Excavators are robust machines built for earthmoving, construction, mining and demolition. While designed for the harshest conditions, proactive maintenance significantly extends their service life.

LiuGong is an expert in both diesel and electric industrial equipment. Their range includes:

  • E-series: Reliable diesel workhorses like the 922E, 915E and 933E, built for durable performance in mining and agriculture.
  • F-series: The new standard in excavators, featuring a leap in technology, operator comfort, improved hydraulics and better fuel efficiency with integrated smart work modes.
  • FE-series: LiuGong’s electric revolution. The 922FE is a 25,3-tonne excavator powered by a 423 kWh LFP battery. With zero emissions and low noise, it is ideal for indoor demolition or residential night shifts.

 Everyday wear and tear

Despite their power, machines break due to contamination, friction and human error. Common issues include:

  • Hydraulics: Hoses can burst and seals can blow due to debris, heat, pressure or microscopic dirt particles.
  • Undercarriage: Rollers can seize or tracks can de-track if tension is improper or mud packs into the components.
  • Components: Pins, bushings and electrical sensors can fail, while ground-engaging tools like bucket teeth naturally wear down.

The LiuGong 922E diesel-powered excavator.

Looking after your machine

Maintenance is a daily commitment. LiuGong’s “one-stop maintenance” design, featured on the 922E and 933E, groups daily inspection points behind rear covers for easy access.

The 250-hour service is the first major milestone after the 50-hour break-in period. This involves replacing engine oil and fuel filters, checking gear oil levels in the swing and travel reducers, and inspecting fan and air conditioning belt tension.

The daily walk-around

A visual inspection is your first line of defense:

  • Check for leaks: Look for wet spots on hoses, cylinders and the undercarriage.
  • Inspect tracks: Ensure correct tension and clean out packed mud or rocks.
  • Monitor fluids: Check engine oil, hydraulic fluid and coolant daily.
  • Grease daily: Grease pins every eight to 10 hours until fresh grease purges the joint.
  • Filters: Clean the pre-cleaner bowl regularly but only replace air filters when the indicator dictates to avoid letting dust into the engine.
  • Fuel and hydraulics: Drain the water separator daily and keep hydraulic areas spotless to prevent valve failure.
  • Coolers and GET: Ensure cooler fins are clear and inspect bucket teeth for wear.
  • Operation: Warm up the engine for five minutes and cool it down for three to five minutes to protect the turbocharger. Avoid “bottoming out” cylinders to prevent structural stress.

The LiuGong 922FE electric excavator.

 Electric vehicle maintenance

  • Maintaining an electric excavator trades oil changes for thermal management and high-voltage safety. While there are fewer moving parts, technical precision is vital.
  • Coolant and battery: Check liquid cooling levels daily. Keep battery charge between 20% and 80% to maximise lifespan; avoid leaving it at 0% to prevent “cell sag”.
  • High-voltage safety: Inspect orange conduits for chafing. Never attempt to service high-voltage components yourself; these require certified EV technicians.
  • Charging: Ensure ports are clean and dry to prevent arcing.
  • Systems: Electric motors provide instant torque, creating sharper hydraulic pressure spikes. Monitor filters for metal wear particles and keep up with Battery Management System (BMS) software updates.
  • Safety: Address isolation fault codes immediately, as these indicate current leaks to the chassis.

By completing these checks, you can catch small issues before they become costly failures, ensuring your machine lasts for years to come.

For more information, visit www.liugong.com