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Mini Excavators

CASE MINI EXCAVATORS
Looking for superior power, productivity and fast cycle times all in one application? That’s exactly what you’ll find with CASE mini excavators. Regardless of space constraints, these compact excavators are able to perform landscaping, utility, demolition, construction or industrial jobs that require strength without a giant footprint. Increase productivity and performance with the independent, center-swing boom allowing you to dig around stationary objects or alongside obstacles.

Model	Operating Weight	Dig Depth
CX17C	3,910 lb (1,775 kg)	7 ft 3 in (2,200 mm)
CX26C	5,520 lb (2,505 kg)	7 ft 11 in (2,420 mm)
CX30C	6,020 lb (2,730 kg)	8 ft 2 in (2,500 mm)
CX37C	7,990 lb (3,625 kg)	10 ft 3 in (3,135 mm)
CX57C	12,270 lb (5,565 kg)	12 ft 6 in (3,820 mm)
CX60C	12,940 lb (5,870 kg)	11 ft 9 in (3,570 mm)
CX15EV	3,186 lb (1,445 kg)	6 ft 9in (2,057 mm)
CX42D	9,259 lb (4,199 kg)	10 ft 1in (3,073 mm)

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TAKEUCHI MINI EXCAVATORS
All Takeuchi excavators are rugged, dependable and productive. They provide exceptional value, demonstrate outstanding performance, and are measured by their longevity in the field.

Comfortable Operator’s Station
Powerful and Smooth Hydraulics
Exceptional Balance
Proven Reliability
2 year, 2,000 Hour Full Machine Warranty

Model	Operating Weight	Dig Depth
TAKEUCHI TB210R MINI EXCAVATORS	2,535 lb (1,150 kg)	5 ft 9.1 in (1,755 mm)
TAKEUCHI TB216 MINI EXCAVATORS	3,900 lb (1,770 kg)	7 ft 10.0 in (2,390 mm)
TAKEUCHI TB216H MINI EXCAVATORS	4,277 lb (1,940 kg)	7 ft 10.0 in (2,390 mm)
TAKEUCHI TB225 MINI EXCAVATORS	4,993 lb (2,265 kg)	8 ft 5.5 in (2,580 mm)
TAKEUCHI TB230 MINI EXCAVATORS	6,360 lb (2,885 kg)	9 ft 3.6 in (2,835 mm)
TAKEUCHI TB235-2 MINI EXCAVATORS	7,418 lb (3,365 kg) - Canopy 7,639 lb (3,465 kg) - Cab	10 ft 7.8 in (3,245 mm)
TAKEUCHI TB240 MINI EXCAVATORS	8,570 lb (3,890 kg) - Canopy 8,990 lb (4,080 kg) - Cab	11 ft 4.4 in (3,465 mm)
TAKEUCHI TB250-2 MINI EXCAVATORS	10,957 lb (4,970 kg) - Canopy 11,288 lb (5,120 kg) - Cab	12 ft 4.8 in (3,780 mm)
TAKEUCHI TB257FR MINI EXCAVATORS	12,675 lb (5,750 kg) - Cab (Rubber) 12,930 lb (5,865 kg) - Cab (steel)	12 ft 9.4 in (3,895 mm)
TAKEUCHI TB260 MINI EXCAVATORS	12,125 lb (5,500 kg) - Canopy 12,645 lb (5,735 kg) - Cab	12 ft 9.4 in (3,895 mm)
TAKEUCHI TB370 MINI EXCAVATORS	14,850 lb (6,735 kg)	13 ft 4.7 in (4,085 mm)
TAKEUCHI TB290 MINI EXCAVATORS	18,630 lb (8,450 kg) - Cab (Rubber) 19,145 lb (8,685 kg) - Cab (Steel)	15 ft 0.0 in (4,580 mm)
TAKEUCHI TB280FR MINI EXCAVATORS	18,810 lb (8,530 kg) - Cab (Rubber) 19,240 lb (8,730 kg) - Cab (Steel)	14 ft 11.0 in (4,540 mm)
TAKEUCHI TB2150 MINI EXCAVATORS	34,646 lb (15,715 kg) - Cab (Rubber) 35,274 lb (16,000 kg) - Cab (Steel) 34,976 lb (15,865 kg) - Cab (Segmented Rubber)	18 ft 0.0 in (5,486 mm)
TAKEUCHI TB20e MINI EXCAVATORS	4,255 lb (1,930.7 kg)	7 ft 10.0 in (2387.6 mm)
TAKEUCHI TB335R MINI EXCAVATORS	7,970 lb (3,611.8 kg) - Canopy 8,310 lb (3,764.6 kg) - Cab	10 ft 6.2 in (3,200.48 mm)
TAKEUCHI TB350R MINI EXCAVATORS	10,980 lb (4,981.7 kg) - Canopy 11,235 lb (5,098.5 kg) - Cab	11 feet 8.7 (3,577.98 mm)
TAKEUCHI TB2150R MINI EXCAVATORS	34,215 lb (15,527.6 kg)	19 ft 9.4 in (6,027.76 mm)

