Tips for Winter Excavator Maintenance

Winter is coming, the temperature drops sharply, and excavators are prone to malfunctions. How to properly maintain the machine and keep your excavator in the best working condition?

PART 01

Use the right brand of diesel

Use the right brand of diesel according to the ambient temperature. If you still use high-freezing point diesel in winter, "waxing" will occur, making it difficult to start the engine. If "waxing" has occurred, do not force the start, clean the oil circuit and replace the filter element in time, or use it when the temperature returns to a higher level; if you can't buy the right brand of fuel, it is recommended to temporarily add a pour point depressant.

One point of special attention is that before each machine is parked, fill the diesel tank to prevent the temperature from lowering and water vapor condensing and icing. If the parking time is long and the oil is not full, the fuel tank is prone to rust.

PART 02

Use pure antifreeze

Replace or add pure antifreeze in time according to demand and temperature changes to prevent damage to the engine cylinder caused by cold. It should be noted that antifreeze is not only used in winter, but should be used all year round. This should be paid special attention to. It is wrong to add pure water daily, because antifreeze also has a cooling function, which can also protect the engine temperature from being too high in the hot summer.

PART 03

Fully preheat before operation

After the excavator is started in winter, it is very likely to cause serious wear of the machine if it is put into operation immediately. Preheating preparation is required. Press the preheating switch, start the engine after preheating for 10 seconds, let the engine idle for five minutes, and then let the working components run for fifteen minutes to maintain the fluidity of the oil and increase the temperature. At the same time, check whether the instruments and indicator lights are normal. Normal construction can only be carried out after the engine runs smoothly.

PART 04

Pay attention to insulation after operation

Excavators are prone to overcooling in cold climates. Too low temperatures can easily cause engine damage and reduce service life, so how to keep warm is also the key. After the construction is completed, the excavator should be parked in the garage as much as possible. If it is outdoors, use cardboard in front of the radiator to block the cold wind if necessary. In addition, the thermostat plays an important role in the temperature rise of the diesel engine during operation. Therefore, the thermostat should be checked before winter to see if it can work properly, and the failed thermostat should be replaced in time.

PART 05

Be safe during winter operations

Snowfall is frequent in winter, and ice may appear under the snow. If you work in such a site, it is very easy to slip and cause danger if you turn the steering wheel sharply.

When working in winter, the excavator should drive at a constant speed and slow down to avoid sliding down the slope. Make full use of the drag effect of the engine and the working device of the front vehicle. Keep away from surrounding objects as much as possible when driving to avoid bumping into surrounding objects due to slipping.