رقم excavators are known for their cost-effectiveness, reliability and parts availability. All these advantages making them a competitive choice for construction projects in Asia, Africa, South America and the Middle East. However, like most other brands excavators, there will be problems after long-term use, especially in key components such as hydraulic, electronic control and engine systems. For areas with harsh operating environments and limited maintenance technical conditions, Sany excavator problems are more likely to be exposed and affect work efficiency.
This article provides a detailed breakdown of common SANY excavator problems from a technical perspective. With each section, we’ll highlight the symptoms, analyze the causes,= and provide targeted repair strategies and maintenance tips, helping you reduce downtime and extend machine life.
1. Hydraulic System Failures
Common Symptoms:
- Sluggish boom or arm movement
- Weak digging force
- Overheating hydraulic pump
- Jerky or unstable cylinder motion
Technical Explanation:
The hydraulic system is the heart of the excavator, powering boom, arm, bucket and swing functions. SANY excavators typically use Kawasaki or Linde pumps. When oil contamination or improper pressure regulation occurs, operators may notice delays, reduced force or overheating.
Troubleshooting Table:
Sany excavator Problems | Technical Cause | Recommended Solution |
Hydraulic oil contamination | Dirty oil causes valve sticking and wear | Replace hydraulic oil, flush the system, install new filters |
Control valve jamming | Foreign particles restrict valve movement | Disassemble and clean main control valve |
Insufficient pressure | Faulty pressure sensor or pump underperformance | Check system pressure with a gauge, re-calibrate pump |
Motor inefficiency | Internal leakage in swing/travel motors | Inspect motors, replace seals or full units if needed |
Maintenance Tips:
- Analyze oil samples every 250 hours (NAS class ≤8)
- Use ISO VG 46/68 quality anti-wear hydraulic oils
- Avoid mixing brands to prevent emulsification
2. Electrical System Malfunctions
Common Symptoms:
- Dead control panel or blinking indicator lights
- Start button unresponsive
- ECU errors and sensor failures
- CAN bus communication loss
Technical Explanation:
SANY’s electrical system integrates ECUs, sensors and wiring harnesses using CAN bus architecture. Dust, moisture or voltage instability can cause abnormal sensor readings, system freezes or startup failures.
Troubleshooting Table:
Sany excavator problems | Technical Diagnosis | Recommended Fix |
Dead display | Power loss or blown fuses in the dashboard circuit | Check fuses and battery voltage, replace screen module |
ECU errors | Overvoltage or burned ECU components | Replace ECU, reprogram with diagnostic tool |
No start response | Faulty starter relay or low battery | Replace relay, ensure battery ≥24V |
Sensor failure | Broken wire or connector corrosion | Repair wiring, clean terminals, replace sensor if needed |
Maintenance Tips:
- Use IP67 waterproof connectors in high-humidity environments
- Test insulation resistance ≥10 MΩ every 1,000 hours
- Perform full system scan with diagnostic tool quarterly
3. Engine Starting Issues
Common Symptoms:
- Engine fails to crank or starts weakly
- Unstable RPM or black smoke after ignition
- Requires multiple attempts to start, especially in cold weather
Technical Explanation:
SANY uses engines from Cummins, Yuchai, or Mitsubishi. Startup problems are typically related to battery health, air in fuel lines, or injector carbon buildup. Cold weather and poor diesel quality exacerbate these issues.
Troubleshooting Table:
Sany excavator problems | Technical Diagnosis | Recommended Repair |
Low battery voltage | Voltage <21V prevents ECU activation | Charge or replace the battery |
Injector clogging | Poor atomization due to carbon or wax buildup | Clean or replace fuel injectors |
Air in fuel system | Loose connections or damaged return lines | Bleed system, check fuel lines and fittings |
Faulty glow plugs | Preheating failure in cold weather | Replace glow plugs, check temperature sensor |
Maintenance Tips:
- Change diesel filters every 250 hours
- Use winter-grade diesel and fuel warmers in low temperatures
- Keep fuel tank sealed to prevent water entry
4. Overheating Problems
Common Symptoms:
- Coolant temperature rapidly rises after 20–30 minutes of operation
- Fan does not spin or spins too slowly
- Coolant leaks or boiling over
- Radiator clogged with dust or oil residue
Technical Explanation:
SANY machines use aluminum radiators and electric fans. If radiator fins are clogged or fan circuits fail, heat dissipation drops dramatically, especially under high load or in hot climates.
