"Because even your mini digger deserves a little T-L-C"
Let's be real—your mini excavator is like the hardest-working crew member on site. It digs, lifts, swings, and sometimes works in conditions that would make most people call in sick. The least you can do is give it some proper care. Proper maintenance ensures your mini excavator operates efficiently and lasts longer which can eventually prevent costly repairs and downtime.
With a good routine, maintenance stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like… well… brushing your teeth. At first, it's a bit of a hassle, but before long it's second nature—daily hygiene for your mini digger. So, let's keep your mini excavator parts in top condition.
Your Maintenance Routine
The Mini Digger Spa Schedule
Regular and consistent inspections help you identify potential issues before they escalate. Inspecting your mini excavator frequently not only enhances performance but also extends the longevity of your machine.
DAILY
Think of this as your excavator's morning stretch and face wash.
Spot leaks, cracked hoses, worn belts, or track damage
Lights, horn, controls, safety interlocks—make sure they're awake before you start.
Engine oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant, and fuel/water separator. Lubrication reduces friction between moving parts, ensuring smooth operation. Low fluid levels can lead to reduced efficiency or even damage to the hydraulic cylinders. Worse? Mechanical failure. A thirsty excavator is an unhappy excavator.
Boom, bucket, slew ring. (If it moves, it needs grease.)
Remove dirt, debris from the air filter housing, cooling fins, and engine compartment. Machines need to breathe as much as possible too. Regular cleaning not only improves the digger's appearance but also prevents damage to critical components.
🏠 Storing Your Mini Excavator
Keeping your mini excavator stored properly helps guard it against environmental damage and keeps it in top shape for the next job. It also safeguards your investment—ensuring your mini excavator remains in excellent condition. Park your excavator in a sheltered space (like a garage, shed, or any covered area) to keep it safe from rain, snow, and harsh sunlight. If indoors isn't available, wrap it up with a heavy-duty tarp to shield it from the elements.
WEEKLY
Time for a slightly deeper clean
Keep airflow smooth and cooling efficient.
Follow your manufacturer's specs; loose tracks slip, tight tracks wear faster. Adjusting track tension ensures smoother operation and extends the lifespan of your undercarriage components.
Idlers, sprockets, rollers, tracks—check for wear or misalignment.
Corrosion and loose fittings don't belong here. Keep your electrical parts in good condition.
Clear vision means safer operation.
🔧 How to Adjust Track Tension (4 Easy Steps)
Park your mini excavator on nice, level ground—no tilts, no wobbles. Then, lift one side using the blade (think of it as giving your machine a one-legged stretch).
Take a peek at the space—or "sag"—between the sprocket and the idler. This is your track's version of a waistline measurement.
Grab the adjustment mechanism and give it a tweak—tighten or loosen track as needed.
Double-check that the tension matches your manufacturer's specs, because "close enough" isn't close enough when it comes to tracks.
MONTHLY / EVERY 250–500 HOURS
This is your machine's "monthly checkup" at the doctor's clinic.
Keep the heart healthy. Browse our engine parts for replacement filters.
Clean fuel and smooth hydraulics make for happy cylinders. Check out our service parts.
Prevent overheating meltdowns and downtime.
Look for leaks, cracks, or wear in your cylinders and rams.
Replace worn ones before they snap mid-dig.
EVERY 6 MONTHS / ANNUALLY
The full SPA DAY.
Keeps the whole system moving smoothly.
Get the final drives checked for wear.
Tracks, rollers, idlers—don't wait until they fail. Check our rollers and idlers & sprockets.
Look for cracks or stress on the boom and arm.
Your buckets and attachments work hard too.
⚠️ Safety Tips While You're At It
Quick safety reminders while you're maintaining:
Let engine cool before checking fluids
Wear gloves when handling oils
Keep keys out during maintenance
Follow manufacturer guidelines
Final Thoughts
Treat your mini excavator well, and it'll return the favour with years of reliable service. A well-maintained digger means fewer breakdowns, better performance, and more money in your pocket.
Browse Our Spare Parts →