I’ve been using a small excavator on the farm for digging and trenches, and lately it’s been acting a bit off. The engine sometimes hesitates when lifting, the boom feels slower than usual, and it doesn’t feel machine stable like it used to at full reach. I’m wondering if it’s a hydraulic issue, something with the engine, or just the machine getting old. Has anyone dealt with this before? Any tips or tricks to get it back to normal would be amazing.
Some real information may help. Make Model Serial Number History Whats unstable? What fluids are in it, when last changed and checked? That sort of stuff. Pictures may help.
To me it sounds like an engine problem, as in perhaps fuel issue etc. If the engine isn't running smooth, the hydraulic pumps don't work well and the engine causes the operation and machine to shake a bit feeling as you say the machine isn't stable. Check the hydraulic fluid level, the hydraulic filters, the water separator and fuel filter (Basic 100 hour service). When the machine is on stable ground, run the engine at various speeds and only use the tracks forward and back and slew the machine back and forth. Check the engine to see how it runs. If the engine runs well, then use the stick to try lifting and digging.
Ok. Thank you for your answers. I'll check it out