Not merely a piece of equipment, your small excavator is your source of income. However, poorly maintained equipment accounts for 23% of failures, costing contractors an average of more than $2,500 a year in preventable expenses. Owners of the Typhon TERROR mini excavator are losing money due to postponed maintenance, a silent thief.
Where Can I Find $2,500? (By breaking down the hidden costs)
1. ($1,200+) Hydraulic System Sabotage
Fluid contamination speeds up pump wear. Not changing the fluid or filter after 500 hours:
- For an early pump replacement, $600
- Rebuilding cylinder seals will cost $400.
- $200 in downtime (two days lost at a rate of $100 per day)
2. Assassination of Engines ($900+)
Not attending the yearly service:
- $500 to remove carbon buildup from the injector
- $250 for corrosion-related coolant repairs
- Fuel waste of $150 (dirty filters to +8% consumption)
3. Carnage Undercarriage ($400+)
- Repair costs are increased by loose tracks and misaligned idlers:
- For increased track pad wear, $200
- $120 for rollers that were seized
- $80 in "band-aid fixes" for important tasks
The Typhon TERROR Golden Checklist
Every Day (5 Minutes = Free)
- Verify fluid levels (coolant, hydraulics, and engine oil)
- Check tracks for debris or strain
- Check safety lights and alarms
Every three months, or every 250 hours
- Change the engine's oil and filter.
- All pins and bosoms should be greased (7 points minimum).
- Clean the radiator fins with only compressed air!
- Every year (Save more than $1,000)
- Replace the filter and flush the hydraulic fluid.
- Examine the swing bearing play.
- Check the pressures in the valves to avoid drift!
Five Maintenance Practices That Reduce Costs by Thousands
1. Comply with the service schedule provided by the manufacturer.
Follow the hourly or yearly maintenance schedules for each machine. To keep track of service dates, keep a logbook, either digital or paper.
2. Make use of authentic or superior aftermarket components
Low-quality filters and fluids have higher long-term costs due to premature breakdowns.
Machine longevity is increased by using OEM-recommended parts.
3. Provide Operators with Daily Check Training
90% of significant failures are avoided with 5-minute inspections:
Verify the levels of the coolant, hydraulics, and engine oil.
Check for damaged hoses, loose bolts, or leaks.
Check the emergency brakes, lights, and alarms.
4. When not in use, store properly by parking on flat ground with the bucket or boom lowered.
To avoid rodent nests, cover the exhaust.
Disconnect the battery and apply gasoline stabilizer if you plan to store it for a long time.
The lifespan and resale value of a well-maintained small excavator are doubled.
Your Plan of Action: Get a maintenance checklist (many manufacturers provide it for free).
Before you reach the next hourly milestone, schedule your next service.
Make daily inspections a habit and train your crew.
Keep in mind that maintenance is an investment in dependability, security, and revenue rather than a cost.