Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/85671
inspection checkpoint | by Marcia Gruver Doyle How to inspect a A used compact good used compact excavator – also called a mini excavator – can give you the maneuverability and versatility you may be miss- ing with your larger machines. In order to make a solid buying decision though, you'll need to give a used com- pact excavator a thorough inspection. We asked Mike Whittaker, senior shop technician with Gregory Poole Equipment, Raleigh, North Carolina, to give us a roadmap for inspecting these machines. He chose as his inspection machine a Caterpillar 303 CR with 3,000 hours. All good inspections start with a walk around, which will highlight any obvious problems, some of which may stop you from exploring further. Looking for leaks at this point is especially critical, Whittaker says. "Check for leaks in the hoses and cylinders, and especially under the machine," Whittaker says. "You don't want to start the machine with a major leak or a torn out bottom." Then examine the frame, ROPS, boom, stick and blade welds for any cracks. "On welds that have started to crack, Mike Whittaker excavator Man the controls of these small power horses to get a good feel for how a used unit will perform. you can see a line of rust where the bare metal is exposed," Whittaker says. Look at the steps and grab irons, making sure the steps aren't bent and they're secure. And note any missing safety decals. Does the machine need to be repainted? Open up each service compartment, noting whether the latches work. Make sure the fuel tank cap and strainer are in place and work- ing. Judge whether the battery is secure or if there's evidence of corrosion on the terminals. Look for oil seepage in the boom and stick cylinders, or if there are damaged hydraulic lines. Are all brackets in place? Operational checks Start the machine and get it up to operating temperature. Whittaker then runs it through a series of operational checks: • Do several simulated digging cycles with the boom, stick and bucket. Then swing the boom left and right, extending the stick and opening and closing the bucket. Look for any looseness in the pins and bushings or coupler. • Operate the blade up and down. Raise the front of the machine with the blade. • Swing the upper body to the left and right, again checking for hesitations. Brake during each rotation, and note the response. • Run the machine in forward and in reverse and turn left and right with the tracks. Are EquipmentWorld.com | March 2012 43