Tips for Inspecting an Excavator for Rental
Renting an excavator is an excellent way to save yourself money and ensure that you still get a heavy-duty machine that will help you perform the toughest tasks at your work site with ease. Regardless of where you rent your machine from, it is important to inspect it thoroughly to determine whether it will meet your needs and is in good condition.
Bobcat of Pittsburgh/Erie/Indiana County with several locations in Pennsylvania, serving Indiana and Ohio, is your premier excavator rentals dealer. We’ve compiled this helpful checklist so you can figure out just what you need to look for when renting an excavator. Read on to learn more and if you’ve any questions, feel free to give us a call.
Check the Model Year
The first thing you want to check is the model year of the excavator that you’re considering to rent. A durable machine can enjoy a long and illustrious lifespan, but older models might not perform well. If you want some of the more advanced features, you need to look at newer models. Checking the model year should always be your first step when examining an excavator for rental purposes.
Service History
Learn as much as you can about the maintenance and repair history and performance of the excavator you’re looking to rent, and keep that information in mind when evaluating its condition. Its performance plus wear and tear should be in accordance with the number of operating hours.
Check the Engine
Make sure the excavator turns on easily on a cold engine and continues running well. Immediately after running the engine, check for oil and antifreeze leaks, seepage from the head gasket, and signs of oil leakage that may suggest more serious issues, like a problematic shaft seal. Dirt and grime near the joints or fittings can also be a red flag.
Test the Hydraulics
When checking the hydraulics of a rental excavator, test them thoroughly while handling a load. Maintain a holding position while you check for leaks. When lifting the load, listen for any abnormal sounds that may indicate that the pump isn’t getting enough hydraulic fluid. Running the pump without sufficient fluid can cause excessive wear and eventually lead to failure. If everything else checks out, go ahead and inspect other components, such as the fittings, bearings, fluids, and filters.
We hope that this guide helps you rent the perfect excavator for your projects. If you’d like any more information, visit Bobcat of Pittsburgh/Erie/Indiana County, and have a chat with our friendly staff. We also have a wide range of high-quality excavators for rent and sale, so it’ll be easy to find what you’re looking for! We proudly welcome all our patrons visiting us from Indiana and Ohio, so get in touch with us today.