Why does the excavator have weak walking on one side?
4 Answers
The reason for the excavator's weak walking on one side may be insufficient pilot pressure, worn oil seals in the central swivel joint causing internal leakage, wear in the hydraulic pump's LS valve, gaps or internal leakage in the distribution valve's valve holes, or wear and insufficient pressure in the hydraulic pump. Below is relevant information about excavators: Introduction: Excavators, also known as excavating machinery or diggers, are earthmoving machines that use a bucket to dig materials above or below the machine's surface and load them into transport vehicles or unload them to stockyards. Development: The main materials excavated by excavators are soil, coal, sand, and pre-loosened soil and rocks. From the perspective of the development of construction machinery in recent years, excavators have developed relatively quickly and have become one of the most important construction machines in engineering projects. The three most important parameters of an excavator: operating weight, engine power, and bucket capacity.
I've encountered the issue of excavator walking weakly on one side many times, and it's mostly due to hydraulic system problems. It could be that the hydraulic motor oil seal on that side is worn or there's internal leakage, causing insufficient pressure; or the high-pressure oil pipe is blocked or the oil temperature is too high, affecting the oil pump output. If the track tension is too loose or the pins are worn, it can also cause the walking to slip and result in weak performance on one side. Another possibility is a control valve malfunction, leading to uneven adjustment. I recommend first checking if the hydraulic oil level is normal. If it's too low or too dirty, replace the oil immediately and clean the filter. Avoid prolonged operation under heavy loads or in muddy conditions, as this can easily cause overheating and system failure. In short, this issue needs to be addressed as soon as possible, otherwise other components will suffer, leading to higher repair costs later on.
As someone who frequently repairs excavators, I've found that common causes of weak single-side travel include hydraulic motor leaks, clogged oil circuits, or uneven pump output. During operation, you might feel one side lacks power, and this is when you need to troubleshoot: first check the oil level and whether the filter is clean; then measure if the motor pressure meets the standard; next, see if the track tension is appropriate. Sometimes valve or sensor malfunctions can also cause trouble. In cases I've encountered, it's mostly due to air entering the oil circuit or oil leaks at joints leading to insufficient pressure. Stop and repair as soon as possible to avoid more serious issues like motor burnout. Regular preventive maintenance, such as checking the hydraulic system every 200 hours, can extend the machine's lifespan.
I've been operating excavators for several years, and weak single-side travel is mostly due to hydraulic issues. It could be caused by damaged motor seals leading to oil leakage, or clogged oil lines affecting fuel supply. Loose tracks or worn pins can also cause slippage on one side. Last time my excavator had this issue on the right side, and upon inspection, it turned out to be a small crack in the oil pipe causing leakage. A reminder to fellow operators: if you notice any abnormalities, stop and inspect immediately—don't wait for the problem to worsen. Regular lubrication of track components and keeping hydraulic oil clean can help reduce failures.
