Replacing an idler on a mini excavator isn’t rocket science, but it does require the right tools, a bit of elbow grease, and a healthy respect for heavy machinery. If you’re thinking of tackling the job yourself, you’ll want to make sure your toolbox is well-stocked. Otherwise, you might find yourself in a situation where you’re halfway through the job, staring at a stubborn bolt, wondering where it all went wrong.
First up, you’ll need a wrench set and socket set—preferably heavy-duty ones. Excavators don’t use tiny screws and delicate fasteners; they use bolts that have been holding on for dear life through mud, rain, and vibration. A good breaker bar can also come in handy for those extra-stubborn bolts that refuse to budge.
Next, a track jack or hydraulic jack is essential. Unless you have the strength of a professional weightlifter, lifting the track to remove the idler by hand is not an option. A solid track jack will give you the leverage you need to lift and hold the undercarriage in place safely while you swap out the idler.
A pry bar is another must-have. Idlers don’t just pop out with a polite request—they often need a little persuasion. A heavy-duty pry bar will help you ease the idler out of its resting place and guide the new one into position.
You’ll also want a grease gun. Once the new idler is installed, proper lubrication is key to making sure it runs smoothly. Forgetting to grease it is like forgetting to oil your engine—you might not see a problem immediately, but eventually, something is going to break, and it won’t be pretty.
For those who believe in working smarter, not harder, an impact wrench will save you a lot of time and effort. Those bolts that take forever to loosen by hand? An impact wrench will zip them off in seconds, making the job far less of a workout.
And let’s not forget the safety gear—gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toe boots. Because nothing ruins a workday faster than a bolt flying into your eye or a heavy component dropping onto your foot.
Now, if all of this sounds like a lot, that’s because it is. Idler replacement isn’t the hardest job on an excavator, but it does require patience, the right tools, and attention to detail. That’s why so many operators leave the heavy lifting to professionals—or better yet, invest in high-quality idlers that don’t need replacing every other season.
At Fulian, we manufacture durable, precision-engineered idlers designed for long service life and optimal performance. Built with high-grade steel and advanced heat treatment, our idlers are made to withstand the toughest conditions. So if you need a replacement, why not invest in one that lasts? Contact us today to find the perfect fit for your machine, and let’s keep your mini excavator running like new.
Fulian Operation Team
2025.3.21
