Amphibious excavators, with their unique pontoon chassis design, can operate flexibly in complex terrains such as swamps, mudflats, and lakes. They are widely used in water conservancy projects, environmental remediation, wetland construction, and other fields. However, prolonged operation in harsh environments inevitably leads to component wear. Understanding when to replace key parts can not only improve equipment efficiency but also extend service life and reduce maintenance costs.

Features of Amphibious Excavator Pontoon Chassis

The pontoon chassis is the core component of an amphibious excavator, providing buoyancy and stability. Compared to traditional crawler chassis, the pontoon chassis offers the following advantages:

1. Strong Buoyancy: Made of high-strength steel to ensure no sinking during water operations.
2. Low Ground Pressure: Minimizes damage to soft ground, making it suitable for wetlands and swamps.
3. Corrosion Resistance: Treated with special anti-corrosion coatings to withstand long-term alternating water and land operations.

However, due to prolonged exposure to water, silt, and corrosive substances, the pontoon chassis and related components are more prone to wear and require regular inspection and replacement.

Replacement Cycles and Criteria for Key Components

1. Rollers, Pins, and Bushings

• Replacement Cycle: 2–3 years or every 2,000 working hours.
• Criteria:
• Pin wear exceeds 5% of the original diameter.
• Unusual noises or jamming during rotation.
• Excessive bearing clearance, affecting pontoon stability.

2. Hydraulic Motor and Drive System

• Replacement Cycle: 5 years or every 3,000–5,000 working hours.
• Criteria:
• Reduced power output and slower travel speed.
• Hydraulic oil leakage or motor overheating.
• Abnormal vibrations or noises.

3. Track Pads (If Equipped)

Our track pads do not require replacement. The only condition is to clean them thoroughly with water after each operation to prevent rust.

4. Anti-Corrosion Coating

• Maintenance Cycle: Annual inspection and touch-up.
• Criteria:
• Coating peeling exceeds 30% of the surface area.
• Visible rust on metal parts.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Component Lifespan

1. Regular Cleaning: Remove mud, sand, and debris after operations to prevent corrosion.
2. Lubrication Maintenance: Regularly apply grease to pins, bearings, and other moving parts.
3. Avoid Overloading: The pontoon’s load capacity is limited; overloading accelerates component wear.
4. Store in a Dry Environment: When not in use for extended periods, park the equipment on land to avoid prolonged submersion of the pontoon.

Conclusion

The pontoon chassis is the core component of an amphibious excavator. Proper maintenance and timely replacement of parts can significantly enhance performance and longevity. As a professional pontoon chassis manufacturer, we provide highly durable and easy-to-maintain products, along with dedicated technical support. For more information, feel free to contact us!

We hope this guide helps customers understand the maintenance essentials of amphibious excavators while highlighting our expertise and product advantages. If adjustments or additions are needed, please let us know!