In the midst of the cold wave, excavator maintenance becomes increasingly important. Listed below are tips we recommend collecting and sending to excavator owners!
1. Choose proper oil
Diesel fuel becomes denser, more viscous and less fluid in cold conditions. As diesel fuel is not easily dispersed, poor atomization and incomplete combustion result, which increases fuel consumption and decreases efficiency, and will affect diesel engines’ dynamics and economy.
Thus, it is better for the excavator to use light diesel oil in winter. Light diesel has a low freezing point and better ignition performance. Generally speaking, the freezing point of diesel fuel should be about 10°C below the minimum temperature of the current local season. Use No. 0 diesel fuel or even -30 diesel fuel as needed.
When choosing grease, choose a thicker grease when the temperature is high, and a thinner grease when the temperature is low.
2.Don’t forget to replenish the water for maintenance
In the winter, excavators should also have the engine cooling water replaced with antifreeze that has a lower freezing point, to prevent the cylinder liner and radiator from freezing.When releasing cooling water, it is important not to do so prematurely. Cold air can cause shrinkage and easy cracks in the body when it suddenly approaches a high temperature.
Moreover, when releasing water, it should be thoroughly discharged from the residual water in the body to prevent icing and expansion.
3.Winter excavators must also perform ‘preparation activities’
After the diesel engine starts to fire, do not immediately let the excavator into the load operation
Immediately after ignition, the diesel engine suffers from serious wear due to the low temperature of the body, high oil viscosity, and difficult lubrication. During winter, it is recommended that the diesel engine idle for 3-5 minutes, increase engine speed, operate the bucket, and keep the bucket and bucket rod continuously working for a period of time, and when the cooling water temperature reaches 60°C, put into load operation.
4.Keep excavators warm
Pay attention to the insulation of key equipment parts when you are doing winter construction or winter repairs. If necessary, cover the radiator with a plate curtain after the winter construction is finished, and cover the engine with insulation curtain and insulation cover.
Turn off the transfer switch to prevent oil from flowing through the oil radiator in the winter.Try parking the excavator in a garage or other indoor area if it stops working.
