Learning About Excavator Parts

Excavators are complex machines that provide you with plenty of power for your toughest construction and landscaping projects. As a responsible excavator owner, you’ll want to understand all the moving parts of your machine so that you can stay on top of maintenance needs and recognize when something needs to be repaired or replaced. Here’s a quick breakdown of the parts you’ll find on an average excavator.

Tracks & Track Frame

In lieu of wheels, excavators are mounted onto a set of rugged tracks that consist of reinforced plates joined with pins. Metal rollers move beneath the tracks to propel the machine forward and backward. This assemblage is, in turn, mounted to a rectangular track frame underneath the house of the excavator. Beneath this track frame is the undercarriage of the machine, which needs to be cleaned regularly.

House & Operating Cab

The “house” of an excavator is the part of the machine that rests over its tracks and track frame and the undercarriage. The excavator’s engine and the operator’s cab are found in the house. The engine powers the hydraulic pumps that move the machine’s arm and tracks. An enclosed cab protects the operator from falling debris and keeps them comfortable in inclement weather.

Arm & Counterweight

The arm of an excavator has a long metal boom that extends up and outwards. Attachments like a bucket for digging are anchored to the end of the boom to allow the excavator to do its job. A counterweight is placed at the rear of the excavator to prevent the arm from unbalancing the entire machine.

Come on down to our dealership located in Jonesborough, TN, to check out our wide range of new and used excavators for sale. We also have a parts department to assist you with locating replacement parts for your make and model of excavator. West Hills Tractor serves our Tennessee customers in Greeneville and Johnson City.