When operators fail to follow proper maintenance guidelines, the hydroexcavator’s overall performance declines as it becomes less efficient and more prone to breaking.
Mike Selby, inside sales manager for Vac-Con Inc. recommends operators read through the equipment manuals for their excavators and carefully follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedules. Since the company built the equipment, its technicians know best about how often work needs to be done on hoses, dig tubes, digging wands and other parts.
For example, Selby says a partially blocked filter will require the operator to work longer vacuuming a particular area.
If nozzle tips are worn, Selby says several problems can occur. If the excavator has a rotator nozzle and the rotation stops, the operator loses the benefit of the rotator nozzle and there is a greater chance that the utility being excavated could be damaged.
Worn out nozzle tips can also cause loss of pressure and too much water can be used. “Clogged nozzle will elevate pressure and although uncommon, could cause pump damage,” he says.
Poor equipment maintenance can also cause damage to someone else’s property. “If a boom hose ruptures and sprays material over your site you could damage people’s cars, homes and other valuable property” — something that no one wants, he says.
