that there is not too much smoke coming out. Secondly, on the engine, you want to make sure there are no leaks. You want to open up the oil cap and look for blow-by. You will know there is blow-by if there is oil around the cap, when oil is flying out the opening, or when you lift out the dipstick and oil are bubbling out.
#3 Final Drives You will need to drain the oil on the final drives and check for filings. You also need to check to see if the oil is new. New oil can sometimes be problematic and an indication that the seller is trying to hide a defect in the final drive. The bottom line is that you do not want to oil to be too clean or too dirty – both these situations should sound warning bells. Once the oil has been drained, remove the cover and check the gears for wear. Again, you want to ensure that the teeth on the gears are not too sharp.
#4 Swing (Slew) Motor She has a dipstick on her and you want to make sure that there is oil in the motor. Make sure there is no water in the oil. The slew motor is out in the open and not protected from the elements. Water in the slew motor could mean the seals have gone due to water and debris. This is a simple and easy check.
#5 Swivel Motor
You want to check that the swivel motor is not leaking oil. Leaking oil will fill the ring gear with fluid. This oil will leak through the seals onto the top of the track frame. You will need to put your head underneath the cavity below the swing motor – it is dark so you will need some light. You will find a small bolt cover – take that off and if is full of oil, you know that there is a leak in the swivel motor. If there is only water, there is no real problem. If there is oil, then there is a problem.
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