KOBELCO MINI EXCAVATORS

KOBELCO minis prove that great things can come in small packages. These machines pack full-size performance into a highly portable frame. A minimal rear swing radius with zero tail overhang allows for excellent handling in confined spaces while a simple design makes routine maintenance easy.

Model	Operating Weight	Dig Depth
SK17SR	3,681 lb (1,610 kg)	7'3" (2,210 mm)
SK25SR	5,644 lb (2,560 kg)	9'2" (2,790 mm)
SK30SR	7,320 lb (3,320 kg)	9'2" (2,800 mm)
SK35SR	8,555 lb (3,880 kg)	11' (3,350 mm)
SK45SRX	10,295 lb (4,670 kg) - Canopy 10,648 lb (4,830 kg) - Cab	11'3" (3,440 mm)
SK55SRX	11,857 lb (5,360 kg) - Canopy 12,147 lb (5,510 kg) - Cab	12'9" (3,890 mm)

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Summer Cooling System Best Practices

An engine's cooling system protects it from over heating and keeps it operating at optimal temperatures. If the cooling system is not maintained properly, it must work harder to prevent the engine from overheating. As a result, your machine will not operate as efficiently and internal components could be damaged. It is estimated that cooling system problems are responsible for 40% of all downtime.

Follow these maintenance tips to ensure optimal performance and reduce downtime.

Check Cooling Fans

The cooling fan is part of the cooling system and must be inspected regularly. Look for loose or damaged fan blades. Cracks or nicks in the fan blades can cause the fan to become out of balance and vibrate, which can destroy water pump bearings and other related components, eventually leading to total system failure. Also, inspect the fan for excessive debris buildup and clean regularly. The debris can cause the fan to disengage and blow a system fuse.

Clean Radiator and Coolers

It is very important to power wash the radiator and cooler every few days, especially during hot weather. Humidity and dust buildup will coat radiators, air coolers, and oil coolers. This buildup cuts down on airflow and heat transfer significantly. As a result, operating temperatures increase dramatically and cause the engine to overheat and, ultimately, shut down.

Analyze Coolant

Coolant that appears cloudy or has floating particulates could be an indication of corrosion, cavitation and rust. Regardless of coolant type, all coolants should be clear. Inspect the inside of the radiator for corrosion, and check the coolant for signs of rust or debris. Follow the manufacturer's recommended drain intervals. At a minimum, coolant should be drained and flushed annually.

It is important to perform a coolant analysis because half of all water pump failures are caused by a concentration of antifreeze that is too high for the cooling system. Test the additive concentrations with a coolant analysis test by taking a sample and submitting it for analysis. The recommended interval for testing is 1,000 hours. McCann has sample kits available that are easy to use.

Replace Hoses & Clamps

Frequently check the condition of your coolant hoses & clamps. As the temperature rises in the cooling system, the hoses and clamps expand and contract at different rates. This expanding and contracting of the hoses and clamps, repeated over and over, causes the hose-to-neck seal to wear. Inspect all radiator and heater core hoses and lines for excessive softness or hardness, and check for cracks and leaks. Be sure all the connections are tight to avoid water leakage and hydraulic hose failures. Replace hoses every two years.

Machine Winterization

Follow these best practices to make sure your machine is ready for winter.

