What is a Skid Steer, and What's It Used For?
A skid steer is a highly maneuverable and compact loader, prized for its versatility. Its name comes from its unique steering mechanism: the wheels or tracks on each side operate independently, allowing the machine to "skid" and turn. This design makes it incredibly agile in tight spaces, which is perfect for urban construction sites and other confined work areas.
Skid steers come in two main types:
Wheeled skid steers are best for solid surfaces like asphalt or concrete.
Tracked skid steers offer superior traction and stability on muddy or loose terrain. While wheeled versions are sometimes available, tracked models usually make up most of our inventory.
Common Uses of Skid Steers
Skid steers are incredibly versatile because they can use a wide range of attachments:
Digging Tasks: With attachments like trenchers, augers, and backhoes, skid steers are often used for digging on both residential and commercial sites.
Landscaping Projects: They're essential for landscaping, from tilling soil with a tiller attachment to grinding stumps or clearing debris with a grapple bucket.
Snow Removal: Fitted with snow blades or blowers, skid steers efficiently clear snow from job sites, parking lots, and roads in colder climates.
Construction and Demolition: Skid steers can easily haul materials, level grades, and even break through tough surfaces using attachments like hydraulic breakers or cement mixers.
Material Handling: When equipped with pallet forks, skid steers are highly effective for lifting and moving bulky materials in warehouses or on job sites.
Attachments for Skid Steers
One of the biggest advantages of skid steers is their versatility, thanks to a broad range of attachments that can be swapped out quickly.
Buckets (standard)
Forks
Grapple Buckets (for oversized materials)
Hydraulic Breakers (for tough surfaces)
Augers (for precise hole drilling)
Snow Blowers/Plows (for winter operations)
Tree Spades and Stump Grinders (for landscaping)
Skid Steer vs. Mini Excavator
Although they look different, people often ask us whether a mini excavator or a skid steer would be better for their fleet. While their tasks can overlap, they have significant differences.
Skid steers are all about versatility. With quick attachment changes, they're perfect for grading, clearing debris, and handling materials, making them ideal for fast-paced, dynamic job sites. However, they're not ideal for deep digging.
Mini excavators, on the other hand, excel at precise, deep digging with 360-degree rotation. This makes them perfect for tasks like trenching and utility work in tight spaces. They're the go-to for various excavation tasks.
Coverted to Lifting Cab
Coverted to Lifting Cab
Excavator lifting cab is a new product designed and produced by our company to reduce the situation that the
driver's sight is blocked, so as to reduce the operation difficulty of the driver and ensure the construction safety. The
bottom of the cab of the excavator is connected with an auxiliary chassis through a hydraulic cylinder, and the auxil-
iary chassis is connected with the chassis of the excavator through a rotating mechanism. In the construction pro-
cess, when the driver's vision is blocked due to the insufficient height of the cab, the driver can control the hydraulic
cylinder to extend, so that the height of the cab is raised, so as to widen the driver's vision; when the condition of
the driver's vision blocked is eliminated, the driver can control the hydraulic cylinder to retract, so that the height of
the cab is reduced, so as to reduce the overall center of gravity and ensure the driving safety of the excavator.
Suitable model
13-50Ton
Cab lifting height
mm
2500 (Customizable)
Cab height above ground
mm
3800
Distance of cab forward thrust
mm
800
Driver's line of sight
mm
5000-5300
Wheelhouse speed up and down
Adjustable
Bucket
Bucket
The excavator bucket is divided into standard bucket, reinforced bucket, rock bucket, gravel bucket and grid bucket according to the
material. The standard bucket is made of high-quality and High-Strength Structural Steel 16Mn, which is suitable for excavation of general
clay and loose soil and loading of sand, soil, gravel and other light working environment. The wear-resistant steel WH60A of high-quality
and high-strength made in China is selected as the material for the tooth seat plate and side edge plate of the reinforcement bucket, which
is suitable for digging hard soil mixed with soft gravel or loading gravel and other heavy-duty operations. High strength alloy plate is select-
ed as the material of toothed seat plate and side edge plate of rock bucket, which is suitable for excavating hard soil mixed with hard
gravel, secondary hard rock, wind fossil or hard rock, ore loading after blasting,etc.
