Rygor Plant Service
5 Signs Your Excavator Needs Servicing
What should operators and owners actually be paying attention to?
An excavator rarely goes from “working normally” to a major failure without something changing first. The challenge is that the early signs are not always dramatic.
Regular servicing remains the foundation of reliability, but paying attention to changes between scheduled services can help you identify developing issues earlier, protect components and reduce the risk of a machine being taken out of service at the worst possible time.
So rather than simply waiting for a warning light, what should operators and owners actually be paying attention to?
The useful distinction
Scheduled service vs. “something feels different”
A scheduled service is preventative: it follows the manufacturer’s maintenance requirements even when the machine appears to be running well. A change in performance, temperature, fluid condition or machine behaviour may justify an earlier inspection. One should not replace the other.
At a glance
The five signs
01
Why Is My Excavator Losing Hydraulic Power?
What you may notice:
- Slower boom, arm or bucket movements under a familiar workload.
- A reduction in lifting performance or digging force.
- Jerky, hesitant or less predictable hydraulic response.
- Attachments that no longer perform as consistently as expected.
Why it matters:
Blocked filters, fluid contamination, wear or hydraulic-system issues can all affect performance. Continuing to work a machine that is not operating correctly can place additional stress on components and turn an efficiency problem into more costly downtime.
Operator tip
Compare the machine with itself
Operators who use the same excavator regularly are often best placed to spot small changes. “It has always done that” and “it has only started doing that” are very different pieces of information for a technician. Note when the change began, whether it happens hot or cold, and which functions are affected.
Hydraulic performance changed?
Slower movements, reduced lifting performance or inconsistent hydraulic response can have several possible causes. A trained inspection can help identify what has changed and whether further attention is required.
02
Why Is My Excavator Using More Fuel?
What you may notice:
- The machine needs refuelling earlier during a comparable working week.
- Fuel use rises even though hours, workload and operator have remained broadly similar.
- The engine appears to work harder than it used to for the same task.
- Productivity falls while fuel use stays the same.
Why it matters:
Restrictions, worn components or hydraulic inefficiency can mean the machine is using more energy to achieve the same output. Tracking fuel against hours and workload can therefore be a useful indicator of machine condition as well as cost.
Important
A warning light is the start of the diagnosis - not the diagnosis
Modern excavators can provide fault codes and warnings, but the useful information is what sits behind them. Record the message or code, what the machine was doing when it appeared, whether performance changed and whether the issue repeats. That context can help a trained technician diagnose the cause more efficiently. Never continue operating where the warning or machine behaviour indicates it may be unsafe to do so.
03
Why Is My Excavator Running Hot?
What you may notice:
- Temperature readings sitting higher than the machine’s normal operating pattern.
- Cooling fans appearing to work harder or more frequently.
- Heat-related performance changes after the machine has been working for a period.
- Repeated temperature warnings rather than a single isolated event.
Why it matters:
Cooling-system condition, airflow restrictions, fluid levels and other developing faults can all affect temperature. Excess heat can accelerate wear, so identifying the reason for a change is more useful than simply waiting for an over-temperature event.
Noticing similar changes in your excavator?
Even small changes can be a sign that something needs attention.
Our plant technicians can help identify potential issues before they lead to unnecessary downtime.
04
Why Are My Excavator Tracks Wearing Unevenly?
What you may notice:
- One side appears to be wearing faster than the other.
- Track tension repeatedly needs attention or no longer remains consistent.
- Unusual movement, vibration or noise is noticeable when tracking.
- Rollers, sprockets, idlers or track components show obvious abnormal wear or damage.
Why it matters:
Incorrect tension, damaged components or uneven wear can increase running resistance, accelerate component wear and ultimately affect availability. Catching deterioration earlier gives you more opportunity to plan maintenance rather than react to failure.
05
What Do Fluid Leaks or Hose Damage Mean on an Excavator?
What you may notice:
- New damp or oily areas around hoses, fittings, cylinders or seals.
- Fluid levels that repeatedly fall and need topping up.
