Common Parts to Replace on Heavy Equipment

Heavy equipment is designed to perform under extreme conditions, but no machine is immune to wear and tear. Even the toughest excavator, wheel loader, or material handler will eventually need new parts to keep operating at peak efficiency. Staying on top of part replacements means reducing downtime, protecting your investment, and keeping your crew safe.

When one part of a machine begins to fail, it often puts stress on other systems, creating a chain reaction of costly repairs. Proactive replacement of high-wear parts extends equipment life, improves performance, and lowers overall operating costs.

We’ll break down the most common parts you’ll need to replace on heavy equipment, along with signs to watch for and tips on when to replace them.

1. Filters (Air, Fuel, Hydraulic, and Oil)

Filters are some of the most frequently replaced components on heavy equipment. Their job is simple but critical: keep contaminants out of your machine’s most important systems.

Air filters prevent dirt, dust, and debris from entering the engine. A clogged air filter reduces airflow, which leads to poor fuel efficiency, black smoke, and potential engine damage.
Fuel filters stop dirt, rust, and particles from entering the fuel pump and injectors. If clogged, they can cause hard starts, reduced power, or stalling.
Hydraulic filters remove metal shavings, dirt, and other debris from hydraulic fluid, protecting pumps, valves, and cylinders. Dirty hydraulic oil can quickly destroy an entire system.
Oil filters trap particles that build up in engine oil. Without a clean filter, contaminants circulate through the engine, accelerating wear.

Replacement Tips:

Inspect filters at each service interval.
Replace air filters based on condition, not just hours. If it looks dirty, swap it out.
Always use new OEM filters for maximum protection.

2. Ground Engaging Tools (GET)

Ground Engaging Tools (GET) are designed to wear down over time, that’s their purpose. They’re sacrificial parts that protect more expensive components like buckets, blades, and rippers.

Bucket teeth dull and break with heavy digging. Dull teeth force the machine to work harder, increasing fuel consumption and wear.
Cutting edges on dozers, motor graders, and loaders wear thin with use. Once they’re gone, the moldboard or bucket base edge starts taking damage.
Ripper shanks and tips gradually lose their edge, reducing efficiency in breaking up tough material.

When to Replace:

Inspect GET daily during walk-arounds.
Replace teeth or edges before they wear completely to protect the bucket or blade structure.
Keeping GET sharp saves time, reduces operator fatigue, and lowers fuel burn.

3. Hydraulic Hoses & Seals

Hydraulic systems are the lifeblood of modern heavy equipment. Without them, excavators can’t dig, loaders can’t lift, and dozers can’t push.

But hoses and seals wear naturally due to:

High pressure and heat
Exposure to sunlight, chemicals, and abrasion
Constant flexing and vibration

Even a small leak in a hydraulic hose can cause:

A sudden drop in power
Environmental hazards from fluid spills
Safety risks to operators

Maintenance Tips:

Replace hoses every 3–5 years, or sooner based on visual inspection and usage conditions.
Always replace seals when servicing cylinders to prevent repeat failures.
Store spare hoses properly; UV light and heat shorten shelf life.

4. Tires & Tracks

Your equipment’s connection to the ground is one of the most abused components on any jobsite.

Tires wear down quickly when working on abrasive surfaces like rock and asphalt. Low tread depth reduces traction, increases fuel use, and makes machines harder to control. Cracks or bulges can lead to blowouts.
Rubber tracks stretch and degrade with constant use, especially on rough or uneven terrain. Worn tracks reduce stability and put added strain on the undercarriage.
Steel tracks require regular replacement of pins, bushings, sprockets, and rollers. If ignored, worn tracks accelerate wear on the entire undercarriage.

Replacement and Care Tips:

Rotate tires regularly to promote even wear.
Inspect rubber tracks daily for tears, exposed cords, or uneven wear.
Track tension is critical: too tight accelerates wear, too loose risks de-tracking.

5. Batteries

A weak or dead battery is one of the top reasons heavy equipment won’t start on the jobsite. Harsh operating conditions, vibration, extreme temperatures, and frequent starts shorten battery life.

The average heavy equipment battery lasts 4–5 years.
Corrosion on cables and terminals increases resistance, reducing power.
Low alternator output or poor charging can drain batteries prematurely.

Battery Care & Replacement Tips:

Test batteries regularly, especially before winter.
Replace weak batteries before they fail to avoid downtime.
Always secure batteries properly to reduce vibration damage.

6. Belts & Hoses

Engine belts and coolant hoses are easy to overlook, but when they fail, they can take your machine out of service immediately.

Belts (such as serpentine belts) power cooling fans, alternators, and air conditioning systems. A broken belt can cause overheating in minutes.
Coolant hoses carry coolant under pressure. Over time, rubber dries, cracks, or swells, leading to sudden leaks.

Replacement Tips:

Inspect belts for fraying, cracks, or glazing. Replace at the first signs of wear.
Replace coolant hoses every 4 years, or sooner if they feel brittle or swollen.
Never buy used belts or hoses – rubber degrades even in storage.

7. Undercarriage Components

For tracked machines like dozers and excavators, the undercarriage represents up to 50% of total maintenance costs. Keeping up with component wear is critical for controlling ownership costs.

Common wear parts include:

Sprockets – teeth wear as they engage with the chain.
Rollers & idlers – wear unevenly, leading to instability.
Track chains & bushings – elongate over time, causing poor fit and increased stress.

Neglecting undercarriage replacement accelerates wear across the system, forcing a complete rebuild much sooner.

Undercarriage Care:

Clean the undercarriage daily to prevent mud and debris buildup.
Measure wear periodically with gauges and track wear charts.
Replace components in pairs or sets to prevent uneven wear.

8. Fluids (Engine Oil, Hydraulic Oil, Transmission Fluid, Coolant)

Fluids aren’t “parts” in the traditional sense, but they’re just as critical. Over time, oil and fluid degrade, losing their ability to lubricate and cool effectively.

Engine oil breaks down with heat and contamination. Dirty oil increases friction and accelerates wear.
Hydraulic oil loses viscosity and becomes contaminated with particles that can damage pumps and valves.
Transmission fluid protects gears and clutches from heat and friction but must be replaced regularly.
Coolant loses its ability to prevent overheating and corrosion over time.

Fluid Maintenance:

Always follow the manufacturer’s fluid replacement intervals.
Use OEM-approved fluids to match viscosity and performance requirements.
Never reuse old fluids.

Why Staying Ahead of Parts Replacement Matters

Replacing worn parts before failure prevents:

Unplanned downtime that stops production
Chain-reaction damage to other components
Higher long-term repair costs
Safety hazards to operators and crews

A well-maintained machine runs more efficiently, burns less fuel, and retains more value at resale.

Keep Your Fleet Running Strong with Ascendum

At Ascendum, we understand that uptime equals profitability. That’s why we stock a complete inventory of genuine Volvo parts, including filters, GET, undercarriage components, fluids, and more. Our expert service teams are here to help you spot early signs of wear and choose the right replacement parts to keep your equipment running at peak performance.

Need parts for your fleet? Contact your local Ascendum branch today to order OEM parts, schedule service, or set up a proactive maintenance plan.

Reach Out Today