Total Weight
Unit
6T
13T
15T
20T
25T
30T
35T
40T
45T
Standard bucket capacity
cubic
0.3
0.53
0.6
0.8
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.9
2.1
weight
kg
280
400
500
680
1100
1300
1550
1900
2000
Machinery Insights: 16 Excavator Parts You Need to Know
Understanding the components of your excavator is crucial—not only for operating the machine efficiently but also for ensuring long-term maintenance and effective troubleshooting. While operators don't necessarily need the in-depth expertise of a mechanic, having a basic grasp of the machine's main parts is highly advantageous.
Despite the differences in brands and models, most excavators share a common set of core components. These are generally divided into two main sections: the upper structure and the lower structure. In this article, we’ll focus on breaking down these essential elements to help you better understand, operate, and maintain your excavator.
Lower Structure of a Track Excavator
The lower structure, also known as the undercarriage, forms the base of the excavator. It is the part that makes contact with the ground and allows the machine to move. In this section, we’ll concentrate on track excavators (also referred to as crawler excavators) and examine the five key components that make up the undercarriage:
Tracks and Track Pads
Rollers
Idlers
Sprockets
Swing Drive/Slewing Ring
By understanding these parts, you can better navigate the operational and maintenance aspects of your equipment, ultimately extending its life and improving performance.
1. Tracks and Track PadsTracks are the foundation of a crawler excavator’s mobility. Constructed from reinforced steel, they are made up of track pads or shoes, which vary in size depending on the machine’s application. The outer edges of the pads, called grousers, provide traction and help the excavator grip the ground. Track bolts hold these pads together, forming a continuous loop known as the crawler system. This system is mounted to the excavator through a track frame, functioning similarly to an axle. Within the track assembly, a track chain connects the tracks to the sprockets and idlers, ensuring coordinated movement.
2. RollersRollers are durable metal wheels located on the undercarriage. Their primary job is to guide the track chain between the sprocket and idler. There are two main types: bottom rollers, which support the weight of the machine, and top rollers, which help maintain chain alignment. Some rollers are fitted with rock guards to prevent damage from debris and rough terrain.
3. IdlersIdlers are larger than rollers and serve as crucial guiding components. Positioned at one end of the undercarriage, they work alongside rollers and sprockets to keep the tracks properly tensioned and aligned. Their strategic placement and size play a vital role in ensuring smooth, efficient track movement.
4. SprocketsSprockets resemble oversized bicycle gears and are responsible for driving the track chain. They engage with the chain links to move the tracks, propelling the excavator forward or in reverse. Properly maintained sprockets are essential for efficient power transfer and machine performance.
5. Swing Drive / Slewing RingThe swing drive and slewing ring allow the upper structure of the excavator to rotate independently of the lower undercarriage. These components are driven by hydraulic motors and are vital for directional control. To ensure consistent and reliable operation, they require regular lubrication and maintenance.
Upper Structure of a Track Excavator
The upper structure—often referred to as the "house" of the excavator—is where the machine's power, control, and primary functionality are concentrated. It integrates the carbody with the boom-and-arm assembly, housing key systems for operation, hydraulics, and operator control. This section rotates on top of the lower structure, allowing full 360-degree movement.
1. CounterweightThe counterweight plays a critical role in stabilizing the excavator during operation. It prevents the machine from tipping over while digging or lifting heavy loads. The weight of the counterweight is designed in proportion to the excavator’s total operating weight. For example, a CAT 395 with a 94-ton operating weight includes a 15.5-ton counterweight, while a Komatsu PC400, weighing 43.3 tons, features a 9.2-ton counterweight.
2. Engine CompartmentMore than just a space for the engine, the engine compartment houses several key components:
Fuel Tank – Stores diesel fuel.
Engine – Usually located near the cab for ease of maintenance, it powers the entire machine.
Hydraulic Oil Tank – Supplies fluid necessary for the hydraulic systems.
Main Control Valve – Connects the engine to hydraulic components and manages oil pressure distribution.
