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Introduction: The Appeal of a Fresh Coat
Repainting an excavator like the Hitachi EX120-2 is more than just an aesthetic upgrade; it's a practical decision that can enhance the machine's longevity, visibility on job sites, and even its resale value. However, the process is labor-intensive and can be costly, especially if undertaken without professional assistance.
Understanding the Hitachi EX120-2
The Hitachi EX120-2 is a mid-sized crawler excavator, widely used in construction and demolition projects. Weighing approximately 12,800 kg and powered by a 93 kW engine, it boasts a bucket capacity ranging from 0.5 to 1.0 cubic meters. Its robust design and hydraulic capabilities make it a versatile machine for various tasks.
The Repainting Process: Steps and Considerations
- Preparation
- Cleaning: Thoroughly wash the excavator to remove dirt, grease, and old paint. This step is crucial to ensure proper adhesion of the new paint.
- Rust Removal: Use wire brushes or sandpaper to eliminate any rust spots. In some cases, a rust converter may be applied to prevent future corrosion.
- Sanding: Lightly sand the entire surface to provide a key for the new paint. This step also helps in smoothing out imperfections.
- Masking: Cover areas that shouldn't be painted, such as windows, lights, and hydraulic components, using masking tape and plastic sheeting.
- Cleaning: Thoroughly wash the excavator to remove dirt, grease, and old paint. This step is crucial to ensure proper adhesion of the new paint.
- Priming
- Application: Apply a high-quality primer suitable for metal surfaces. This layer enhances paint adhesion and provides additional protection against rust.
- Drying: Allow the primer to dry completely, following the manufacturer's recommended drying time.
- Application: Apply a high-quality primer suitable for metal surfaces. This layer enhances paint adhesion and provides additional protection against rust.
- Painting
- Choosing Paint: Select a durable, weather-resistant paint. Marine-grade two-part epoxy paints are often recommended for their longevity and finish quality.
- Spraying: Using a spray gun, apply the paint evenly across the surface. Multiple thin coats are preferable to a single thick coat to avoid runs and ensure uniform coverage.
- Drying: Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. This process can take several hours to a day, depending on environmental conditions.
- Choosing Paint: Select a durable, weather-resistant paint. Marine-grade two-part epoxy paints are often recommended for their longevity and finish quality.
- Finishing Touches
- Inspection: After the final coat has dried, inspect the machine for any missed spots or imperfections. Touch up as necessary.
- Reassembly: Remove masking materials and reassemble any parts that were taken off for painting.
- Inspection: After the final coat has dried, inspect the machine for any missed spots or imperfections. Touch up as necessary.
Repainting an excavator is a significant investment in both time and money. For instance, one operator reported spending two full days just on cleaning a greasy machine before even beginning the painting process. The total cost for materials, including high-quality two-part marine paint, was approximately AUD 2,000. Given the smaller size of the EX120-2, costs may vary but are generally in the same range.
Professional painting services can be considerably more expensive. One estimate for repainting the front end hood, fenders, and cab of a truck was around USD 15,000, highlighting the potential costs involved .
Challenges and Tips
- Time-Consuming: The process is labor-intensive, often taking several days to complete.
- Environmental Conditions: Ideal painting conditions are essential. High humidity or low temperatures can affect paint adhesion and drying times.
- Surface Preparation: Proper cleaning and rust removal are critical. Inadequate preparation can lead to peeling or bubbling of the new paint.
- Professional Help: If unsure about undertaking the task, consider hiring professionals to ensure a high-quality finish.
Repainting a Hitachi EX120-2 excavator is a worthwhile endeavor that can breathe new life into the machine. While the process requires a significant investment of time and money, the benefits of improved aesthetics, protection against corrosion, and potentially higher resale value make it a prudent choice for many operators. By following the outlined steps and considering the associated costs and challenges, you can achieve a professional-looking finish that enhances the longevity and performance of your excavator.
For a visual guide on the repainting process, you might find the following video helpful:
