Excavators are complex machines. But maintaining them doesn’t have to be. Follow the steps in your Operation and Maintenance Manual, stick to a routine maintenance schedule and perform a thorough walkaround inspection using the Cat Inspect app, prior to every shift — that’s really all it takes to keep your excavator running like it should.

Need a refresher on the basics? This video walks you through the most important points of excavator maintenance — and here’s a quick look at six key areas where it pays to focus your efforts.

1. Undercarriage

Undercarriage problems can account for more than half of your maintenance costs. It’s not just the most expensive part of your excavator — it’s also exposed to near-constant wear and stress. Clean out any dirt and debris collected during a shift to help prevent buildup that could accelerate wear. (It can also hurt fuel economy by adding extra weight.) And perform a thorough inspection every shift to look for missing or damaged components or uneven or excess wear. Check out these tips and tricks to help extend undercarriage life.

2. Tracks

Make sure your excavator’s tracks are set at the proper tension. They’ll wear more quickly if they’re too tight or too loose. Chains and sprockets can also wear prematurely if tracks aren’t maintained correctly. As you examine the tracks, keep an eye out for any wear to the common track components - track shoes, pins, chains, idlers, sprockets and fasteners.

3. Filters

Filters keep your excavator’s engine, air, fuel and hydraulic systems running smoothly. Clogged or dirty filters can compromise sensitive parts of the machine and affect overall performance. Most excavators come with an indicator that lets you know when filters need attention. Act quickly when alerted to change filters to avoid the contamination that can lead to costly damage and downtime.

4. Water separator

If you leave your excavator outside overnight, condensation can cause water to build up in the primary fuel filters. Cat^® excavators come with water separators on these filters, and a sensor inside the cab tells you when water has collected there. Drain it when indicated or it can lead to corrosion and damage.

5. Cooling system

Adequate airflow and coolant levels allow your excavator to run efficiently. Both are especially important if you work in a very hot climate — you don’t want your machine to overwork just to keep cool. Be sure to inspect coolant hoses for leaks. Also, apply low-pressure water or air to clean the oil cooler, condenser and radiator. Reversing fans are a key feature on Cat® excavators to help maintain a clean radiator.

6. Attachments

Your excavator’s work tools do the work — so don’t overlook them in your daily inspection. Check any attachments, including couplers, for cracks, excessive wear or signs of damage that could hamper your productivity and safety. Using a bucket? Inspect it for cracks, bowing, pin and bushing wear. Look for abnormal wear to the adapters, teeth, cutting edges, and side cutters. And make sure all work tools are securely attached to the machine for safety.

Here’s another tool that can help you with excavator maintenance: the free Cat Inspect app. Use it on your mobile device for quick, easy machine inspections.