3. CabinThe cabin is the operator’s control hub, equipped with visibility-enhancing features and safety systems. Most modern cabins rotate 360 degrees to offer maximum situational awareness. Key features include:
Main Control Interface – Varies by model, typically includes joysticks and displays.
ROPS (Rollover Protective Structure) – Protects the operator in case of a rollover.
FOPS (Falling Object Protective Structure) – Shields against falling debris.
4. Boom CylinderThis hydraulic cylinder connects the boom to the carbody and is responsible for raising and lowering the boom.
5. BoomA critical extension that links to the cab, the boom supports the arm and facilitates vertical movement during digging.
6. Arm CylinderThis cylinder controls the extension and retraction of the arm, connecting it to the boom.
7. Arm (Dipper or Stick)The arm connects to the boom and holds the bucket. It plays a central role in reaching and positioning the bucket during excavation.
8. Boom/Arm LinkageA set of pins and bushings that connect the boom to the arm. These components require regular greasing for smooth, noise-free operation.
9. Bucket CylinderThis hydraulic cylinder controls the motion of the bucket, enabling it to dig and dump material.
10. Arm/Bucket LinkageThe joint mechanism that connects the arm to the bucket, facilitating synchronized movement.
11. BucketThe bucket is the main working tool at the end of the arm. While standard excavators are equipped with buckets, other attachments can be installed, using the same mechanical linkage.
To enhance your understanding, we’ve created a detailed infographic showcasing all the discussed components on a medium-sized KOBELCO SK350 track excavator. This visual reference highlights both lower and upper structure elements for comprehensive learning.
FAQs About Excavator Parts
What is the most commonly replaced part of an excavator?The most frequently replaced parts are typically the tracks and track pads. These components experience continuous wear and tear due to constant contact with the ground and the demands of movement.
How often should the hydraulic oil be changed in an excavator?Hydraulic oil should generally be changed every 1,000 operating hours. However, it’s always best to follow the maintenance schedule recommended in the manufacturer’s manual for your specific model.
Can the bucket of an excavator be replaced with other attachments?Yes. Excavators are designed to be versatile machines and can accommodate a range of attachments beyond the standard bucket. Common alternatives include hydraulic breakers, grapples, and augers, depending on the task.
What’s the purpose of the counterweight in an excavator?The counterweight is essential for maintaining stability. It offsets the weight of the boom and arm during lifting and digging operations, helping to prevent the machine from tipping over.
Things to note about the bucket, these details really cannot be omitted! Wear and tear
In excavation operations, the bucket teeth are the most heavily loaded components and are consumable parts. Especially in stone excavation work, the bucket teeth wear out very quickly. The condition of the bucket teeth directly affects the working efficiency of the excavator. Some incorrect operations will accelerate the wear and fracture of the bucket teeth. Today I will share with you some precautions when using the bucket for your reference. In excavation operations, the bucket teeth are the most heavily loaded components and are consumable parts. Especially in stone excavation work, the bucket teeth wear out very quickly. The condition of the bucket teeth directly affects the working efficiency of the excavator. Some incorrect operations will accelerate the wear and fracture of the bucket teeth. Today I will share with you some precautions when using the bucket for your reference.
1 things to note
Try not to retract the bucket when lifting the boom. If you retract the bucket, the bucket teeth will be subject to upward traction and damage the bucket teeth. When the big arm is lowered and the forearm is raised outward with too much force, the bucket will hit the stone, which may easily damage the bucket teeth and even the forearm.
The bucket teeth should be perpendicular to the working surface when digging, or the camber angle should be less than 120 degrees to prevent the bucket teeth from breaking due to excessive inclination.
Do not use the collision force of the bucket side wall to move objects or the rotation force to move large objects. When the bucket collides with the rock, the bucket, arm and working device will generate a large load, seriously affecting the service life of the excavator.
Use the big arm or small arm to drive the bucket, and quickly drop it to impact the excavation, especially if it acts on hard rocks. The huge impact force will react on the entire working device and pin of the excavator. It may cause a certain amount of wear and tear, and in severe cases, the working arm may crack or break.