Check chain tanks, final drives, swing gear baths and gear boxes for water. Check the label to make sure you’re using coolant that complies with ASTM standard D-621, with a freeze point low enough for your climate. If coolant freezes, it can crack the engine block and ruin the engine.
Add fuel conditioner.
Fuel conditioner prevents your fuel from freezing and makes sure your engine starts in the cold. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the amount of conditioner required. Match the fuel conditioner to the type of fuel you’re using (e.g., low sulfur).
Check the fuel filter.
If the fuel filter is clogged, moisture can build up and freeze in the winter, causing your machine to run improperly or fail to start. Empty the water traps in the filters before cold weather arrives. To avoid downtime, keep an extra set of fuel filters in your cab.
Check cold start aids. Diesel engines spray ether into the air system to help the engine start in cold weather. For older machines that have ether spray bottles, check the bottle to make sure it isn’t empty. For new machines with an automatic ether system, inspect the connections and hoses for cracks or loose connections.
Check the block heater.
Block heaters keep fluids at the right temperature and viscosity. If it isn’t working, the oil can thicken, so it’s harder to turn the engine over and adds stress on the battery. Plug in the block heater to check it, then touch the hoses to make sure they are warm.
Inspect air pre-cleaners.
Large dust particles and debris can build up during the summer and should be removed. Otherwise, snow and ice could collect around them, allowing moisture into the air system, which could cause engine failure.
Check battery and connections.
Corrosion around battery connections causes less voltage to be transmitted, and increases the strain on the battery. Corroded connections can drain the battery, preventing your machine from starting. Periodic inspections for corrosion reduce the chance of having a drained battery.

Winter Storage

Top off the fuel tank if possible.
If you have a diesel engine, leave it completely full during winter months to eliminate the possibility of condensation forming in the fuel tank and spreading. Condensation can clog the fuel filter, which can clog fuel lines, carburetors, and injectors.
Run the engine after cleaning.
Run your machine’s engine after cleaning the engine and replacing the oil so that a protective film of oil coats the internal parts. The oil coating acts as a rust preventative. Pour a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze into the coolant system before running as well to protect the cooling system to -34°F.
Clean & fully charge batteries, then disconnect the power leads.
Never store discharged batteries. Colder temperatures slow the discharge rate of fully charged batteries.
Start machines once a month.
Avoid starting the machines in extreme cold weather. Find a time when temperature is above freezing to start the machine and operate the hydraulics for a brief time.
Do not try to break crawler type machines from a badly frozen situation. The result can be power train damage.

Cold Weather Operation

Protect your machine.
If you can’t keep your machine inside when it’s not in use, at least keep a weather resistant tarp over the engine. With snow comes condensation, which can cause problems for the entire engine.
Manage productivity.
Cold weather makes the earth harder, and frost can penetrate roadways and aggregates to make utility, road, and crushing jobs much more difficult and time consuming. Winter months have less daylight, so manage your time wisely.
Keep the job site clean.
It is imperative to keep jobsites neat and clean during winter months. When not working, leave a layer of snow on the ground to keep frost from penetrating the ground â€“ the snow will actually insulate the ground beneath. When working, make sure to clear all snow and ice to avoid accidents.
Clean areas designated for snow removal.
Clean up debris or equipment that will be hidden by fallen snow. Mark any areas of concern with reflective stakes so snow removal crews can easily identify & stay away from those areas.
Plan for earthworks projects.
Frozen chunks of ground need to be placed in designated areas. The frozen chunks of earth contain water that can cause major problems in the spring, such as sink holes.
Use the best fuel.
Make sure you are using high quality winter diesel fuel. The fuel conditioner should match the type of fuel you are using (e.g., low sulfur) and should be approved by manufacturer.
Check starting devices.
Make sure block heaters and cold weather starting devices are working properly.
Warm up the machine.
Let machines come up to operating temperature before working.
Keep a spare fuel filter.
Keep an extra fuel filter in the cab, and follow installation instructions in your operator’s manual.
Check ice build up.
Check for Ice or snow build up in exhaust or intake if applicable. Inspect and clear ice or snow from throttle and brake area.
Warm up to improve steering response.
Steering response on equipment with hydraulic steering may become very slow at low temperatures, even when the correct oils are used. Once the engine is started, let the machine idle until the engine reaches operating temperature.
Stay aware of safety.
Mount and dismount your machine using three points of contact. Remember that you are working with snow and ice slips and falls are a common cause of injuries. Wear your seatbelt when operating equipment and stay alert.

