Excavator Indicator Panel Symbols and Their Functions!

There are various symbols of the Excavator Indicator Panel. Excavators are a type of heavy machinery used in the construction, mining, and agriculture industries. They are used to excavate and move materials such as soil, rock, and sand in large quantities. However, as complex heavy machinery, excavators also have many components and systems that need to be monitored and checked regularly.

One of the most important things in maintaining the performance and safe operation of an excavator is to understand the indicator panels on the machine. This indicator panel serves as the engine monitoring system and provides important information about the condition of the engine and other systems on the excavator.

In this TransTRACK article, we will take an in-depth look at the indicator panels on an excavator and their respective functions. We’ll also talk about the symbols on the indicator panel and what they mean, so that operators can better understand the condition and performance of the engine and other systems on the excavator and take appropriate action if a problem occurs.

List of Indicator Panels on Excavators and Their Functions

An indicator panel on an excavator is a display or panel that contains information about the performance and condition of the excavator’s engine, hydraulic system, fuel system, cooling system, electrical system, transmission system and safety system. This indicator panel is usually located inside the operator’s cab and displays important information that assists the operator in operating the excavator safely and efficiently.

The indicator panel on an excavator can display information such as engine temperature, hydraulic pressure, battery status, fuel level, coolant temperature and safety system status. They can also display error or alarm messages if there is a problem or malfunction with the engine or other systems. By monitoring the indicator panel, the operator can ensure that the engine and other systems are working properly and prevent unwanted damage.

Indicator panels on excavators are essential for monitoring machine performance and ensuring that the excavator is operating safely and efficiently. In many cases, these indicator panels can help operators to fix small issues before they become bigger problems, avoiding unnecessary downtime and saving on repair costs. Here are some of the indicator panels on excavators and their functions:

Engine Indicator Panel

The engine indicator panel on an excavator displays information related to engine health such as engine temperature, oil pressure, fuel level and general engine status. Information on engine temperature and oil pressure is essential for maintaining optimal engine performance and avoiding engine damage. Information on the fuel level on the engine indicator panel is also very important as it allows the operator to know how much fuel is left in the tank and when to refill. In addition, the engine indicator panel also displays error or alarm messages if there is a problem or malfunction in the engine.

Hydraulic Indicator Panel

The hydraulic indicator panel on an excavator displays information related to the hydraulic system such as hydraulic pressure, temperature and discharge. Hydraulic pressure information is very important to know the condition of the hydraulics and to ensure that the pressure is in line with the machine specifications. Hydraulic temperature is also important as too high a temperature can cause damage to the hydraulic system. Hydraulic discharge indicates how fast the hydraulic system is operating and can assist the operator in determining the working speed of the machine.

Cooling System Indicator Panel

The cooling system indicator panel on an excavator displays information about the coolant temperature and cooling fan status. The cooling system is essential for maintaining engine performance and preventing overheating. The coolant temperature information can help the operator to know whether or not the machine is overheating and requires additional cooling. The cooling fan status information is also important as the cooling fan can help cool the engine by speeding up air circulation.

Fuel System Indicator Panel

The fuel system indicator panel on an excavator displays information about the amount of fuel remaining and the status of the fuel pump. Information on the amount of fuel remaining is very important as it helps the operator to avoid running out of fuel while in operation. The fuel pump status is also important because the fuel pump ensures proper fuel supply to the engine.

Electrical System Indicator Panel

The electrical system indicator panel on an excavator displays information about the status of the battery, generator and charging system. Information on the status of the battery is very important as it ensures a sufficient supply of electricity to run the engine and other electrical systems. Information about the generator and charging system is also important as it ensures that the battery is charged and the engine is operating properly.

Transmission System Indicator Panel

The transmission system indicator panel on an excavator displays information about the transmission status, temperature and oil pressure. Information about the transmission status is very important because the transmission enables the movement of the excavator. The oil temperature and pressure information is also important because it can affect the performance of the transmission. If the oil temperature and pressure are too high, it can cause damage to the transmission.

Safety Indicator Panel

The safety indicator panel on the excavator displays information about the status of the brakes, door guards and light system. Information about the brake status is very important because the brakes ensure that the excavator stops safely and can avoid accidents. Information about door guards is also important because it prevents people from accidentally entering or exiting the excavator while the machine is in operation. Information about the light system is very important because it can ensure that the excavator is clearly visible in a dark or poorly lit work environment.

Overall, the indicator panel on an excavator is essential to help the operator monitor the performance of the machine and ensure that the excavator is operating safely and efficiently. By paying attention to the information displayed on the indicator panel, operators can avoid machine damage and prevent unwanted accidents

Excavator Indicator Panel Symbols

The following are some common symbols often found on excavator indicator panels and their meanings:

Thermometer Symbol

This symbol indicates the temperature of the machine in operation. Typically, the optimal temperature for an excavator engine is between 80-95 degrees Celsius. If the engine temperature is too high, the operator should be cautious and shut down the engine immediately to prevent further damage.

