Excavators are one of the most versatile and powerful pieces of construction machinery. But, as with all equipment, excavators can be subject to mechanical faults and performance issues if regular maintenance is not carried out. Therefore, when undertaking excavator hire, carrying out your own inspection of machinery is essential to ensure that you’re not only receiving a reliable piece of equipment that has been well maintained, but that it won’t pose a risk to either the safety of your operators or the productivity of your project.

What are the major excavator hire inspection points?

When you are carrying out an inspection of an excavator, regardless of the size, there are many features of the machine that need to be thoroughly looked over to guarantee that it meets your project's requirements. In this article, we ‘re going to look at the 4 major inspection steps you should consider when hiring an excavator:

• Excavator operational history
• Slewing ring
• Rust, cracks, bends, and dents
• Excavator attachment hire checks

Excavator operational history

Before you start looking at the excavator for any cracks or broken equipment, you need to first check the machine's operational history. The operational history will show you exactly how many hours the machine has been in operation for, as well as basic facts about the excavator, including the manufacture date and working condition. If you don’t know where to start your inspection, the operational history is the best place where you can determine a baseline of facts before even looking at the excavator.

Slewing ring

A slewing ring for an excavator is a rotational rolling element bearing that supports a heavy but slow turning load. If you notice that this slew ring is slightly damaged, this may need to be replaced. In order to check if it is damaged, turn the hydraulic excavator housing a quarter turn and this will allow you to notice any movement in the slew ring. You should also check for any loose connection points between the excavator stick and the bucket. If loose, this could mean it needs a repair.

Rust, cracks, bends, and dents

If you notice rust, cracks, or bends in the excavator’s bodywork, this could indicate a fault in the machine's structural integrity and the need for a significant repair, especially if they appear in key connection points. You should also check the undercarriage on the excavator for dents. If present, this could mean that previous operators haven’t taken proper care of the machine and could result in malfunction issues during your hire period.

Excavator attachment hire checks

If attachments are part of your excavator hire package, make sure you inspect these just as thoroughly as the machine itself. If the excavator itself is great, but the attachments are damaged, your project's efficiency will suffer in turn. In terms of an excavator bucket, make sure you check between the bucket’s teeth for signs of scalloping and any shapes. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need a replacement bucket, but your bucket's cutting force will be hindered.

Looking for high-quality excavator hire? Contact Wombat Hire

While having the foresight to conduct inspections of any equipment you bring on site, it’s also beneficial to seek out a reputable excavator hire company that is known for providing quality machinery. As a leading provider of earthmoving equipment, you can rely on Wombat Hire to provide your project with a range of excavator hire options. With a well-maintained fleet at our disposal, we’re confident we can find the perfect solution to suit your excavation needs. Contact us today for more information and an obligation-free quote.