Try to avoid direct contact with objects on the back of the bucket, and cooperate with the forearm retrieval action when digging hard objects.
During construction, if there are large objects such as earth or stones in front of you, do not push the stones aside with a rotational movement. If things go on like this, the side blades, forearm and swing motor drive teeth will be damaged.
Do not frequently use the traveling motor to drive the bucket. Doing so will cause the bucket and bucket teeth to wear due to the huge external force exerted by the traveling motor.
2 Daily inspection of bucket
Check the bucket for wear and cracks. If the wear is severe, reinforcement should be considered. If there are cracks in the bucket, they should be welded and repaired in time to avoid increasing the length of the cracks due to delayed repairs.
You can kick the bucket teeth with your feet to check whether the bucket teeth are stable. If they are loose, tighten them immediately.
Little-known maintenance tips for excavator extension arms
Excavator extension arms are versatile and powerful machines used for a variety of construction and excavation projects. The extension arm is an important part of the excavator, allowing the operator to extend its reach and efficiently handle tasks that require extended reach. To ensure optimal performance, regular maintenance on your excavator extension boom is essential. In this article, we’ll outline important routine maintenance tips that will help maximize the life and efficiency of your excavator extension boom.
Excavator extension arm maintenance tips are as follows:
1. Visual inspection: Visual inspection of the excavator extension arm before each use is a key step in daily maintenance. Check the boom carefully for any signs of wear, cracks or damage. Look for loose or missing bolts, hydraulic leaks, or any anomalies that may affect the structural integrity of the boom. By identifying and fixing problems early, you can prevent potential breakdowns and costly repairs.
2. Lubrication: Proper lubrication is critical to keeping your excavator extension arm running smoothly. Regularly lubricate all moving parts of the boom, such as joints, pins, and bushings. Be sure to use the recommended lubricant and follow the manufacturer's guidelines for lubrication frequency and quantity. Adequate lubrication reduces friction, minimizes wear, and extends the life of the extension arm.
3. Hydraulic system maintenance: The hydraulic system plays a vital role in the operation of the excavator extension arm. Routine maintenance of hydraulic systems is necessary to ensure optimal performance. Check the hydraulic fluid level and inspect the system for any leaks or damaged hoses. If necessary, top up the hydraulic oil and address any leaks or defects promptly to prevent potential failure.
4. Cleaning: Cleaning your excavator extension arm regularly will help remove dirt, debris, and corrosive substances that can cause damage over time. Use a pressure washer or hose to clean the spray boom thoroughly after each use. Pay close attention to areas like seams and gaps where buildup is more likely to occur. Be careful not to spray high-pressure water directly onto sensitive parts, such as electrical connections or hydraulic seals, to avoid damage.
5. Boom Alignment: Proper boom alignment is critical for smooth operation and efficient digging. Routine inspections should be performed to ensure that the boom is properly aligned. Use the excavator's control system to verify that the boom is running in a straight line without any noticeable deviation. If necessary, adjust alignment according to manufacturer's guidelines. A misaligned boom can put excessive stress on components, leading to premature wear and potential failure.
6. Grease and Tension Track System: The track system is another important component of the excavator. Lubricate tracks regularly to prevent corrosion and maintain smooth movement. Check track tension and adjust if necessary to ensure it meets manufacturer's specifications. Properly tensioned tracks increase stability, reduce chassis wear, and provide better control of the movement of the extended boom boom.
7. Check wearing parts: Wear parts, such as bucket teeth, cutting edges and buckets, play an important role in the efficiency of the excavator. Check these parts regularly for signs of wear and replace if necessary. Worn consumables can lead to reduced productivity, increased fuel consumption and additional stress on the excavator extension arm.
