Every machine develops wear over time.
The difference between a minor repair and a major repair often comes down to one thing…
How quickly the problem is identified.
Many expensive repairs don’t begin as catastrophic failures. They start as small issues that are easy to overlook during busy day-to-day operations.
Here are seven common problems we recommend investigating early.
1. Small Hydraulic Leaks
A few drops of hydraulic oil may not seem serious.
But leaks rarely fix themselves.
Left unattended, a leaking hose or fitting can allow contaminants into the hydraulic system, reduce oil levels and eventually place additional strain on pumps and other hydraulic components.
Small repairs today can prevent much larger hydraulic failures later.
2. Worn Pins and Bushes
Pins and bushes naturally wear with use.
When wear becomes excessive, movement develops where there shouldn’t be any.
Ignoring this wear can place additional stress on surrounding components and lead to far more extensive repairs.
Routine inspections help identify wear before it causes secondary damage.
3. Loose Fasteners
Machines experience vibration every day.
Over time, bolts and fasteners can loosen if they’re not checked as part of routine maintenance.
Left unchecked, components may begin moving, accelerating wear and potentially creating safety concerns.
4. Fault Codes That Come and Go
Intermittent fault codes are easy to ignore because the machine often appears to return to normal.
However, fault codes are the machine’s way of telling you something isn’t quite right.
Investigating them early can often prevent unexpected downtime.
5. Damaged Hydraulic Hoses
A hose with a small abrasion may continue operating for some time.
Unfortunately, hoses rarely fail at a convenient moment.
Replacing a worn hose during scheduled maintenance is usually far easier and far less disruptive than dealing with a burst hose on site.
6. Corrosion
Surface corrosion may appear cosmetic.
In reality, corrosion can gradually affect structural components, fasteners and electrical connections if left untreated.
Cleaning, protecting and repairing affected areas early helps preserve the machine for years to come.
7. Unusual Noises
Machines develop their own “normal.”
If something suddenly begins squeaking, knocking, grinding or whining, it’s worth investigating.
Unusual sounds often provide the earliest indication that a component requires attention.
Listening to your machine can save both downtime and repair costs.
Small Problems Rarely Stay Small
One of the most effective ways to reduce repair costs isn’t finding cheaper repairs.
It’s preventing larger repairs altogether.
Routine servicing, inspections and early intervention help keep machines operating reliably while extending their working life.
If you’re unsure whether something is worth investigating, it’s always better to ask early than wait until the problem becomes more expensive.
Need Advice?
If you’ve noticed something unusual with your EWP, our experienced technicians can help identify the issue before it develops into a larger repair.
Call us on – 0494 036 321
Or if you prefer to email – [email protected]
