Basic Facts

  • Yes. Servicing is not based solely on hours of use; it is also based on time. For low-use machinery, time itself can be just as damaging as operating hours. Fluids can degrade, condensation can build up, and seals can dry out simply from sitting idle. Failing to service your machine can lead to costly component failures when you eventually put it back into operation.

  • Yes. You should grease your machine every day you use it, even if you only operate it for a few hours. Fresh grease provides lubrication and also helps protect components from contamination and moisture. Failing to grease your machine regularly can cause excessive wear and may lead to rust build-up, resulting in seized pins and other costly repairs.

  • Yes. It is recommended that you check the engine oil level before starting your machine. A low oil level can be caused by several factors, including normal oil consumption or leaks. Some engines are equipped with a low-oil shut-off switch, which may prevent the engine from starting when the oil level is too low. Engines without this safety feature can suffer catastrophic damage if operated without sufficient oil and lubrication. Check the oil level daily and top it up when necessary. If you notice unusually high oil consumption, consult a qualified mechanic.

  • All of the suppliers we work with follow QA/QC procedures, including the use of paint marks to verify connections during assembly. During our pre-delivery inspection, we also check the "common culprits" as well as any other obvious areas of concern.

    However, transport vibration, harmonic shock, thermal expansion, material stretch, and initial settling can cause some connections to loosen over time. This is why it is important to perform a daily routine inspection and tighten any loose connections as soon as they are identified.

    If a dealer or manufacturer claims that bolts, nuts, hoses, or other connections will never loosen, this would be misleading. Even properly assembled and inspected machinery requires regular checks and maintenance during operation.

  • Use fresh, unleaded #91 petrol unless otherwise stated on the engine manual. For most V-twin petrol engines used in the mini excavators and mini loaders, regular unleaded #91 petrol is suitable. #94 ethanol fuel is NOT suitable. #95 and above may have the engines running too rich.

    Avoid using old or contaminated fuel, as petrol can deteriorate over time and may cause hard starting, poor engine performance, or fuel-system problems.

  • Yes. A break-in service is an important part of maintaining a new machine. During the initial operating period, engine and hydraulic components are bedding in, and small amounts of wear material can enter the oil and filters.

    Please note, the break-in service is not solely on hours of use; it is also based on time. Failure to perform a break-in service will void the manufacturer warranty.

    Koop 192 engine has a compulsory 10 hours break-in service requirement. Other engines are generally at around 20 hours for the break-in service.

Petrol Engine Non-start

Simple checklist for a non-start petrol engine - may not cover every possible issues

  • Before carrying out a detailed inspection of your engine, first check the machine's safety controls and interlocks, as these can prevent the engine from starting:

    • On excavators, make sure the safety lock is in the correct lowered position.
    • Check that the safety lock sensor is properly connected.
    • If the machine is equipped with an emergency stop, make sure it is released and in the correct operating position.
    • Make sure the emergency pull-out tag is properly inserted.
    • On mini loaders, make sure the auxiliary flow lever is locked in the correct operating position and is not in neutral.
    • Check the engine oil level. If the oil level is too low, the low-oil protection system may prevent the engine from starting.

    If all of these items are correct, you can then move on to checking the electrical system, fuel supply, and air intake.

  • Start by checking the electrical system:

    • Check the battery voltage and make sure the battery is properly charged.
    • Check the battery terminals and clean them if necessary.
    • Make sure the main ground connection is firmly attached and free from corrosion.
    • If the engine still does not crank, the starter motor or ignition/key switch may be faulty and should be inspected.
    • If there is a sharp "clunk" and the engine feels jammed, then you might have a hydraulic lock.

  • If the engine cranks but does not start, check the fuel and air supply first:

    • Make sure there is sufficient petrol in the fuel tank.
    • Check that the fuel shut-off valve, if equipped, is open.
    • Make sure the choke lever is operating correctly and that the choke cable is properly connected.
    • Check the air filter and make sure it is not blocked or excessively dirty.
    • Make sure the air intake pathway is clear and unobstructed.

    If the engine still does not start, further inspection of the ignition system and spark plugs may be required.