Ampere Symbol

This symbol indicates the electric current used by the engine and other electrical systems in the excavator. If this symbol shows a number that is too low, then there may be a problem with the excavator’s electrical system or battery.

Voltmeter Symbol

This symbol indicates the voltage used by the engine and other electrical systems in the excavator. If this symbol shows a number that is too low, then there may be a problem with the excavator’s electrical system or battery.

Fuel Tank Symbol

This symbol indicates the level of fuel available in the excavator’s fuel tank. The operator must ensure that the fuel tank is always full or at least has enough fuel to run the excavator for several hours.

Oil Symbol

This symbol indicates the level of hydraulic oil available in the excavator’s hydraulic oil tank. The operator must ensure that the hydraulic oil level is always maintained for the proper functioning of the hydraulic system.

Pressure Gauge Symbol

This symbol indicates the hydraulic pressure used by the excavator’s hydraulic system. The operator should monitor the hydraulic pressure to ensure that the hydraulic system is functioning properly and avoid damage.

Light Symbol

This symbol indicates the status of the lights on the excavator, whether they are on or off. The operator must ensure that all lights are working properly to maintain safety when operating in dark environments.

Brake Symbol

This symbol indicates the status of the brakes on the excavator, whether they are active or inactive. The operator must ensure that the brakes are always applied when the excavator is in operation to prevent accidents.

Door Symbol

This symbol indicates the safety status of the door on the excavator, whether the door is locked or not. The operator must ensure that the doors are properly locked when the excavator is in operation to prevent unauthorized persons from entering the operator’s cab.

These are some of the common symbols found on excavator indicator panels and their meanings. By understanding what these symbols mean, operators can easily monitor the condition and performance of the excavator to maintain safety and improve operating efficiency.

Tips for Maintaining the Excavator Indicator Panel

The indicator panel on an excavator is an important component that provides vital information about the condition of the engine, hydraulic system and various other functions. For an excavator to operate optimally and safely, it is important to maintain the indicator panel properly. Here are some tips on maintaining the excavator indicator panel:

Cleaning the Indicator Panel Routinely

• Dust, dirt, and grease can accumulate on the indicator panel, which can obscure the display or damage electronic components.
• Use a soft cloth and a special cleaner to clean the display and surrounding areas.
• Avoid using abrasive chemicals that may damage the panel surface.

Check the Function of Indicator Lights and Symbols

• Ensure that all indicator lights are functioning properly.
• Perform a routine check on each indicator symbol when the engine is started (self-check process).
• If any lights do not light up or stay on for no reason, conduct further checks immediately.

Check the Connectivity of Wires and Sensors

• Check the connections of the cables connected to the indicator panel. Loose or damaged wires may cause the indicator to malfunction.
• Pay attention to the condition of sensors connected to important systems such as oil pressure or engine temperature, as damage to the sensors may affect the accuracy of the information displayed.

Protect the Panel from Excessive Vibration

• Excessive vibration from the engine may affect the stability and performance of the indicator panel.
• Ensure that the indicator panel mounting is firm and not loose.
• Use vibration dampers if necessary, especially on excavators that are often used in rough terrain.

Check and Calibrate the Panel Periodically

• Some modern excavators have digital indicator panels that require software updates or calibration.
• Follow the maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer to ensure the data displayed remains accurate.

Avoid Exposure to Water and Excessive Humidity

• Indicator panels are usually designed to be waterproof, but prolonged exposure to excess moisture can cause damage.
• Ensure that the excavator is stored in a dry place when not in use.
• Check the protective rubber or seals on the panels to ensure there are no leaks.

Use the User Manual as a Guide

• Each make and model of excavator has different indicator panel designs and specifications.
• Read the user manual to understand the appropriate maintenance.
• In the event of a malfunction, contact an authorized technician to avoid improper repairs.

Perform Preventive Maintenance

• Schedule regular maintenance for all excavator systems, including the indicator panel.
• Identify and address potential problems before serious damage occurs.
• Make a note of any issues that occur on the panel to assist the technician in diagnosing the problem.

By regularly and thoroughly maintaining the indicator panel, operators can ensure the excavator continues to function optimally, avoiding unnecessary downtime and increasing safety during operation. A well-maintained indicator panel also helps extend the overall life of the machine.

Finally, it is important for the operator to always pay attention to the indicator panel when operating the excavator to maintain its safe and efficient operation. By taking proper care and attention to the excavator, we can extend the life of the machine and improve its performance in the long run. To be able to improve vehicle repairs, you can use  Vehicle Maintenance System from  TransTRACK. Take your company’s operations to the next level, extend the life of your vehicles and make sure they are always safe and ready to use. Manage vehicle, inventory and mechanic repair and maintenance schedules and costs with us!