Attachment Maintenance

Keep Costs Down by Extending the Life of Your Attachments

Hydraulic Hammers

Complete a Regular Three Part Inspection

Check for leaks in the attachment’s fittings or hoses
Prior to use, inspect hoses for cracks and check that shielding is in place. Make sure your fittings are not loose and your hoses and fittings are free of contaminants.
Inspect critical points for proper lubrication and function
Power wash the attachment to remove dirt, sand or other contaminants. Once clean, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper special grease or oil lubricant requirements for proper bushing wear. These contain special agents designed specifically for manufacturers’ units, and standard grease is not acceptable for most hammers.
Make sure the locking mechanism is operating correctly
The locking mechanism should not be stiff or bent to ensure proper locking and unlocking of the attachment. Check for damage whenever attachments are changed. Never pry with tool while operating.

Best Practices

Keep hydraulic hose ends out of the dirt
Make sure your hammer’s in and out ports are closed on the jobsite – dust and sand can easily enter if left open
On a weekly basis, or every 10 hours, remove and inspect the retaining pin and tool
On a monthly basis, or every 50 hours, inspect the tool shank and bushings, carefully checking for wear
Every 50 hours, inspect hydraulic hoses
Hammers should be serviced annually or every 600 hours

Buckets & Teeth

Bucket Inspections

Buckets require extra care – a well maintained bucket can cut down on costs by digging and breaking out more efficiently, which reduces fuel consumption and increases the rate of job completion. Prior to use, carefully check the following parts of your bucket:

Mounting Hinges
Inspect for cracks. A small crack can quickly become much larger – if you see any cracks, get them fixed immediately.
Front Leading Edges and Corners
Visually check to see if they are getting thinner or if there are signs of cracking. If so, the corners can be re-plated and thickened to increase the life of the bucket. If left unchecked, the corner could fail during heavy digging and the bucket edge can be torn out completely and would have to be replaced.
Bucket Edges
Any signs of distress? If so, can it still be serviced? If you are working with a bucket with reversible edges, you may want to consider rotating them.
Bucket Teeth
Check if they are worn or need rotating. Teeth that are regularly rotated last longer, saving you money. Corner teeth tend to wear faster – move them to the center to increase their life. Many styles of teeth can be turned upside down – the lower edge wears faster and if they are turned over they will wear more evenly.
Lost Teeth?
Do not use a bucket with a missing tooth. Not using a full set of teeth will wear away the adapter nose and result in poor contact when new teeth are installed.
Correct Bucket Teeth?
There are a wide range of bucket teeth that can be used for a variety of applications – make sure you have the correct teeth for the job, such as penetration teeth for rock or abrasive teeth for coal.
Lubrication
Is the bucket properly greased? Insert some lubrication into the proper bucket pin locations. Simple lubrication is the cheapest and best form of maintenance. Also,
Check pins and bushings for wear at this time
Worn pins & bushings cause more stress on the machine, and rapidly lead to expensive and more in depth repairs when let go too long. Also, worn pins & bushings result in less control of the machine during operation.

Maintaining Your Compact Excavator

Daily Checks

One of the simplest—yet often overlooked—maintenance practices is the daily walkaround checklist. Be sure to check the engine oil, hydraulic fluid and coolant and top off when necessary. Make sure that you’re using the manufacturer-recommended fluid. Remember, it never hurts to ask your dealer or your tech. After a week or so, it is important to check the fuel filter and drain any water or debris that may have built up, or replace it if necessary. Next, check the hydraulic hoses and air system for leaks—its always better to find a problem and fix it while it’s small, than to wait until it’s too late.

Get out the Grease Gun

Next, check all pivot points on the machine and grease where needed. You should also check the track tension—always check your operator’s manual for the proper technique. Something that is often completely overlooked is the bucket or attachment. Be sure to check all the pivot points on the attachment as well, and grease where needed. Also, take a look at the teeth on the bucket. If they are worn down to a certain degree, that can have a serious effect on the machine’s performance. If the teeth are worn and dull, the machine has to work a lot harder to get the job done, and there’s no reason for the added wear-and-tear on the machine. If you aren’t sure, ask your dealer or tech.

Cooling System

It is important to keep the radiator, oil cooler and other heat exchangers clean during operation. Check for any accumulated debris, and wipe down when necessary. Remember, slow oil or coolant leaks tend to collect dust and other particulate matter—keep an eye out for potential problem areas during your daily checks.

