John Deere 50G: Problems, Durability, Repairs

When it comes to construction, your excavators can make or break how your operation goes. You need a reliable, dependable excavator that will carry out your digging needs without fail. It's hard to look for an excavator with these qualities without thinking of the John Deere 50G.

John Deere is a well-known name in the world of construction equipment and excavators. The John Deere 50G is a compact excavator that's useful in a wide variety of construction sites. It also finds use for other types of businesses. 

In this article, we'll take a look at the John Deere 50G and break down its strengths and weaknesses. We'll let you know how long the 50G lasts, and what issues you can expect to face with it. By the end of this article, you'll be able to make a decision on whether this is the right excavator for you.

What Should You Know About the John Deere 50G?

John Deere is a tested and trusted name in the world of special equipment. Naturally, you would expect the John Deere 50G to be a high-quality machine with a lot of special features

• The John Deere 50G is a compact excavator designed to function well in tight areas. The zero-tail-swing design makes this compact excavator much more maneuverable and versatile.
• The John Deere 50G has many fuel-saving features that prevent undue wear on the engine, and increase fuel economy. One of these features is auto-idle, which reduces the engine speed when the hydraulics are not in use.
• The John Deere 50G is also a highly versatile excavator. Not only is it compact and easy to use anywhere, but it has a large number of available attachments. This makes it suitable for any job you might have in mind.
• The John Deere 50G comes with quick couplers that make it easy to switch out attachments.

How Durable is the John Deere 50G?

You can expect your John Deere 50G to have a lifespan of about 10,000 hours. It owes its durability to the fact that it is excellently engineered. The John Deere 50G is built with quality materials and is designed to be easily maintained.

John Deere has also improved the excavator's durability through their unique way of dealing with bucket slop. This is when the bucket develops an excessive amount of play from the bucket wearing down. With John Deere equipment, you can readjust the bolts and wedge in the coupler to eliminate bucket slop.

A common problem area on many excavators is the boom. It undergoes a lot of stress and strain through its daily operation. John Deere eliminates this issue in the 50G by using plate steel for the boom couplings. Other excavators use cast metal, which is not as flexible or durable. 

The hydraulic hoses are protected with Cordura sheaths. This prevents the rubber hoses from wearing down and leaking, which is common in many excavators. It also protects operators and nearby workers from being splashed with hot hydraulic fluid in the event of a leak.

Another reason why this excavator lasts so long is that the undercarriage is easy to maintain. However, this won't make any difference if you don't maintain the undercarriage. 

Despite its long lifespan, you'll need to make sure to carry out the right amount of maintenance on your machine. It might seem to be a hassle, but good maintenance will let you enjoy your John Deere 50G for as long as possible. 

When it comes to durability, the John Deere 50G has our approval.

Problems with the John Deere 50G

The John Deere 50G is a well-built machine, deserving of the John Deere reputation. Because it's built to be durable and easily maintained, it's likely to last you a long while if it's taken care of. 

But just like with everything else, there's always a chance of problems popping up. This could be through neglect or poor use.

If you're planning on getting a John Deere 50G, you'll need to know the problems that can potentially come with it. 

1) Undercarriage Issues

Undercarriage problems are one of the leading causes of excavators failing or needing expensive repairs. The undercarriage is the most expensive part of the excavator, so any damage or repairs that are needed could be a serious setback. 

The most common cause of undercarriage problems in the John Deere 50G is neglect. If the undercarriage is not frequently inspected and cared for, you're likely to end up needing expensive repairs one day. 

2) Hydraulic Leaks

Hydraulic leaks are a common issue with excavators of all sizes. They can be caused by particles getting into the hydraulic fluid through a bad filter. They can also be caused by an inexperienced operator. 

You'll need to locate and replace the source of the leak. It could be the result of a damaged hose, a worn-out pump, or a damaged cylinder. 

3) Boom Arm Problems

The boom is a common point of failure on many mini-excavators. John Deere mitigates this problem by building the boom coupling with plate steel. This reduces the occurrence of damage, but poor maintenance and misuse can still result in damage to the boom. 

Common Causes of Boom Problems:

• Cleaning the excavator bucket by striking it against the ground or another object. This can cause damage to the bucket and the boom.
• Using the wrong attachment for an operation. This can cause stress on the boom in ways that the machine is not designed for. It can also cause damage or strain on the undercarriage.
• Allowing an inexperienced operator to use the machine. Make sure that anyone using your excavator is well-trained in how to operate the machine for the operation they'll be carrying out. An inexperienced operator could make mistakes that can lead to serious damage or even injury.

4) Difficult to Service

The small size of the excavator means that the engine components and other important parts are located very close together. This means that there isn't much room when servicing the machine or carrying out repairs on the engine. 

This won't pose much of a problem to you if you have a mechanic carry out engine servicing or repairs. 

How to Keep the John Deere 50G Running for a Long Time?

The John Deere 50G is not a machine that needs frequent repairs, especially if you take good care of it. However, if you neglect maintenance, you might find your excavator in need of some very costly repairs. 

In order to take care of your 50G, however, you'll need to know which parts require the most attention, and what to look out for. 

1) Perform Undercarriage Maintenance

Preventing undercarriage problems is as simple as carrying out regular maintenance. Fortunately, the John Deere 50G has an easily accessed undercarriage.

There's a long list of undercarriage components that might need to be replaced or repaired.

• Tracks: Check for signs of stress and wear on the track's rubber coating.
• Drive Sprocket: Check for worn or damaged teeth on the drive sprocket. Replace them if necessary.
• Idlers: Check for damage to the idlers in the undercarriage, or dragging in the track. If you find any signs of wear, replace the idler.
• Rollers: Check the undercarriage rollers for signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn or seized rollers.
• Track Tension: Check the track tension and make sure it isn't too loose or too tight.
• Make sure to keep the undercarriage clean of mud and debris.
• Ensure that the undercarriage is always well-supplied with grease.

If undercarriage problems are ignored for too long, you could end up developing much more serious issues. If the entire undercarriage itself fails, you'll be stuck with a very expensive repair bill, so make sure not to ignore it. 

2) Perform Regular Inspections and Walkarounds

This is important for maintaining equipment of any size and function. It's particularly important for keeping an excavator functioning because of the unique stresses placed on the machine by the boom arm. 

Heavy machinery like the John Deere 50G requires more than occasional oil changes or filter replacements. You'll need to perform daily inspections before operating the vehicle for the day. 

• Check and clear the boom arm of any debris like dirt, stones, or brush.
• Make sure the hydraulic fluid is at the right level.
• Check the hydraulic hoses for leaks.
• Check the track tension and make sure the track isn't too loose or too tight.
• Check the linkages and pins in the undercarriage.

Bottom Line

The John Deere 50G is one of the most durable compact excavators you can get your hands on. Every part of its design is built to be long-lasting and easy to maintain. It mitigates the most common points of failure on compact excavators by using plate steel for the boom arm and having an easily accessible undercarriage. 

Keeping a John Deere 50G in good working order is less about repairs and more about performing the right maintenance. If you perform frequent walkarounds and daily inspections, you can expect 10,000 profitable hours from this machine.