Excavator arm extension
Routine maintenance of your excavator extension boom modification is critical to ensuring optimal performance, extending its service life and avoiding costly repairs. By following these maintenance tips, operators can maintain the structural integrity of their booms, enhance safety, and maximize efficiency. Regular visual inspections, lubrication, hydraulic system maintenance, cleaning, boom alignment, track system maintenance and inspection of worn parts are essential tasks that should be included in a routine maintenance routine. Investing time and effort in these maintenance activities will pay off in the long run as it will help you avoid unexpected breakdowns, increase productivity and reduce downtime. Additionally, it is important to note that while routine maintenance is vital, it should not replace the manufacturer's recommended periodic maintenance and upkeep. Following the manufacturer's guidelines and adhering to recommended maintenance intervals will help ensure that your excavator and its long boom remain in top condition. Remember, a well-maintained long boom not only reduces the risk of unexpected failure, it can also increase productivity, reduce operating costs, and extend the overall service life of your equipment.
What is the effect of floor steel on the quality of construction machinery spare parts
"Floor steel refers to the waste steel as raw material, using power frequency, medium frequency induction furnace smelting inferior, low quality steel products".And clear the scope of elimination: "elimination of the production of floor steel, steel ingot or continuous casting billet of industrial frequency and medium frequency induction furnace and elimination of industrial frequency and medium frequency induction furnace production of floor steel, steel ingot, continuous casting billet, and the production of iron and steel products as raw materials."
Power frequency and medium frequency induction furnace using scrap steel, scrap iron as raw materials, production process does not have function of smelting, only the function of steel, not steel function, can't take effective slagging, remove phosphorus, sulfur and other harmful impurity element, remove the harmful gas in steel, normal micro alloying, power frequency and intermediate frequency induction furnace steel production quality completely depends on the quality of scrap,The qualified molten steel with balanced and stable composition can not be produced, and the acid refractory used in furnace lining will produce spinel inclusions that cannot be removed, and too many impurities will accumulate in the steel matrix, which will directly affect the final performance of steel.The production process of floor steel consumes up to 600 KWH of electricity per ton, and a large amount of dust is discharged in the smelting process. If the monitoring is not in place, the environment will be seriously polluted.
Normal steel smelting is in molten state, through the study of the temperature of molten steel in the furnace of decarburization, removing inclusions, removing harmful elements, deoxidation alloying, make steel alloy elements in the accurate in meeting the requirements of the steel grade standard range, can guarantee the steel mechanical property, these goals can only be achieved by oxygen top-blown converter or electric arc furnace production
Quality can not be guaranteed, OEM production, illegal counterfeiting, destroy market order
Because the product quality can not obtain the market recognition, can only fake the regular iron and steel enterprise brand sales.Seriously disrupt the order of regional steel production and sales;Some enterprises even rely on low-price export, which interferes with the international market order and causes trade disputes such as double countervailing, which has seriously affected Company's international image.
Precautions and maintenance of excavator amphibious pontoon
Amphibious excavators are referred to as amphibious excavators and are also called wetland excavators. The amphibious excavator is a very unique machine. It can enter areas that conventional equipment cannot enter. It is very suitable for working on river banks and wetlands, and can handle various challenging working conditions.
Amphibious excavator at work
The traveling device of the amphibious excavator adopts a catamaran-type pontoon structure track frame and sealed box-shaped track shoes to ensure safe cruising on the water. Due to the height limit of the floating box of the amphibious excavator, construction can be carried out in water depths of no more than two meters. If the water is too deep, the amphibious excavator will float on the water and the bucket will not work.
Amphibious excavators are divided into pontoon type and pontoon type according to different structures. The pontoon type uses the chain rails of the original vehicle to lengthen and then hang an external pontoon beside the traveling support. This type of construction is relatively low-cost but the chassis is not sealed and will be severely corroded after long-term use. Later maintenance costs a lot of money, as well as supporting wheels and chain rails. Increased wear and tear.
Amphibious excavator with external floating tank
The substructure of the amphibious excavator has a low grounding ratio and can walk and work in shallow water areas. Due to the large volume of its buoyancy tank, it can generate great buoyancy in the water. Amphibious excavators are particularly suitable for driving and operating in soft, muddy areas, tidal flats, and swamps. They are widely and efficiently used in water conservancy projects, the dredging of rivers and lakes in urban and rural construction, and the resource development and environment of wetlands, swamps, and tidal flats. For remediation and excavation operations, this cannot be compared and replaced by general excavators.
