Block B – Heavy Equipment (Excavator) Inspection and Basic Maintenance

Trends

Documentation of daily operations is becoming increasingly rigorous. Heavy equipment operator (excavator) responsibilities for maintenance and inspection are changing as technology advances. Computerization is reducing the need for manual checks and maintenance by heavy equipment operators, and requiring specialized mechanics to perform the maintenance.

There is a growing list of attachments that can be secured to the excavator such as compactor, hoe-ram, thumb, sheers, forks, sweeper and ripper. These attachments have greatly expanded the capacity and role of the excavator.

Related Components

All components apply.

Tools and Equipment

See Appendix A.

Task 4 Performs scheduled maintenance.

Context

This task encompasses any maintenance tasks that a heavy equipment operator (excavator) must know about or perform to ensure the daily operation of the machine.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 good housekeeping practices
• K 2 gauges and monitoring systems such as computer monitoring systems (CMS), attachment specific computers and their use
• K 3 pre-oilers and auto-grease systems
• K 4 glow plugs, pre-heat and ether start systems
• K 5 safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, seat belts, warning devices and backup alarms
• K 6 roll over protective structures (ROPS) and falling objects protective structures (FOPS)
• K 7 undercarriage components such as rollers, sprockets and idlers
• K 8 correct track tension
• K 9 tire pressure, condition and wear
• K 10 manufacturers’ specifications according to operation and maintenance manuals (OMM)
• K 11 re-fuelling and greasing
• K 12 Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) certification
• K 13 tier 4 exhaust procedures such as Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

Sub-task - B-4.01 Maintains heavy equipment operator (excavator) station.

Key Competencies

• B-4.01.01 clean cab using tools such as hand brooms, rags and cleaners to remove dust
• B-4.01.02 secure loose items to ensure safety
• B-4.01.03 clean windows, mirrors and camera to ensure visibility
• B-4.01.04 adjust cab components to individual heavy equipment operator’s ergonomics
• B-4.01.05 lubricate cab components such as throttle pedal, door hinges and seat

Sub-task - B-4.02 Maintains undercarriage, drive train system, tracks, tires and rims.

Key Competencies

• B-4.02.01 adjust track tension according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.02.02 adjust tire pressure according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.02.03 tighten loose wheel nuts according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.02.04 tighten undercarriage component mounting bolts according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.02.05 grease drive train components as per manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.02.06 clean tracks and rollers of dirt and debris

Sub-task - B-4.03 Performs preventative maintenance.

Key Competencies

• B-4.03.01 top up fluids as needed according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.03.02 lubricate all fittings according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.03.03 change and clean filters according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.03.04 rotate and change teeth on buckets, cutting edges and corner bits according to manufacturers’ specifications

Sub-task - B-4.04 Performs basic maintenance on attachments.

Key Competencies

• B-4.04.01 grease attachments such as hoe pack (hydraulic plate compactor), hydraulic breaker and thumb, and hydraulic sheers according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.04.02 check mounted systems such as GPS and laser systems, and make adjustments such as tightening clamps, electric lines, supports and receivers
• B-4.04.03 adjust belts and stops on attachments according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.04.04 ensure hydraulic lines are capped during storage
• B-4.04.05 change and rotate wear points on equipment such as cutting edges, teeth and scarifiers according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.04.06 visually inspect attachments such as, jib booms (stingers), brush cutters, rippers and shears, for unusual wear, damage, cracks, oil leakage and broken welds
• B-4.04.07 visually inspect bolts and pins on all attachments and quick attach for security

Task 5 Performs inspections.

Context

Performing pre- and post-operational inspections are an important part of ensuring the machine is prepared and safe for daily operations.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 machine-mounted laser levels and GPS
• K 2 fuel, lubrication, electrical, hydraulic, cooling, air intake, suspension, and brake systems
• K 3 computer systems
• K 4 OMM
• K 5 heavy equipment operator’s daily report
• K 6 safety features
• K 7 start-up and shut-down procedures
• K 8 cold weather starting and operation
• K 9 attachments
• K 10 undercarriages and drive train systems
• K 11 safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, seat belts, first aid kits, warning devices and backup alarms

Sub-task - B-5.01 Performs pre-operational inspections.

Key Competencies

• B-5.01.01 inspect quick attach according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-5.01.02 inspect engine compartment for maintenance items such as engine oil level, belts, hoses, debris build-up, coolant and exhaust system according to manufacturers’ check list
• B-5.01.03 check air intake system components such as air filters, dust bowls and air-restriction indicators
• B-5.01.04 inspect drive train systems according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-5.01.05 inspect undercarriage components for loose mounting bolts, uneven and excessive wear such as grooves, flat spots, unusual wear marks, cracks, and final drives and rollers for oil leakage
• B-5.01.06 check tires and rims for secure mounting and damage such as wear, cuts and cracks
• B-5.01.07 perform inspection of attachment system such as mechanical or hydraulic
• B-5.01.08 perform walk-around inspection of overall machine for damage, unnecessary wear, leakage and fluid levels such as hydraulic, swing gear and fuel
• B-5.01.09 inspect heavy equipment operator’s station for seat belt adjustment and expiry date, cleanliness, loose debris and alternate escape routes
• B-5.01.10 check to ensure controls such as transmission and hydraulic lockouts are in locked or neutral position according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-5.01.11 turn on unit, visually inspect gauges for operation, continue start-up procedures according to manufacturers’ specifications and continue to monitor gauges
• B-5.01.12 cycle controls for operation, conduct warm-up procedures and recheck gauges and hydraulic levels according to manufacturer’s specifications
• B-5.01.13 conduct brake check and check operation of lock-out devices
• B-5.01.14 inspect safety equipment by testing horn, travel alarm, lights and rear view camera for operation, and checking first aid kits and emergency shut-down and fire suppression system if equipped
• B-5.01.15 check ROPS and FOPS for damage

Sub-task - B-5.02 Performs post-operational inspections.

Key Competencies

• B-5.02.01 park equipment in the service position on level surface to check fluid levels at next start-up
• B-5.02.02 allow equipment to cool down prior to shut-down according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-5.02.03 perform post-operational inspection of overall equipment for damage such as excessive wear, cracks and leakage
• B-5.02.04 clean tracks using track shovels
• B-5.02.05 inspect tires for objects and loose wheel nuts

Sub-task - B-5.03 Completes daily equipment logbook.

Key Competencies

• B-5.03.01 fill out daily equipment logbook during pre-operational inspection according to company policy and jurisdictional regulations, and store according to company policy
• B-5.03.02 complete daily equipment logbook during post-operational inspection according to company policy and jurisdictional regulations, and store according to company policy
• B-5.03.03 ensure report is ready to be viewed or signed by foreman according to company policy and jurisdictional regulations