  • The engine may be hydrolocked, which can occur when excess petrol enters the engine cylinder. This can prevent the engine from turning over and may cause serious damage if you attempt to force it to start.

    Possible signs of a hydrolocked engine include:

    • The engine feels jammed and makes a sharp "clunk" before stopping.
    • The engine oil level is unusually high and may be above the "Full" mark.
    • The engine oil smells strongly of petrol.
    • Petrol may drip from the air filter housing or exhaust muffler.
    • The spark plugs may be wet with petrol.

    If you suspect the engine is hydrolocked, stop attempting to start it and follow the appropriate clearing procedure.

  • If you suspect the engine is hydrolocked:

    • Turn off the fuel shut-off valve, if equipped.
    • Remove the spark plug wiring and spark plugs.
    • Place a rag over the open spark plug holes to catch any petrol.
    • Crank the engine several times to clear excess petrol from the cylinders.
    • Replace the engine oil if necessary. Petrol does not provide the same lubrication as engine oil and can significantly reduce the oil's lubricating properties.

    Important: Do not force a hydrolocked engine to start using a jump pack, power pack, or starting fluid. Doing so can cause serious engine damage.

    If you are unsure whether the engine is hydrolocked, consult a qualified mechanic before attempting further troubleshooting.

Diesel Engine Non-start

Simple checklist for a non-start diesel engine - may not cover every possible issues

  • Before carrying out a detailed inspection of your engine, first check the machine's safety controls and interlocks, as these can prevent the engine from starting:

    • On excavators, make sure the safety lock is in the correct lowered position.
    • Check that the safety lock sensor is properly connected.
    • If the machine is equipped with an emergency stop, make sure it is released and in the correct operating position.
    • Make sure the emergency pull-out tag is properly inserted.
    • On mini loaders, make sure the auxiliary flow lever is locked in the correct operating position and is not in neutral.
    • Check the engine oil level. If the oil level is too low, the low-oil protection system may prevent the engine from starting.

    If all of these items are correct, you can then move on to checking the electrical system, fuel supply, and air intake.

  • Start by checking the electrical system:

    • Check the battery voltage and make sure the battery has sufficient voltage and cold cranking amps (CCA) to crank the engine properly.
    • Check the main ground connection and make sure it is firmly attached and free from corrosion.
    • Check the fuses in the fuse box and any inline fuses.
    • Confirm that the starter motor and ignition/key switch are operating correctly.

    If the engine is cranking normally but still will not start, move on to the air and fuel system.

  • First, check that there is sufficient fuel in the tank. If the fuel level is adequate, make sure the glow plug system is operating correctly and allow the glow plugs to heat the engine before attempting to start it.

    Another common issue on the multi-cylinder engines, is the fuel shut-off valve getting stuck. Lightly tap on the valve might solve the fuel supply issue.

    Another common cause of a diesel engine not starting is air in the fuel system, particularly if the fuel tank has been run completely dry or there is a loose connection in the fuel line.

  • If you are familiar with your engine's fuel system, the general bleeding procedure is as follows:

    1. Fuel filter: If the fuel filter has a bleed screw, locate it and loosen the screw to allow air to escape.
    2. Bleed the filter: Continue until fuel flows from the bleed screw without visible air bubbles, then tighten the bleed screw securely.
    3. Lift pump: Loosen the lift-pump bleed screw. Depending on the system, either crank the engine or turn the ignition switch on to operate the electric fuel pump.
    4. Bleed the lift pump: Continue until fuel flows from the bleed screw without visible air bubbles, then tighten the bleed screw securely.
    5. Injector lines: If required by the engine manufacturer's procedure, loosen the injector connections at the top of the injectors and crank the engine until fuel flows from the connections.
    6. Retighten the connections: Once fuel is flowing, tighten the injector connections securely.

    Important: Do not crank the engine continuously for an extended period when trying to bleed an air-locked fuel system. Excessive cranking can drain the battery and may cause the starter motor to overheat.

    If you are unable to bleed the fuel system successfully, or you are unsure about the correct procedure for your particular engine, stop and consult a qualified mechanic.

FAQ