Whether you buy new or used, a Kubota excavator can be a great long term investment. Properly maintaining your machine can extend its lifespan to decades and keep your operating costs to a minimum. With hundreds of machines passing through our gates every year we can always see the difference in those that have received the proper care. This is our guide to what regular maintenance tasks you should do to keep your machine in tip top condition.
Inspection and cleaning
Daily checks:
Before starting your Kubota excavator, perform a quick visual inspection. Check for any signs of damage, wear and tear, or leaks in the hydraulic hoses, engine, and tracks. Pay close attention to the boom, dipper, and bucket for cracks or excessive wear. Addressing minor issues early can prevent costly repairs down the line.
Cleaning:
After each use, clean your digger to remove dirt, mud, and rocks, especially around the tracks and undercarriage. Accumulated debris can lead to increased wear and reduce the efficiency of the machinery. Use a pressure washer carefully to avoid damaging seals and ensure that all moving parts are free from obstructions.
Oil and fluid levels
Engine oil:
Regularly checking and changing the engine oil and filter is crucial for maintaining your digger’s engine health. Kubota recommends checking the oil level daily and replacing it regularly as specified in your owner’s maintenance manual.
Hydraulic oil:
Hydraulic oil is the lifeblood of the digger being pushed into rams and motors continuously as the digger works. While this can often be overlooked replacing this oil according to the operator’s manual of your machine ensures optimal performance and could save a lot of time and money in the future.
Coolant:
Ensure that the radiator and coolant system are working efficiently by checking the coolant level regularly. Refill with the appropriate coolant mix if levels are low, and clean the radiator fins to prevent overheating. Overheating can cause severe engine damage, so maintaining the cooling system is critical.
Track and undercarriage maintenance
Track tension:
Tracks that are too tight can cause excessive wear and reduce the lifespan of the undercarriage components. Conversely, loose tracks can come off easily. Check the track tension regularly and adjust it according to the operator’s manual.
Undercarriage:
The undercarriage is often the most neglected part of a micro digger, yet it is exposed to the harshest conditions. Regularly clean the undercarriage to remove mud, stones, and debris that can cause premature wear. Inspect the rollers, idlers, and sprockets for signs of damage or excessive wear and replace any worn components promptly.
Lubrication of moving parts
Greasing:
The cheapest mechanic you’ll ever hire and probably the most important maintenance on any machine - daily greasing is the key to keeping your machine fresh and tight. Grease all pivot points, including the boom, dipper, undercarriage and quick hitch every day the machine is in use. Using the correct type of grease will ensure smooth operation, prolong the life of your machine, and is essential as part of a preventative maintenance plan.
Conclusion
A proper maintenance schedule doesn’t take long to do. With off the shelf complete Kubota service kits in stock at every depot, we aim to make maintenance as easy as possible for our customers. A well maintained machine will last you longer, cost you less in down time and repairs, and provide a higher resale value through a complete service history when the time comes for you to upgrade again.
Speak to our parts or service team today for more maintenance tips to keep your machine in perfect health.