Troubleshooting Table:
Sany excavator problems | Technical Cause | Repair Recommendation |
Radiator blockage | Dust and oil residue block airflow | Clean radiator with high-pressure air or water |
Coolant leakage | Old hoses or tank cap failure | Replace hoses and seals |
Fan malfunction | Relay failure or motor burnout | Replace fan relay or fan motor |
Thermostat stuck | Fails to open cooling cycle in time | Replace thermostat |
Maintenance Tips:
- Clean radiator every 100 hours
- Replace coolant every 1,000 hours
- Ensure fan voltage output is consistently 24V
5. Undercarriage and Track Wear
Common Symptoms:
- Track misalignment or slippage
- Travel motor noise or vibration
- Premature wear of track pads, rollers, or idlers
- Oil leaks from final drive or track adjuster
Technical Explanation:
SANY uses a hydraulic-adjustable track tensioning system. Operating in mud, gravel or rocky terrain accelerates wear, especially if cleaning and tension checks are neglected.
Troubleshooting Table:
Sany excavator problems | Technical Cause | Recommended Action |
Loose track tension | Leaking tension cylinder or spring failure | Adjust or replace tensioner seals and springs |
Excessive pad wear | Constant abrasion from rough surfaces | Replace pads, consider heavy-duty options |
Idler noise | Bearing damage or grease loss | Disassemble and lubricate or replace roller assembly |
Final drive leak | Old seals or overfilled oil | Replace seals, check vent and oil level |
Maintenance Tips:
- Check track tension every 50 hours (sag gap: 20–30mm)
- Clean mud and debris daily from tracks
- Lubricate rollers every 1,000 hours
6. Boom and Arm Structural Cracks
Common Symptoms:
- Cracks near boom base or welds
- Loose bucket linkage or excessive play
- Bucket pins worn out, ears distorted
- Squeaking or metal-on-metal noise under heavy load
Technical Explanation:
Though SANY booms and arms use high-strength Q345 steel, repetitive high-load use or side-force digging leads to fatigue cracks. Poor welding quality or over-sized buckets may lead sany excavator problems.
Troubleshooting Table:
Sany Excavator Problems | Technical Diagnosis | Recommended Solution |
Boom cracking | Concentrated stress or inadequate reinforcements | Weld with arc gouging and add reinforcement plates |
Arm distortion | Excessive side loading or overcapacity operation | Replace arm, check bucket compatibility |
Bucket ear damage | Misaligned pins or pin hole elongation | Replace bushings and use proper bucket size |
Weld detachment | Non-standard or low-quality welding | Re-weld with CO2 or submerged arc techniques |
Maintenance Tips:
- Perform ultrasonic or magnetic inspection every 1,000 hours
- Avoid oversized attachments; follow rated lift limits
- Reinforce boom base if operating under extreme conditions
7. Preventive Maintenance Schedule
Consistent maintenance is key to avoiding major Sany excavator problems. Here’s a recommended checklist:
Maintenance Item | Frequency | Key Notes |
Hydraulic oil & filter | Every 500 hrs | Use only OEM filters; flush before refill |
Coolant level check | Daily | Keep above MIN line; avoid mixing brands |
Track tension inspection | Every 50 hrs | Adjust sag to 20–30mm standard |
Injector cleaning | Every 500 hrs | Prevent clogging and misfiring |
Idler/roller lubrication | Every 1,000 hrs | Use lithium grease or heavy-duty bearing oil |
ECU & CAN diagnostics | Every 1,000 hrs | Scan for error codes and test signal stability |
Boom structural check | Every 1,000 hrs | Inspect welds and linkages for cracks or deformation |
Conclusion: Sany Excavator Problems Are Manageable
While SANY excavator problems do exist, they are largely preventable and repairable when tackled early with the right technical knowledge. This guide has outlined the most common sany excavator problems along with their causes and solutions. Whether you’re an equipment owner, rental company or technician, implementing a disciplined inspection and maintenance schedule can dramatically reduce downtime and increase the lifespan of your SANY equipment. For full repair manuals, error code charts or model-specific maintenance kits, we recommend contacting your authorized SANY dealer or technical support team.