Excavators are the backbone of earthmoving projects, and one of their most crucial components is the boom. The excavator boom provides the reach and lifting power needed for digging, lifting, and placing materials. It is subjected to immense stress during operations, making it prone to damage over time. In this guide, we’ll explore the role of the excavator boom, how it gets damaged, repair methods, and whether it’s better to replace it with a new or used OEM option.
What Does an Excavator Boom Do?
The boom is the first major section of an excavator’s arm and is attached to the machine’s mainframe. It is responsible for lifting and extending the reach of the excavator, allowing for efficient digging and material handling.
Key Functions of the Excavator Boom:
Digging and Excavation – Provides the primary movement for earthmoving operations.
Lifting Heavy Loads – Supports material handling such as loading trucks, moving debris, and positioning heavy items.
Demolition Work – In demolition applications, booms handle wrecking balls, hydraulic breakers, and shears.
Extended Reach Operations – Some machines have long-reach booms for deep trenching or working in hard-to-reach areas.
Supporting Attachments – The boom connects to a stick (dipper arm) and various attachments such as buckets, grapples, and hydraulic hammers.
With its constant movement and exposure to heavy forces, the boom is one of the most stressed parts of an excavator.
Common Causes of Excavator Boom Damage
Despite being built from high-strength steel, excavator booms can suffer from various types of damage due to the conditions they operate in. Here are the most common causes:
1. Structural Cracks
Booms are repeatedly exposed to high stresses. Over time, metal fatigue can cause cracks, especially around weld seams and pin connection points.
2. Heavy-Impact Damage
Accidents, such as striking hard objects or overloading, can lead to dents, bends, and even structural deformation.
3. Corrosion and Rust
For excavators working in wet or corrosive environments, rust can weaken the boom structure, making it prone to failure.
4. Hydraulic Overload
When the hydraulic system exerts excessive force, it can lead to boom stress fractures and eventual failure.
5. Poor Maintenance & Welding Defects
Improper repairs and poor welding jobs can introduce weak points in the boom, leading to premature failure.
How to Repair a Damaged Excavator Boom
If your boom has sustained damage, there are repair options available, depending on the extent of the damage.
1. Crack Repair & Reinforcement
Small cracks can be welded and reinforced using steel plates.
High-quality welding techniques are crucial to maintaining the boom’s structural integrity.
2. Replacing Worn Pivot Points
Over time, pin bores become worn due to movement and friction.
These can be line-bored and fitted with bushings to restore proper function.
3. Straightening Bent Booms
If the boom is bent due to impact, it can sometimes be straightened using hydraulic presses.
However, this process is risky, as metal fatigue may have already weakened the structure.
4. Corrosion Treatment & Protective Coating
If rust is the issue, affected areas can be sandblasted, treated with rust inhibitors, and repainted for long-term protection.
Should You Repair or Replace an Excavator Boom?
Deciding whether to repair or replace a boom depends on a few factors:
Repair If:
✅ The damage is minor, such as small cracks or wear at pivot points. ✅ The cost of repair is significantly lower than replacement. ✅ The boom has not been previously repaired multiple times. ✅ The machine has low working hours and replacing the boom wouldn’t make economic sense.
Replace If:
❌ The boom has severe structural damage or large cracks in multiple locations. ❌ It has been welded multiple times, which reduces its strength. ❌ The cost of repair is close to or exceeds the cost of replacement. ❌ The machine is used in high-risk applications like heavy demolition where structural integrity is critical.
Choosing Between a New or Used Excavator Boom
Once you decide to replace the boom, the next step is deciding between a new or used OEM part.
New Boom:
✔ Comes with a manufacturer’s warranty. ✔ Guaranteed to be free of previous wear or damage. ✔ Best choice for high-use machines with heavy workloads. ❌ More expensive than used options. ❌ May have long wait times for manufacturing and delivery.
Used OEM Boom:
✔ More cost-effective than buying new. ✔ Often available immediately, minimizing downtime. ✔ Comes from original manufacturers, ensuring perfect fit and compatibility. ✔ Some used booms are refurbished, meaning they have been inspected and repaired before sale. ❌ May have some level of wear (though minor wear is acceptable). ❌ No factory warranty (but some reputable sellers, like Vikfin, offer guarantees on used parts).
Where to Find High-Quality Used OEM Excavator Booms?
If you decide to go with a used boom, choosing the right supplier is critical. Vikfin specializes in high-quality used and refurbished excavator parts, including booms for all major OEMs like Caterpillar, Komatsu, Volvo, and Doosan.
✅ Guaranteed lowest prices in the market ✅ Tested and inspected for quality assurance ✅ Immediate availability, reducing downtime ✅ Expert support to help you find the right fit for your machine
By opting for a high-quality used OEM boom, you can save money without sacrificing reliability, ensuring your excavator gets back to work without unnecessary delays.
Conclusion
The excavator boom is an essential component that plays a crucial role in digging, lifting, and demolition tasks. While minor damage can be repaired, major structural failures require replacement. When replacing a boom, considering a used OEM boom from a reputable supplier like Vikfin can provide significant cost savings while maintaining reliability.
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