Special Maintenance Features

Many modern excavators offer special features that allow for easier maintenance. Easy access is crucial when it comes to quick maintenance checks—all of our excavators feature a well-designed engine compartment and access panels. You should be able to access and locate components easily and safely. Another great feature on our newer excavators is a multi-function monitor in the cab. This electronic panel offers important performance readouts, and will let an operator know when fluid levels are low, or when maintenance is required.

Check the Manual

You probably hear this a lot, but it is really important to use OEM filters and manufacturer-recommended fluids and fuel. The machines where developed and tested using these fluids and filters, and any difference in specs can affect the performance of the machine.
Be sure to check your operator’s manual and make sure that you are keeping up with the regular service intervals. Your technician will be sure to check the belt tension and alignment, keep up with the proper oil and fluid changes, and keep the cooling system running properly. Ask your dealer or tech about regular service intervals—again, it’s always better to stay on top of things

Hydraulic Hose

Choose the right hose

When choosing a hydraulic hose you should pay close attention to the following characteristics:

Working Pressure – Choose a hose that is suitable for the working pressure of the machine
Wire or Sheathing – Install wire or sheathing when fabricated if the hose will be used in an area exposed to damage from pinching or crushing
Fluid – Make sure you use a hose compatible with the fluids that are used in the machine
Size/Inner Diameter – Choosing the right size hose is important in order to avoid unwanted friction. When fluid rubs against the inner surface of the hose, friction is created, which creates heat, increases back pressure and reduces the rate of flow
Match the Fluid Viscosity to the Operating Temperature – In order to achieve maximum component life, the fluid’s viscosity grade should be correctly matched to the operating temperature range of the hydraulic system

Keep your hose operating correctly

Follow these maintenance tips to ensure optimal performance and reduce risks, labor costs, and downtime

Pre-Use Inspection – To be completed before each use

Check hydraulic hoses for signs of deterioration – Look for indications of wear, such as cracking, blisters and bubbles. Catching signals early helps avoid hose failures later on
Inspect seals used in fittings and adapters – Seals wear down, harden and age with regular use. Check for signs of wear and replace as needed
Timeframe for replacement varies – There is no set time to replace hydraulic hoses. Rate of deterioration depends on a variety of factors including usage, pressure, and the type of hydraulic liquid
Semi-Annual Maintenance Checks – At a minimum, hydraulic hoses should be thoroughly inspected by a certified technician every six months

Storage and Safety Tips

Keep fittings clean – Avoid getting sand, dirt or other substances on your fittings and clean before each connection
Use caps and plugs when not in use – Use of caps or plugs on your hydraulic hoses keeps them clean and saves time later when you have to re-attach them
Store in the shade – Keep hoses stored out of direct sunlight. The sun accelerates deterioration and high pressures can result when the oil expands in the hose, making connection more difficult
Detach carefully – A pressure relief tool is the best implement to remove a pressure-locked hose. Do not hit hoses on the floor to release pressure
Always wear safety goggles when working with hydraulic hoses

What if a hose fails?

Usually hoses fail due to misapplication, deterioration or improper maintenance. If the hose fails, be extremely careful:

Shut down the machine immediately to avoid additional damage
Allow machine to release pressure – Pressure is not released immediately and machines need time to release pressure to a level suitable for a proper inspection
Do not search for the leak using your hands – Hydraulic fluids can penetrate the skin and pose a significant risk to your health
Carefully replace the hose and test for proper operation

Please contact your local service manager with any questions on hydraulic hoses or to schedule an inspection.

Fuel Usage

When using heavy machinery, certain practices can help reduce overall fuel consumption and costs. The following tips may help you save hundreds of dollars each year.

Inspect air filters regularly

Inspect your air filters every 50 hours to ensure maximum operating performance. If the pleats of your filter are clogged with dirt, it is time to change the filter. We do not recommend cleaning the air filter, which can damage it.

Changing your air filters regularly is the most simple and cost effective way to decrease fuel costs. When an air filter becomes clogged with dirt, the engine cannot get the air it needs and does not operate efficiently. Some machines have air flow indicators that tell you when it is time to change the filter. If you wait until you see a warning, however, you have probably been wasting fuel.

Grease fittings properly

Lubricate your machine according to manufacturers recommendations. By keeping your machine properly lubricated, fuel efficiency is increased simply because the power needed to perform operations is reduced. The more mobility the components have, the less work the hydraulic system must perform.

