Option A, B, and C represent the three most prevalent approaches for daily excavator parking. But which method is the most scientific? How do you generally park your excavator?
A
This is the textbook parking approach, as shown in the excavator operation manual. The arm is at a 90-degree angle perpendicular to the ground, with the back of the bucket flat against it. All cylinders are not under load, which protects the cylinder seals. However, this method exposes a section of the excavator bucket cylinder! In fact, to avoid mishaps, many operators entirely retract the bucket cylinder, leaving the bucket on the ground.
B
The cylinder seals are under pressure in this position, and the cylinders are exposed, hence it is rarely utilized on building sites. However, this is the most typical way to carry an excavator. Parking it this way reduces the excavator’s height and length, ensuring that it does not exceed these restrictions when loaded onto a flatbed truck for transport.
C
In this position, all cylinders are entirely retracted, which protects them and makes it easy to check the hydraulic oil before returning to work the following day. If it is raining, snowing, or there is blasting work near the construction site, park the excavator in this manner to better protect the cylinders. If your excavator will be idle for a lengthy period of time, such as during a shutdown or holiday, parking it in this manner will ensure that the cylinders are thoroughly immersed in hydraulic oil, considerably extending their lifespan.
