As winter approaches, your excavator is challenged by the bitter cold. To ensure your excavator operates properly during the cold season, here are some practical maintenance tips, especially when not in use.
Downtime maintenance: In particularly cold weather and during long downtimes, it is recommended to drain the engine coolant and to remove the battery and store it in a warm place to prevent feeding.
Regular starting: Start the engine regularly to keep it energized. Before starting, make sure the antifreeze and oil are at normal levels. In cold weather, place the key in the preheat position and repeat the preheat several times before starting the engine, idling for a period of time and then performing no-load operation until the system temperature rises to the proper range.
Clean and tighten: First, remove dirt and debris from the excavator's surface and double-check for loose fasteners. This is the basis of maintenance work and helps prevent breakdowns caused by looseness.
Replacement of applicable oil: Replace with the appropriate type of diesel fuel (-10 to -30) and renew the diesel fuel filter according to the coldness of the area where it is located. At the same time, replace the thickened oil and oil filter applicable to the area. If there is any oil leakage in the hydraulic system, replace the seals in time and insulate the tank.
Fluid check: Check the level and quality of antifreeze and oil to ensure they are in proper condition. Also, verify the antifreeze properties of the fuel for cold temperatures.
Maintenance of the cooling system: carefully check whether the hoses of the cooling system are aging or broken, and replace the problematic parts in time. Where conditions permit, add hot water to the tank every day to improve engine starting performance. However, please note that you must drain the water tank after using hot water to avoid freezing. Be especially aware that in extremely cold areas, the use of antifreeze may instead make starting more difficult and should be chosen with care.
By following these maintenance recommendations, you can help your excavator better withstand the winter cold, extend its life and ensure that it can be put to work quickly when needed.