When construction machinery starts in winter, due to low temperatures, increased viscosity of lubricating oil, poor atomization of fuel and other factors, it is easy to cause difficulties in starting and accelerate the wear of internal combustion engines. Therefore, mastering the correct winter start-up skills is of vital importance for protecting construction machinery and extending its service life. Here are some tips for starting construction machinery in winter:
I. Preparations before Startup
Basic inspection
Check the quantity and quality of the lubricating oil in the oil pan of the internal combustion engine to ensure that the quantity of the lubricating oil complies with the standard requirements and its quality is good without impurities.
Check the tightness of each connection mechanism to prevent the leakage of lubricating oil.
Clean the soil and debris on the surface of construction machinery to ensure the equipment is clean and tidy.
Change winter lubricating oil
Before winter comes, winter-specific lubricating oil should be replaced to improve the lubrication effect and reduce wear.
Preheating
When the temperature is very low, the construction machinery should be preheated. Preheating methods include directly adding hot water above 50℃ into the cooling system, or using hot air or steam to heat the oil pan, cylinder block, fuel injection pump, etc., to raise the temperature of the internal combustion engine block.
It is also possible to start the preheater under specially developed cold conditions, and use the hot air ejected from the combustion of diesel to rapidly increase the body temperature.
Ii. Precautions during Startup
Add backup batteries
In winter, due to the low temperature, the capacity of the battery may decrease. Therefore, it is recommended to add a spare battery to ensure sufficient power during startup.
When using backup batteries, strictly follow the start-up precautions, such as the continuous rotation time of each rotation should not exceed the specified time, the interval between each rotation should be no less than the specified time, and the cumulative start-up times should not exceed the specified times, etc.
Idle operation after startup:
After the internal combustion engine on construction machinery starts, it should not immediately run at high speed. Instead, it should idle for a period of time (generally 3 to 5 minutes). Only when the lubricating oil reaches the standard pressure and the body temperature rises to a certain extent can it be put into operation.
During idle operation, the running condition of the internal combustion engine should be observed to check for any oil or water leakage, as well as whether the oil warning light and charging indicator light are off, etc.
Iii. Other Matters needing Attention
Avoid bad startup habits
If the engine oil, fuel oil, hydraulic oil, etc. are not changed according to the seasons, these behaviors will accelerate the wear and failure of construction machinery.
Avoid using the method of starting the oil pan and intake pipe with fire, as this method is highly likely to cause fire and safety accidents.
Long-term parked construction machinery
If construction machinery needs to be parked for a long time in winter, it is necessary to ensure that the battery is fully charged and stored in a warm environment. The equipment should be operated at regular intervals (such as every 15 days) to keep it in good condition.
When the engine is parked for a long time, the coolant should also be drained completely to prevent freezing, and the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder should be retracted to prevent rusting.
In conclusion, when starting construction machinery in winter, multiple aspects need to be noted to ensure the normal operation of the equipment and extend its service life. By doing a good job in the preparatory work before starting, mastering the correct starting method and paying attention to other related matters, the starting difficulty and wear degree can be effectively reduced, and the reliability and durability of construction machinery can be improved.
