Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hi3RtYKONh8 (17 min)

Mike from Rippa USA Sales explains how to take care of your excavator from a grease standpoint, using the Rippa R22 as the main example (the R32, R18, R10 and mini skid steers are nearby too).

IN THIS VIDEO

- Introduction to maintenance

- Manual greasing technique

- How to find your grease points

- A walkthrough of the technical manual

- Why regular service matters

MANUAL GREASE GUN OR POWERED?

Mike prefers a manual grease gun. With a powered gun you do not know you have gone too far until grease squirts out the other side, which can mean you have already damaged or ruptured the seal. With a manual gun you can feel the pressure building in your hand each time you squeeze, so you know when to stop.

FINDING EVERY GREASE POINT

- Some fittings are hard to find, such as ones tucked behind the drive shaft or on the opposite side of the machine from where you expect them.

- The technical manual has drawings that show where each grease point is, including the swing support, the gear between the swing support and the swing motor, and the side swing cylinder.

- Mike took a screenshot of the diagrams and printed a copy to keep with the machine. New models also have stickers showing the grease points.

WHY GREASING MATTERS

It works like changing the oil in your vehicle. Without grease you get more metal on metal wear and the parts will not last. Outside of the engine, the swing gear and bearing is one of the most expensive parts on an excavator, and replacing it means pulling the cab and chassis off, so keeping it greased is cheap insurance.

Questions? Call Rippa USA Sales at 817-382-3201 or visit RippaUSASales.com. We deliver nationwide with flat rate shipping, and you get 50% off attachments when you buy a machine from us.