Pay Attention to These 7 Steps to Check Engine Oil Level on an Excavator
United Tractors, Jakarta – Every heavy equipment owner definitely wants the best for their machines. The equipment health, from the exterior to the engine components, must always be maintained to avoid fatal damage that requires the heavy equipment to be serviced. One way to keep the equipment in excellent condition is to keep the engine oil at a sufficient level.
Oil is a liquid used to lubricate engine components and hydraulic systems to lower friction between components, clean dirt and particles from inside the engine, and stop rust on metal surfaces for heavy equipment.Furthermore, oil can help maintain the ideal engine temperature and reduce the excessive vibrations produced by the engine. If the oil is well-maintained, it can perform these functions effectively.
Maintaining the engine oil level on heavy equipment, especially excavators, is a smart way to extend its service life. By checking the engine oil, you can keep parts from getting damaged by wear, improve engine performance, keep the engine from getting overheated, and identify early signs of problems that are likely to arise.
Regularly checking the engine oil level is one of the recommended ways to maintain heavy equipment because it is a form of preventive maintenance that ensures heavy equipment, especially excavators, keeps working effectively. In addition, checking the oil level on an excavator can help reduce unnecessary downtime.
There are a few steps that must be followed in order to do maintenance on heavy machinery, like checking the engine oil level. How do I check an excavator’s recommended engine oil level? Here are the complete steps
- Open the Engine Hood
The first step is to find the engine hood on your excavator. For Komatsu excavators, the engine hood is usually found on the side or back of the machine. The function of the engine hood on an excavator is to protect the engine from the heat of the sun and other external particles that could potentially damage the engine’s surface.
Usually, you can open the engine hood by releasing the handle or hook. If the engine hood has been opened, you can access the engine component to proceed to the next method of engine oil level checking. - Taking Out the Dipstick
The next step is to remove or pull the excavator’s dipstick. Usually, the dipstick is located close to the engine. If the dipstick is taken out, wash the surface of the dipstick with a cloth to enable the dipstick to precisely depict the oil level measurement. - Reinsert the Dipstick and Check the Oil Level
Reinsert the dipstick you removed into the oil tank after it has been cleaned. After a few moments, pull the dipstick back out to check the oil level. There are three levels that show how much oil is left in the tank: full, standard, and low. The oil on the dipstick will indicate the level.
If the oil is attached to the standard indicator, it indicates that there is enough oil in the tank for use, so there is no need for additional oil. But you should still check the oil level often to make sure it stays stable. If the oil indicator is at the “full” mark, you do not need to add oil, but you should still do regular checks to avoid damage.
You only need to service the excavator if the oil indicator is low and signs of damage appear. Usually, low engine oil level conditions left too long will cause friction between components and produce foreign sounds from the engine, indicating damage. - Adding the Oil
If the oil indicator shows “low,” immediately refill the engine oil according to factory instructions and specifications. Pour the oil gently into the tank using a funnel so that it is cleaner and no waste of oil results.
Not sure how to add oil to your excavator? You may contact a professional mechanic to do it for you. Our expert technicians will provide oil filling or changing services for Komatsu excavators purchased from United Tractors. Apart from maintaining the oil, our experts will check your heavy equipment to identify early damage and, if needed, service the excavator. - Recheck the Oil level
Again, check the oil level with the same dipstick once the filling is finished. Make sure the dipstick has been cleaned first before submerging it back into the tank. If so, you can put the dipstick back in and pay attention to the oil level indicated on it. - Make Sure the Oil Level Is Correct
As mentioned before, the minimum engine oil level happens if the indicator shows the standard level position. The dipstick’s standard level indicates that the oil is enough to lubricate important engine components. The engine will run better with enough oil and be clean from particles and dirt. - Close the Engine Hood
After checking the oil level in the engine, make sure the dipstick is back in place and the tank is tightly closed. This is to make sure that oil doesn’t spill while the excavator is operating. If it is tightly closed, you can close the engine hood again to protect the engine parts.
Checking an excavator’s oil level is simple, isn’t it? Monitoring the oil level in your excavator engine has several benefits that will be very helpful for operational activities. When you buy an excavator, you will get a heavy equipment warranty. However, the warranty will not cover damage that you cause, such as not making sure the engine oil levels are right.
Keeping the engine oil level in your excavator at the standard or full level will help you avoid having to pay more for engine repairs. Therefore, the engine parts can be properly lubricated, and the excavator performs better.
United Tractors: Ready to Help You in Monitoring The Condition and Performance of Heavy Equipment from Anywhere and at Any Time
Are you worried that the level of oil in your heavy equipment tank is not enough? Relax! United Tractors’ heavy equipment comes with a warning light that automatically notifies the operator if the engine oil level is already low. Furthermore, UT offers a platform for tracking equipment that may be accessed anywhere and at any moment by using UTConnect.
This platform will give details on the unit’s current condition, including the connected equipment’s oil level. Furthermore, UT offers parts programs that allow clients to order heavy equipment spare parts online using the UTConnect system. That way, maintaining the equipment works better and doesn’t cost much more.
If you want to know more about United Tractors’ heavy equipment or its product support services, you can call consumer service at 1500-072 or visit the nearest UT branch office. Also, get excellent after-sales service for every purchase of buses, trucks, and heavy machinery.