Amphibious excavator
The main purpose:
1. Swamp land management, low-yield fields, saline-alkali land transformation, and urban diversion and water supply projects.
2. Coastal beach management and reclamation projects.
3. Well location engineering in shallow sea oil and gas fields.
4. Excavation, dredging, slope repair, embankment construction, and drainage pipeline erection during dredging.
5. Projects such as embankment construction, piling, development and cleaning of fish ponds and shrimp ponds during flood control and rescue operations.
Maintenance of amphibious excavators mainly focuses on the hydraulic and engine parts. The engine is equivalent to the heart of the amphibious excavator. Maintaining the engine of the amphibious excavator is equivalent to ensuring the performance and service life of the amphibious excavator.
70% of many amphibious excavator engine failures are actually caused by improper maintenance and improper operation. Here are some common sense tips for amphibious excavator engine maintenance:
1. "Maintenance instead of repair".
2. Strengthen the cleaning and maintenance of the oil filter, crankshaft ventilation device and ventilation device, and replace the filter element in time according to the instructions.
3. The oil filter should be cleaned regularly. When cleaning, check whether the oil leaks out of the float head. If so, drill a small hole next to the float to drain the oil, and then seal and weld it. Otherwise, oil will leak into the float head, and the filter will sink to the bottom of the oil pan. The deposited dirt will be sucked up and block the filter screen and oil passage.
4. Control the temperature of the engine during normal operation to prevent the radiator from "boiling". It is strictly forbidden to drive without adding cooling water.
5. Inspect and adjust the technical condition of the crankshaft and bearings promptly. Always unscrew the drain plug on the filter housing to drain out the dirt.
6. For a coarse filter with a rotating handle, the handle should be rotated frequently to remove dirt on the filter disc. To clean the filter, you should disassemble it and wash it thoroughly. Some fine filter elements need to be replaced regularly. If the centrifugal fine filter is working properly, when the engine rotates at low speed, the hum of the rotor can be heard next to it. If you can't hear it, it means that the rotor has been stuck. The main reason is that there is too much dirt and it should be cleaned thoroughly.
7. The air filter is clogged. The engine's air intake system mainly consists of two parts: the air filter and the intake duct. According to different usage conditions, the air filter element must be cleaned regularly. The methods that can be used include high-pressure air blowing from the inside out to blow out the dust in the filter element. Since the air filter element is made of paper, be careful not to make the air pressure too high when blowing to avoid damaging the filter element.
8. Rust and scaling of the engine water tank are the most common problems. Rust and scale will restrict the flow of coolant in the cooling system, reduce the heat dissipation effect, cause the engine to overheat, and even cause engine damage. The oxidation of the coolant will also form acidic substances, which will corrode the metal parts in the water tank, causing damage and leakage of the water tank. Regularly use a powerful and efficient water tank cleaning agent to clean the water tank to remove rust and scale. This will not only ensure the normal operation of the engine, but also extend the overall life of the water tank and engine.
References: [Tiejia Engineering Machinery Network]
Guangzhou Haofeng Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd Celebrates International Labor Day
As we commemorate International Labor Day on May 1st, Guangzhou Haofeng Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd extends its heartfelt appreciation to all workers whose dedication and hard work drive societal progress.
Established in 2013, Guangzhou Haofeng Supply Chain Management Co., Ltd specializes in the production of excavator components, including customized extension arms, standard booms, amphibious pontoons, and buckets. Our products are compatible with renowned brands such as Caterpillar, Hitachi, Hyundai, Kobelco, and Komatsu . With a robust manufacturing facility in Jieyang, Guangdong Province, and a dedicated team of professionals, we are committed to delivering high-quality products and services to our clients worldwide.
On this Labor Day, we honor the relentless efforts of workers across all sectors. Your commitment and perseverance are the cornerstones of development and innovation. Guangzhou Haofeng remains steadfast in its mission to support and collaborate with professionals who contribute to building a better future.
We salute every individual who contributes to the growth and prosperity of our society.
Happy International Labor Day!