How to Maintain Excavators During Summer
In the scorching heat of summer, high temperatures not only affect people's daily lives but also pose a challenge to excavators. It is crucial to perform proper maintenance on excavators during these intense sunny days to ensure the equipment's normal operation. So, how can you maintain an excavator effectively under the blazing sun?
Check if the antifreeze needs to be replaced. As the name suggests, antifreeze is a coolant with antifreeze properties. Many operators may mistakenly believe that antifreeze is only needed in winter and completely forget about its existence in summer. In reality, antifreeze is essential throughout the year. Besides preventing freezing, antifreeze also functions as a corrosion inhibitor, protecting the engine cooling system from corrosive damage. Therefore, even in the hot days of summer, conscientious operators check if the antifreeze is due for replacement. Generally, for regularly used machinery, it is advisable to replace the antifreeze every six months, while equipment with lower frequency of use and shorter working hours can undergo replacement annually.
Be mindful of engine overheating and the occurrence of "boiling." "Boiling" is a common issue caused by high temperatures during the operation of mechanical equipment. In summer, excavators are exposed to intense sunlight, leading to a reduction in the overall heat dissipation capacity. If the engine continues to operate for extended periods under these conditions, it can result in elevated temperatures. The cooling system may struggle to dissipate heat promptly, ultimately leading to the "boiling" phenomenon. Therefore, during summer operations, operators should avoid keeping the engine in prolonged overload conditions. If "boiling" is detected, cease operations immediately. Allow the engine to idle for a few minutes, permitting natural cooling, and then release steam by opening the radiator cap with a soaked towel before replenishing the cooling fluid.
Opt for high-temperature-resistant lubricating oil. Temperature affects the flow characteristics and viscosity of lubricating grease. In summer, higher temperatures can cause lubricating oil to become less viscous and more prone to loss, resulting in reduced lubrication performance. Choosing lubricating grease that is resistant to high temperatures enhances adhesion properties and slows down the deterioration process. Therefore, it is crucial to select appropriate lubricating oil during the summer months. Lubricating viscosity is commonly indicated by SAE specifications, such as SAE5W-40. The last digit, "40," represents the viscosity index of the lubricating oil at high temperatures, with higher values indicating greater viscosity and better engine protection. Typically, from April to September, users in most regions can choose summer lubricating oils like 15W-40 or 10W-40.
Check if the antifreeze needs to be replaced. As the name suggests, antifreeze is a coolant with antifreeze properties. Many operators may mistakenly believe that antifreeze is only needed in winter and completely forget about its existence in summer. In reality, antifreeze is essential throughout the year. Besides preventing freezing, antifreeze also functions as a corrosion inhibitor, protecting the engine cooling system from corrosive damage. Therefore, even in the hot days of summer, conscientious operators check if the antifreeze is due for replacement. Generally, for regularly used machinery, it is advisable to replace the antifreeze every six months, while equipment with lower frequency of use and shorter working hours can undergo replacement annually.
Be mindful of engine overheating and the occurrence of "boiling." "Boiling" is a common issue caused by high temperatures during the operation of mechanical equipment. In summer, excavators are exposed to intense sunlight, leading to a reduction in the overall heat dissipation capacity. If the engine continues to operate for extended periods under these conditions, it can result in elevated temperatures. The cooling system may struggle to dissipate heat promptly, ultimately leading to the "boiling" phenomenon. Therefore, during summer operations, operators should avoid keeping the engine in prolonged overload conditions. If "boiling" is detected, cease operations immediately. Allow the engine to idle for a few minutes, permitting natural cooling, and then release steam by opening the radiator cap with a soaked towel before replenishing the cooling fluid.
Opt for high-temperature-resistant lubricating oil. Temperature affects the flow characteristics and viscosity of lubricating grease. In summer, higher temperatures can cause lubricating oil to become less viscous and more prone to loss, resulting in reduced lubrication performance. Choosing lubricating grease that is resistant to high temperatures enhances adhesion properties and slows down the deterioration process. Therefore, it is crucial to select appropriate lubricating oil during the summer months. Lubricating viscosity is commonly indicated by SAE specifications, such as SAE5W-40. The last digit, "40," represents the viscosity index of the lubricating oil at high temperatures, with higher values indicating greater viscosity and better engine protection. Typically, from April to September, users in most regions can choose summer lubricating oils like 15W-40 or 10W-40.
