JCB 8008 Micro Excavator

JCB 8008 Micro Excavators are compact, versatile machines often used for small-scale construction projects. Like any machinery, they can encounter issues over time. Below is a list of common problems with the JCB 8008 Micro Excavator, potential causes, and suggested solutions.


1. Engine Starting Issues

Symptoms: Difficulty starting, sluggish turnover, or no response when turning the key.

Possible Causes:

  • Weak or dead battery.
  • Clogged fuel filter or air filter.
  • Faulty ignition switch or starter motor.
  • Cold weather impacting fuel system or battery.

Solutions:

  • Check and charge the battery or replace if necessary.
  • Clean or replace the fuel and air filters.
  • Inspect and repair or replace the ignition switch or starter motor.
  • Use a block heater or winter-grade diesel in cold conditions.

2. Hydraulic System Problems

Symptoms: Slow or unresponsive hydraulic movements, fluid leaks, or unusual noises.

Possible Causes:

  • Low hydraulic fluid level.
  • Contaminated hydraulic fluid.
  • Damaged seals, hoses, or valves.
  • Air trapped in the hydraulic system.

Solutions:

  • Check and refill hydraulic fluid to the recommended level.
  • Replace contaminated fluid and clean the system.
  • Inspect and replace damaged hoses, seals, or components.
  • Bleed air from the hydraulic system.

3. Track Tension Issues

Symptoms: Tracks slipping, derailing, or appearing loose.

Possible Causes:

  • Incorrect track tension.
  • Worn or damaged track components.
  • Debris lodged in the tracks.

Solutions:

  • Adjust track tension according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Replace worn sprockets, rollers, or tracks.
  • Remove debris and clean tracks regularly.

4. Overheating

Symptoms: High engine temperature, warning lights, or shutdowns.

Possible Causes:

  • Insufficient coolant or radiator blockage.
  • Faulty water pump or thermostat.
  • Dirty or blocked air filters.

Solutions:

  • Check and refill coolant, ensuring there are no leaks.
  • Clean or replace the radiator if blocked.
  • Test and replace the water pump or thermostat if necessary.
  • Clean or replace the air filters.

5. Boom or Arm Movement Issues

Symptoms: Boom or arm moves erratically, slowly, or not at all.

Possible Causes:

  • Hydraulic pump malfunction.
  • Bent or damaged cylinders.
  • Faulty control valves.

Solutions:

  • Inspect and repair or replace the hydraulic pump.
  • Replace or repair damaged cylinders.
  • Check and replace malfunctioning control valves.

6. Electrical Issues

Symptoms: Faulty lights, warning alarms, or instrument panel malfunctions.

Possible Causes:

  • Damaged wiring or loose connections.
  • Blown fuses.
  • Faulty alternator.

Solutions:

  • Inspect and repair damaged wiring or tighten loose connections.
  • Replace blown fuses with the correct rating.
  • Test and replace the alternator if needed.

7. Fuel System Blockages

Symptoms: Loss of power, sputtering, or stalling.

Possible Causes:

  • Clogged fuel filter or lines.
  • Water or debris in the fuel.
  • Faulty fuel injector.

Solutions:

  • Replace the fuel filter and clean the fuel lines.
  • Drain the tank and refill with clean diesel.
  • Test and replace faulty fuel injectors.

8. Excessive Wear on Pins and Bushings

Symptoms: Excessive play in joints, uneven movement, or squeaking.

Possible Causes:

  • Insufficient lubrication.
  • Heavy or improper use.
  • Natural wear over time.

Solutions:

  • Regularly grease all pins and bushings using recommended lubricants.
  • Avoid overloading the excavator.
  • Replace excessively worn pins and bushings.

9. Swing Motor Problems

Symptoms: Difficulty rotating the upper structure or jerky movements.

Possible Causes:

  • Low hydraulic pressure.
  • Damaged swing motor or gear.
  • Faulty swing brake.

Solutions:

  • Check hydraulic pressure and adjust as needed.
  • Inspect and repair or replace the swing motor and gears.
  • Test and repair the swing brake if necessary.

10. Excessive Noise or Vibrations

Symptoms: Unusual sounds or vibrations during operation.

Possible Causes:

  • Loose bolts or components.
  • Worn bearings or mounts.
  • Imbalanced tracks or attachments.

Solutions:

  • Tighten all bolts and inspect components for wear.
  • Replace worn bearings or mounts.
  • Ensure tracks and attachments are correctly installed and balanced.

Maintenance Tips:

  1. Regular Servicing: Follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule for lubrication, fluid changes, and inspections.
  2. Pre-Operational Checks: Inspect the machine daily for visible damage, fluid levels, and operational issues.
  3. Operator Training: Ensure operators are trained to use the machine properly to reduce wear and prevent accidents.
  4. Store Safely: Protect the excavator from extreme weather when not in use.

These solutions will help address most common issues with the JCB 8008 Micro Excavator. For persistent problems, consult a professional technician- That’s us!

Spares & parts bibliography

For all spares and parts we recommend our sister company – HTS Spares

For all JCB excavator parts: JCB Style Excavator Spares | All products shown are quality replacement parts and are not genuine JCB products. 

 

The guys at HTS Plant Sales are great. They obviously have a wealth of experience in compact equipment which makes dealing with them very easy.
Construction Company, Leeds