Maintenance and considerations for excavator in winter

With the arrival of winter, low temperature environment is a big test for excavators. Bad weather affects the normal use of excavators, and often causes problems such as engine difficulty in starting, increased wear, and slow hydraulic system. So what maintenance items should be performed on excavators in winter?

1. Choose the right diesel for the excavator
First, you must change the right diesel in winter. Due to the low temperature, the viscosity of the diesel used is relatively large, which makes the fluidity worse and the atomization poor, resulting in a decrease in the power and economic performance of the diesel engine. In winter, it is best to choose diesel with a lower freezing point, which is preferably about 5°C lower than the ambient temperature. Remember to clean the fuel system when changing diesel.

2. Replacement and maintenance of engine oil
Secondly, the selection and replacement of engine oil also require special attention. In winter, the quality grade is generally above CD grade. In the Northeast and other high-cold areas, it is necessary to consider replacing higher-grade engine oil in winter, such as 10W-30 engine oil. In some severely cold areas, special antifreeze engine oil will also be used. When changing the engine oil, don't forget to replace and clean the oil filter.

3. Maintenance of excavator batteries in winter
Pay special attention to the maintenance of batteries in winter. In winter, the battery should be regularly tested, charged, and the density of the electrolyte should be adjusted. Low temperature will reduce the battery capacity. When checking the battery level connection of the excavator, if there is green oxide, it should be washed off with boiling water, and it is best to spray a protective agent after drying the water. In winter, the battery should be kept warm. Cover it with quilts and other clothes to keep it warm, or remove it from the machine and place it in a warm environment, and then install it the next day. I would also like to remind you that when the battery electrolyte level is too low, add distilled water before work in the morning.

4. Maintenance of the cooling system in winter
Under low temperature conditions, it is necessary to pay attention to the maintenance of the cooling system. In winter, antifreeze is generally added to the cooling system of the excavator. The proportion of antifreeze added to the cooling system should be the proportion at the lowest temperature. It is necessary to pay special attention to the long replacement cycle of antifreeze, which is generally 1-2 years. In winter, check whether the antifreeze is normal and whether it needs to be replaced.

5. Cleaning and maintenance of excavator glass
The temperature is relatively low in winter. In most areas, excavators will be in a long-term storage state. The maintenance of excavators at this time cannot be ignored. The wipers should be kept away from the windshield to prevent freezing. When cleaning the glass of the excavator, antifreeze needs to be added to the spray bottle so that the water will not freeze.

6. Check the air conditioner, fan belt, etc.
There are many seasonal maintenance tasks for excavators. Although the air conditioner is not often used in winter, it is necessary to check the air conditioner from time to time in winter to avoid failures caused by long-term non-use. In addition, check whether the fan belt and air conditioner belt are aging to avoid belt breakage.

7. Inspection and maintenance of the excavator chassis
Inspect the nuts, bolts, and pipes of the excavator chassis to check whether they are loose or leaking. It is also necessary to add grease to the lubrication points of the chassis, remove paint and spray paint for anti-corrosion treatment, etc.