Excessive Noise and Vibration
Refer to this guide if you encounter excessive noise or vibration during operation of your excavator and hitch.
Disclaimer:
Safety First!
Cease Operation Immediately: If your hitch experiences issues locking or securing in place, or securing to attachments, stop using the equipment immediately to avoid potential hazards.
Stay Clear of the Hitch: Never stand under or near the hitch or any load being lifted. Falling hitches or loads can cause severe injury or death.
Seek Professional Assistance: If you lack the necessary mechanical skills or qualifications, do not attempt to repair the excavator or hitch yourself. Contact your local excavator dealer or AME for professional help.
Parts and Repairs: Always use appropriate spare parts to repair your excavator or hitch. Follow your excavator’s operating manual or dealership advice when repairing or replacing excavator components. AME can provide spare parts and repair kits for your hitch. You also have the option to send the hitch or specific components to AME for expert repairs and maintenance. Contact us for more information.
Remember, safety is paramount. Follow Safe Work Australia guidelines and seek professional assistance to prevent accidents and ensure the longevity of your equipment.
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Loose components can cause noise and vibration due to movement and play during operation. Identifying and tightening these components can help eliminate the source of the noise.
Carefully check all bolts, nuts, and fasteners on the hitch for any that may have loosened over time. Use a wrench or appropriate tool to test the tightness of each component.
Q. Are loose items present?
Yes: Tighten any loose bolts, nuts or fasteners on the hitch. If items are unable to be tightened, they may need to be replaced.
No: Proceed to next step.
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Damaged bushings or worn linkages can create instability and contribute to noise and vibration. Replacing these parts as needed ensures smooth operation and reduces mechanical strain.
Visually inspect the bushings and mechanical linkages for signs of wear, cracks, or damage.
Q. Are worn or damaged items present?
Yes: Replace items with items that meet the manufacturer’s specifications.
No: Proceed to next step.
Move the hitch attachments manually to feel for excessive play or unusual resistance.
Proper lubrication reduces friction and wear between moving parts, which can significantly reduce noise and vibration. It also helps prevent rust and corrosion.
Q. Is unusual resistance present?
Yes: Apply the recommended type of grease to all moving parts, including pins, bushings, and linkages. Follow the our lubrication schedule and guidelines which can be downloaded here. We recommend you use a premium EP2 grease for heavy duty applications like Tuff Stuff Grease. For more information, you can download the brochure here.
No: Proceed to next step.
Q. Is excessive play present?
Yes: Check to confirm the hitch is the correct fit for your machine. You can find our specifications here.
No: Proceed to next step.
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Verify the weight of the load and compare it with the SWL of the hitch, you can find this on the specifications plate on your hitch, or you can find our specifications here. It’s also important to ensure the load weight capabilities of your machine are not exceeded.
Q. Does the load weight exceed the SWL of the hitch or excavator?
Yes: Reduce the load weight.
No: Proceed to next step.
Note: If the noise persists after reducing the load weight, permanent damage may have occurred. This will void any warranty on your hitch, however repairs may still be possible. Contact us to discuss further.
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The shaft pivoting can cause noise in the hitch when there is a lack of grease, or the incorrect grease is used.
Q. Is there a lack of, or incorrect grease used in the hitch?
Yes: Replace the grease with a suitable grease for your hitch. Follow the our lubrication schedule and guidelines which can be downloaded here. We recommend you use a premium EP2 grease for heavy duty applications like Tuff Stuff Grease. For more information, you can download the brochure here.
No: Contact us to discuss further.
