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Excavator Repairs Karratha

On-site excavator repairs from mini excavators up. We diagnose and fix hydraulic, engine, swing, track and electrical faults where the machine sits.

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Fortified Heavy Equipment Repairs service ute beside a large mining excavator at dusk in the Pilbara

Common excavator faults we fix

Excavators fail in fairly predictable ways, and Pilbara conditions speed some of them up. These are the faults we see most.

Hydraulic problems

Burst hoses, leaking cylinders and fittings, weak digging power, slow boom or arm, and drifting cylinders. Heat thins hydraulic oil and dust gets into everything, so we check oil condition, filters and coolers as well as the obvious leak. See hydraulic repairs.

Engine and overheating

Power loss, hard starting, smoke and overheating. Radiators and oil coolers packed with dust are one of the most common causes of overheating up here. We clean, test and fix the cause. See diesel engine repairs.

Swing and travel

Slow or jerky swing, noise from the swing bearing or gearbox, travel motors losing power, and final drive leaks. We diagnose on site and tell you what’s repairable there and what needs parts.

Tracks and undercarriage

Track tension, worn rollers and idlers, and thrown tracks. Hard, rocky Pilbara ground wears undercarriage quickly, so regular checks save money.

Electrical, sensors and fault codes

Modern excavators drop into limp mode or stop working when a sensor or wire fails. We read the codes, trace the fault and fix it.

Excavator sizes

ClassTypical useWhat we see most
Mini excavators (under 6 t)Trenching, landscaping, plumbingHose damage, track issues, electrical faults
Mid size (6 to 20 t)Civil work, site prep, contractingHydraulic leaks, overheating, swing faults
Large (20 t and up)Bulk earthworks, mining supportHydraulic pumps and valves, cooling, undercarriage wear

Keep your excavator running in Pilbara conditions

  • Blow out radiators and coolers often in dusty work. Overheating is mostly a cleaning problem.
  • Check air filter restriction more often than the book says when it’s dusty.
  • Walk around for wet spots on hoses and cylinders every day. A weeping hose is cheaper than a burst one.
  • Keep the tracks tensioned to spec and clear packed material out of the undercarriage.
  • Don’t ignore a new warning light or fault code. Take a photo and call.

What to have ready when you call

  1. The machine: make, model and rough size (for example a 20 tonne excavator or a wheel loader).
  2. Hour meter reading, if you can see it.
  3. What happened: what it was doing when it failed, any noises, smoke, leaks or warning lights.
  4. Any fault codes on the screen. A photo of the display on your phone is perfect.
  5. Where it is: the address or site, and how to get to the machine.
  6. Site rules: any induction, PPE, permits or escort needed before we can start work.

Related services

Mobile heavy equipment repairs · Heavy equipment servicing · Diesel mechanic Karratha

Frequently asked questions

Do you repair mini excavators?

Yes. We work on mini excavators through to larger machines.

Why does my excavator overheat?

In the Pilbara the most common cause is dust packed into the radiator and oil coolers. Low coolant, fan or belt problems and a failing thermostat are next. Stop the machine and call.

Why is my excavator slow or weak?

Usually a hydraulic issue: low or hot oil, blocked filters, a worn pump, or a valve or relief problem. Engine power loss can also cause it. We test to find out which.

Can you fix excavators on site?

Yes. Most excavator repairs are done on site, where the machine is working.

Machine down? Call Fortified.

Mobile heavy equipment repairs across Karratha and the West Pilbara.

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