The hydraulic system is the heart of used crawler excavators . It is responsible for the operation of all the main components: boom, handle, bucket, and chassis. Any failure in the system can lead to equipment downtime and expensive repairs. That is why it is important to promptly identify signs of wear and tear and carry out preventive maintenance.

Why hydraulics require special attention

The excavator cannot operate without a well-functioning hydraulic system. It:

  • transmits force from the pump to the actuators;
  • ensures precision and smoothness of movements;
  • affects productivity and safety of work.

Even minor problems can quickly become critical if measures are not taken in advance.

The main signs that the hydraulic system requires maintenance

1. Power and performance drop

If the bucket is raised slowly, the boom responds with a delay, and the overall dynamics of the machine deteriorate, this is the first signal of a possible pressure drop or internal fluid leak.

2. Increased noise and vibration

The excavator hydraulics should operate with minimal noise. Humming, vibration or whistling may indicate:

  • air entering the system (aeration),
  • wear of bearings or pump,
  • cavitation (formation of bubbles in a liquid).

3. Increase in oil temperature

If the operating temperature of the oil exceeds 85-90 °C, this may be due to:

  • clogged filters,
  • heat exchanger malfunction,
  • pump overload.

4. Oil leaks

Oil stains around connections, high-pressure hoses or cylinders are a common problem. Even a small leak is a reason to check seals, fittings and hoses.

5. Excessive consumption of working fluid

Constantly topping up oil may indicate hidden internal leaks in the hydraulic cylinders, valves or tank.

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What is included in hydraulic system maintenance

Hydraulic maintenance not only extends the service life of the excavator, but also avoids serious breakdowns that can stop work for a long time. As part of such maintenance, oil and filters are usually replaced, the pressure in the hydraulic circuits is checked, pumps and cylinders are tested, and hoses, seals and connections are inspected. Additionally, load testing and analysis of used oil for impurities, water or metal particles are carried out. These procedures allow you to assess the condition of the hydraulic system and identify hidden problems, especially relevant when working with used equipment.

How to extend the life of your hydraulic system

To ensure that hydraulics serve for a long time and reliably, it is important to follow a number of practical recommendations. Using only suitable oil, monitoring its level and temperature before each start, performing maintenance at the specified time – all this helps to increase the resource of the system. It is also worth avoiding overloads and ensuring that the equipment is used within its performance characteristics. Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the hoses and seals, since they are subject to wear faster than other components. The correct approach to operation and prevention guarantees reliable operation of the excavator even under intensive loads.

Features of diagnostics when buying a used excavator

When buying a used car, be sure to check:

  • date of last oil change;
  • availability of service history;
  • have any repairs been carried out on the excavator hydraulics?
  • Have the hydraulic pumps, cylinders, and distributors been changed?

The absence of this data is a reason to be wary: hidden defects are likely.

Where to look for proven equipment with a working hydraulic system

Hydraulics are a complex mechanism that requires professional diagnostics. At TAD Group we offer used special equipment that has undergone a full hydraulic system check. We personally monitor the condition of pumps, filters, valves and hoses – so that you receive a reliable machine ready to work in any conditions.