- Visible hose damage, abrasion, cracking or rubbing.
- Fluid appearance or smell that has noticeably changed.
Why it matters:
A small leak can grow, while contaminated or deteriorated fluid can affect the systems it is intended to protect. Fluid and hose condition should therefore be treated as part of preventative maintenance rather than something to address only after a major loss.
Safety note
Checks should be safe checks
Never inspect, loosen or open pressurised or hot hydraulic, cooling or fuel systems. Follow the operator’s manual and site procedures, isolate equipment correctly and leave diagnosis or repair work to suitably trained personnel.
Recognised one of these signs?
If something doesn’t feel right with your excavator, it may be worth having it checked before a minor issue becomes unplanned downtime. Our team can inspect your machine, identify the cause and recommend the appropriate next step.
Useful before you call
Help the technician start with the right information
If something has changed, the quality of the information you provide can make diagnosis easier. Before calling, it can be useful to note:
- What has changed – speed, sound, temperature, fuel use, hydraulic response or another behaviour.
- When you first noticed it and whether it is becoming more frequent.
- Whether it happens from cold, only when warm, under load or during a particular function.
- Any warning message or fault code displayed.
- Current machine hours and when the machine was last serviced.
You do not need to diagnose the fault yourself. The purpose of these observations is to give the technician a clearer starting point.
The exact work required depends on the model, operating hours and manufacturer service schedule. Depending on the interval and machine, a technician may check the condition and performance of systems across the excavator, including:
- Engine oils, filters and other service fluids at the appropriate interval.
- Hydraulic-system condition, hoses, connections and evidence of leakage or damage.
- Cooling-system condition and components that influence operating temperature.
- Undercarriage wear, track condition and other high-wear areas.
- Pins, bushes, linkages and lubrication points.
- Electrical systems, machine monitoring and stored diagnostic information where applicable.
- Safety-related items and visible condition issues that could affect continued operation.
Rygor Plant Service
Don't Let the Service Schedule Become the Breakdown Schedule
Regular servicing helps protect performance, reliability and the long-term value of your excavator, while early attention to changing machine behaviour can reduce the chance of an issue becoming unplanned downtime.
At Rygor Plant, our trained technicians support Hyundai machinery with servicing, diagnostic expertise and genuine parts, helping customers keep their equipment working efficiently throughout its operating life.
Keep your excavator working when you need it
Need some advice first? Speak to our Plant team.
Get In Touch
Whether you’re upgrading your fleet, exploring Ready-to-Go availability or need expert advice, our team is here to help.
Call us on 03303 119 883 or send an email to info@rygor.co.uk
Alternatively, complete the form below and one of our team will be in touch.
Excavator servicing FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to some of the most common questions about excavator servicing, warning signs and preventative maintenance.
What are the warning signs that an excavator needs servicing?
Common warning signs include loss of hydraulic power, increased fuel use, unusual noises, uneven track wear, fluid leaks or damaged hoses. Any sudden change in how the machine sounds, feels or performs should be investigated.
How often should an excavator be serviced?
Always follow the manufacturer’s service intervals for your model. Operating hours, workload, site conditions and the age of the machine may mean that checks or maintenance are needed more frequently.
What does an excavator service usually include?
A service will normally include checks of the engine, fluids, filters, cooling system, hydraulics, hoses, undercarriage, electrics and safety systems. The exact work will depend on the machine, its hours and the relevant service schedule.
Can I keep using an excavator with a warning light, unusual noise or leak?
Warning lights, unfamiliar noises and leaks should not be ignored. If the issue could affect safe operation, stop and isolate the machine in line with your site procedures, then arrange for it to be inspected before it is used again.
Why is preventative excavator maintenance important?
Preventative maintenance can identify wear before it develops into a larger repair, reduce the risk of unexpected downtime and help protect the machine’s performance, working life and value.
How can I book an excavator service with Rygor Plant?
You can send an excavator service enquiry online or call the Rygor Plant team on 03303 119 883.