A routine workday took a dramatic turn when an excavator at the site began smoking, sending the crew into immediate action to prevent a full-blown disaster. The unexpected mechanical failure left the team scrambling to diagnose and repair the issue, as they relied on the machine to keep operations running smoothly.
Smoke, Flames, and a Race Against Time
The alarm was raised when smoke was seen billowing from the back of the excavator. Brennan and the team quickly radioed for assistance, with concerns growing as the situation worsened. “This thing’s smoking out the back right now,” Brennan reported.
As safety remained the top priority, crew members cautiously inspected the engine compartment for visible flames. “Oh yeah, something’s definitely on fire,” one member confirmed. With no backup excavator on site, the team understood the urgency—this machine was vital to their work, and any extended downtime could be costly.
The Cause: A Shorted Starter
After extinguishing the fire, Kevin examined the damage and found the culprit. “At the starter, you can see it’s got a drip of solid steel,” he explained, revealing that a short inside the starter had melted metal, leading to ignition.
The discovery drew parallels to an earlier incident this season when a similar issue grounded another excavator, the 700. “Earlier this season, the 700 went down with the same issue when the bottom of the solenoid caught fire,” a crew member recalled.
Temporary Fix, but More Work Needed
To get the machine back in action, Kevin replaced the entire starter motor. However, concerns arose about whether it was fitted correctly. “This thing is definitely down for a little bit,” the crew admitted, acknowledging that additional adjustments and safety checks would be required before the excavator could return to service.
Moving Forward
The incident served as a stark reminder of the challenges of working in demanding conditions with heavy machinery. While the immediate fire threat was contained, the crew remains on high alert, ensuring that future electrical issues don’t jeopardize their work again. As they move forward, one thing is clear—every piece of equipment is crucial, and even minor oversights can lead to major setbacks.
