A breakdown in the middle of a job costs far more than the repair itself. Crews stand around, deadlines slip and other trades get pushed back. For contractors working across Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Delta, Langley, Coquitlam, Abbotsford and Mission, regular maintenance is the simplest way to keep excavators, loaders, backhoes, dozers and skid steers working when you need them.
Use this heavy equipment maintenance checklist as a starting point, and always follow the service schedule and specifications in your machine’s operator manual.
Daily Checks Before Starting the Machine
A quick walk-around at the start of every shift catches most problems before they turn into breakdowns.
- Engine oil level, topped up to the correct mark
- Coolant level, checked only when the engine is cool
- Hydraulic oil level, and look for milky or foamy oil
- Fuel and DEF levels, if your machine uses DEF
- Leaks under the machine and around hoses, fittings and cylinders
- Hoses and lines for cracks, bulges, rubbing or worn covers
- Tracks or tires for damage, correct track tension or tire pressure
- Buckets, teeth, cutting edges and pins for wear or damage
- Grease points, greased as recommended, usually daily on busy machines
- Lights, horn, alarms and seat belt working properly
- Warning lights and gauges after start-up
Weekly Maintenance
- Clean radiator, cooler and condenser fins so the engine and hydraulics do not overheat
- Check air filter indicators and clean or replace filters as needed, especially on dusty sites
- Drain water from the fuel water separator
- Check belt condition and tension
- Check battery terminals for corrosion and make sure cables are tight
- Inspect the undercarriage for loose bolts, worn rollers, idlers and sprockets
- Clean mud and debris out of the undercarriage and engine compartment
Scheduled Service (Based on Engine Hours)
Your operator manual lists service intervals by engine hours. Common items include:
- Engine oil and oil filter changes
- Fuel filter changes
- Hydraulic filter and, at longer intervals, hydraulic oil changes
- Coolant testing and replacement
- Swing drive, final drive and gearbox oil checks and changes
- Air filter replacement
Keep a simple service log for each machine with the date, engine hours and work done. It helps you stay on schedule, plan downtime and protects resale value.
Seasonal Checks for the Lower Mainland
Before the Wet Season
Metro Vancouver’s long rainy season means mud, water and corrosion. Check seals, keep electrical connections clean and dry, grease more often in wet conditions and clean mud from the undercarriage regularly.
Before Cold Snaps
Test batteries, check coolant protection, check block heaters and glow plug or grid heater systems, and make sure DEF systems and heaters are working, since DEF can freeze in cold weather.
Before Summer Work
Hot weather is hard on cooling and hydraulic systems. Clean coolers thoroughly, check fan belts and watch hydraulic oil temperatures during long, hot shifts.
Warning Signs Your Machine Needs a Mechanic
- New warning lights or fault codes
- Hydraulic functions that are slow, weak or drifting
- Black, white or blue smoke from the exhaust
- Overheating engine or hydraulic oil
- New noises from the engine, pump, swing or tracks
- Leaks that keep coming back
- Hard starting or loss of power
If you spot hydraulic problems, read our guide on excavator hydraulic leaks and warning signs.
Why On-Site Maintenance Saves Contractors Time
Moving a machine to a shop for routine service means arranging a float trailer and losing the machine for days. With mobile maintenance, a mechanic services your equipment right at your job site or yard, often before or after your crew’s working hours, so the machine is ready when you need it. A mechanic doing regular service can also spot worn hoses, leaks and failing parts early, before they cause a breakdown mid-job.
Mobile Heavy Equipment Maintenance in Metro Vancouver
Solid Heavy Truck & Equipment Repair provides on-site maintenance and mobile heavy equipment repair for excavators, loaders, backhoes, dozers, skid steers, graders and compactors across Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Delta, Langley, Coquitlam, Abbotsford, Mission and all of Metro Vancouver, 7 days a week from 8 AM to 11 PM.
Want to schedule maintenance for your machines? Call (778) 955-3113 or request a free quote.
