Earthmoving projects are serious operations, and you need your Hitachi excavator to be able to handle them. As a Hitachi dealer that you can rely on to help your business, we’ve put together several tips and best practices to help you get the most out of your equipment and complete the job right the first time around.
Check the ground before working
Your Hitachi excavator can take on a lot, but a large rock, stump, or other hidden obstacle could cause it to slide and disrupt your work. Always assess your work area before operating a machine, and be on the look out for debris, loose soil, holes, ditches, and other types of potentially dangerous obstacles.
Be aware of your track position
If you’re working on any incline or decline, always ensure your Hitachi’s tracks are pointing up and down the slope. They should never be parallel to the hill, as this can lead to a rollover. You want to maintain a stable center of gravity at all times while the machine is in operation.
Grease fittings according to your operator’s manual
We want you to get the most from your equipment for as long as possible. A big part of that is keeping your excavator properly lubricated. By greasing your machine regularly, you will reduce wear and improve fuel efficiency, because the power needed to perform movements is reduced and the hydraulic system doesn’t need to work as hard.
Adjust track tension on-site
It’s important to make changes to your Hitachi excavator’s track tension on the jobsite rather than in the shop. Track tension can increase if the sprocket and chain are packed with mud or other debris. If you adjust your excavator’s tracks in the shop, it may become too tight when packed with mud out in the field.
Know the signs of a mechanical problem
If you hear odd sounding noises, notice excessive black smoke, feel any stiffness in the controls, or see physical damage to your excavator, stop operating the machine. To avoid any further damage, bring your equipment into your nearest Great Southern Equipment Hitachi dealer location for an inspection and repairs.
Contact your local Hitachi dealer for more excavator tips and best practices