how to clean grease off excavator

Cleaning the Grease Off Your Excavator

If you work in construction or any other industry where you use an excavator, you are no stranger to dealing with grease and other types of dirt that tends to accumulate on its various components. Regular cleaning is essential to keep your excavator functioning optimally and ensuring its longevity. In this article, we'll take a look at how to clean grease off your excavator.

Step 1: Safety First

Before you start cleaning your excavator, it's essential to prioritize safety. Make sure that you wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, goggles, and a mask, to protect yourself from any harmful chemicals you may use in cleaning. Also, ensure that the excavator is completely shut off and has no electrical or mechanical activity to avoid any accidents.

Step 2: Assess the Grease Build-Up

Different components of an excavator may require varying levels of cleaning, depending on the amount of grease that has accumulated on them. Before cleaning, it's essential to assess and determine the areas that need attention. Typically, grease accumulates on areas such as the hydraulic rams and cylinders, tracks, and undercarriage.

Step 3: Remove the Excess Grease

To remove the excess grease, it's essential first to wet the surface with a solvent or degreaser, preferably a product designed for heavy machinery. Apply a liberal amount of the solvent on the metal surface and leave it to sit in for a few minutes. Next, use a pressure washer or hose to rinse the surface repeatedly to remove all the trapped dirt and grease.

Step 4: Clean the Deeper Crevices

Cleaning deeper crevices may require you to use a brush or a rag. Applying the same solvent or degreaser, use an appropriate brush or rag to help dislodge any dirt, dust or trapped grease from small gaps. Rinse all crevices repeatedly with a pressure washer or hose to ensure complete removal of the dirt.

Step 5: Finish Up with a Rust Resistant Coating

Once all the grease is removed, the final step is to apply a rust-resistant coating to protect the metal surface from rusting due to exposure to moisture. Be mindful of not spraying this coating on any components that may be adversely affected by the product.

In Conclusion

Cleaning grease off an excavator is an important step to ensure that your machinery always performs at optimal levels whilst protecting your investment. Being mindful of safety and being methodical in your approach can help you make the most of your cleaning endeavors. Remember to use appropriate PPE, take your time and avoid any shortcuts, and your excavator will thank you with prolonged longevity and optimal performance.