Check tire pressure

Check tire air pressure before and after each use. If the tire pressure is low, fill the tires as soon as possible. Low air pressure can reduce the efficiency of your machine and lower fuel efficiency. Checking tire air pressure is easy and costs nothing.

Be alert for signs of a mechanical problem

When you see signs of a mechanical problem, such as excessive black smoke, bring your machine in for repair before the problem gets worse. Mechanical problems, such as a bad fuel injector, can significantly reduce fue efficiency. If your fuel injector is overfueling a cylinder, your machine is wasting fuel.

Run your engine at low RPM when possible

Begin by running at a low rpm during operation, then slowly raise the rpm until the engine does not strain. This level will be the most efficient and effective rpm for the job. When a job does not require maximum power, running the engine at a lower rpm can significantly reduce fuel consumption.

Service your equipment regularly

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for servicing your equipment. Most require service at least every 500 hours. Fuel efficiency is affected by many different components. The best way to ensure that your machine is working efficiently is to service it regularly.

Staying Warm in Cold Temperatures

During the winter months, it’s important to stay warm when working outdoors in cold temperatures to retain body heat and avoid hypothermia and frostbite. The following best practices will help you and your team operating in the winter.

Prepare your equipment

Air Filters

Check, and if necessary replace, air filters in the cab to improve your heater’s effectiveness. Also, make sure that snow or ice isn’t blocking any airways.

Radiator

Cover the radiator intake to help the machine warm up faster. Don’t operate the machine until the engine has reached operating temperature to reduce the chance of damage.

Engine Block

Plug in engine block heaters at night for each machine to avoid problems and service calls.

Wear the proper gear

Coveralls

Thermal insulated coveralls are essential for anyone who is working outdoors in the winter. They are designed to maximize body heat containment while allowing a wide range of motion. If coveralls aren’t an option, look for thermal long underwear to help keep in body heat.

Helmet Liners

Worn under a hard hat, these liners keep your head and neck warm. Fleece lined fabric is the most popular choice because of its comfort and insulation levels. Keep spares on hand and remember to wash them regularly for the best results. Maintain a stable center of gravity at all times.

Proper Gloves

Glove selection is crucial to balancing warmth with dexterity. Make sure the fabric and textures are suited to your job and consider gloves that work with a liner. They may be a little oversized, but they allow increased protection.

Thermal Socks and Insulated Boots

Standing or walking on cold surfaces for long periods of time can quickly decrease your core body temperature. Double layer socks and boots designed for cold weather can make a big difference.

Optimize the environment

Ground Barriers

Where possible, stand on mats, plywood or other barriers if you’ll be working outside for long periods of time. These materials act as installation to help decrease the amount of body heat lost to the cold ground.

Portable Heaters

There are many types and sizes of heaters that help keep workers warm. Rent or purchase heaters for outdoor projects to increase worker productivity.

Watch for these symptoms

Keep an eye out for the following symptoms of over exposure.

Hypothermia

The body stops shivering
Breath becomes shallow and slow
Victim will suffer from memory loss and confusion as well as exhaustion
Speech may become mumbled and slurred
Extremities will loose coordination causing stumbling and fumbling
Pulse will slow down and become weak
In severe cases unconsciousness can follow without breathing or a pulse

Frost Bite

Initial signs of frostbitten skin include

A change in color to white, grey-yellow, or dark and black
A texture that is hard and waxy feeling
Numbness
Blisters

During rewarming and healing the skin may

Swell and become painful
Burn and itch

Skin damaged by frostbite can suffer from long-term numbness. In some cases, the tissue dies requiring removal of the body part.

Sanitizing Equipment

Properly sanitizing heavy equipment is essential for maintaining the health, safety, and productivity of your team. Truck and machine cabs can be ideal environments for harboring and transmitting viruses and other illnesses. Despite the fact that operators are typically alone in the cab, all it takes is one mechanic, supervisor, or second shift operator to hop in there, touch a surface, and potentially be infected or leave traces of a virus.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies have a heightened sense of awareness when it comes to maintaining cleanliness. Follow these heavy equipment sanitation tips to protect your team from coronaviruses, the flu, and any other pathogens that may strike.

Find the right disinfectant

Before you start actually sanitizing your construction machines, you have to find a disinfectant that is effective at eliminating the majority of viruses without damaging your equipment interior. To avoid harming or discoloring vinyl, plastics, leather, or other surface materials, we recommend using cleaners designed for automotive interiors, not general household.

Isopropyl based cleaning products can be used to sanitize the majority of hard and interior surfaces. When using an alcohol based cleaning solution, the CDC recommends concentrations of 70% or above. Follow the instructions on the product for concentration, application method, and contact time. If you are trying to deactivate or kill a specific virus, check the EPA-approved disinfectant list for detailed descriptions of which types of cleaners to use for certain pathogens.

You should consult your owner's manual for directions on how to clean monitors, touch screens and other sensitive surfaces without damaging them.

Wear personal protective equipment (PPE)

Once you have the proper cleaning solution, it's time to move into the cab. The person handling the sanitation should always wear latex or synthetic rubber gloves and a mask or face covering. Wearing personal protective equipment will ensure the team member is shielded from the cleaning chemicals, as well as prevent them from leaving traces of a virus on the surfaces they just wiped down.

Clean all interior surfaces likely to be touched

The most important parts of the cab to sanitize are the ones that we touch a lot. Those areas should be cleaned before each new person enters the machine and typically include all handles, joysticks, steering wheels, knobs, buttons, seat belts, seat belt latches, windows, and even floor mats. Spray surfaces with the cleaner and use a highly absorbent microfiber cloth to scrub and wipe dry. For sensitive electronic or display areas, use an EPA approved contactless product, which you can spray and let dry without needing to wipe off.

Other surfaces to pay attention to

Just as important as sanitizing interior hard surfaces are exterior surfaces. Spray, scrub, and wipe all machine touchpoints, including the dipstick, gas cap, engine access points, handles, latches, and anywhere else likely to have contact.

Although it typically does not have to be sanitized as often as hard surfaces, it's a good idea to clean your upholstery at least every week, if not more frequent. You will find a variety of upholstery products at any auto parts store. If applying your own solution, avoid using anything that contains bleach, as it will cause discoloring.

Wash surfaces before sanitizing

Before using your sanitizing solution to disinfect equipment, ensure all dirt and dust are washed off. Washing before disinfecting is especially important for your machine's exterior, but also for floor mats, handles, and anywhere else that is visibly dirty. Clearing dust and debris will make the sanitation process more effective.

Fluid Maintenance

It is especially important to monitor fluid levels in your equipment during the summer months when temperatures are high. The summer heat will cause the engine to warm at a faster rate. As the engine warms, the machine’s fluids will suffer vaporization loss, eventually leading to a lower fluid level. Perform daily checks on the hydraulic fluid, coolant and machine’s oils to ensure that the equipment will not run into problems while operating.

Fluids to Check

Hydraulic fluid
Hydraulic fluid is used to transmit the force required to operate the machinery and to lubricate the hydraulic system and protect it from corrosion. Low hydraulic fluid levels will cause the machine to overheat and reduce the power of the equipment. Before checking the level of hydraulic fluid, make sure the machine is on even ground. The fluid should be kept at the level indicated on the tank’s gauge.

Coolant
Coolant keeps an engine running at peak performance in all temperatures. Coolant adds antifreeze and corrosion inhibitors, to prevent freezing, corrosion, cavitation and rust. Operating with low coolant can lead to major problems, because unprotected surfaces could sustain damage. When checking coolant levels, allow the engine to completely cool. Then, locate the coolant reservoir and fill the tank to the indicated line.

Oils - engine, transmission, gear
Engine oil is used mainly to lubricate parts. It also cleans, inhibits corrosion, improves sealing, and cools the engine by carrying heat away from moving parts. To check the engine oil level, some machines require a dipstick inspection while others require removing the fill cap to check that the oil is at the fill line or the top of the fill hole.

Transmission oil lubricates the transmission gears and helps keep the transmission operating temperatures reduced. To check the transmission oil, turn off the engine and locate the transmission dipstick. The level should be just under the full mark.

Gear oil lubricates gear teeth and helps prevent the machine from overheating. When checking the lubricant level, make sure the gear oil is at the level of the filler plug. Fluid level is critical to effective and efficient operation.

Additional Fluid Questions?

Contact your local branch with your fluid maintenance questions. Be sure to ask about fluid analysis to track contaminant levels in your equipment’s fluid, so we can predict component failure. We will provide guidance and oil change intervals, based on the results for your equipment.