Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-05-28 Origin: Site
The hot and rainy summer weather poses a severe challenge to the engines, hydraulic systems, and electrical systems of mini excavators. By performing the following five key maintenance tasks, you can ensure your equipment operates more reliably throughout the summer.
Upgrade the coolant: Properly fill the system with antifreeze, which has a high boiling point to effectively prevent the radiator from overheating and provides rust and corrosion protection. Never substitute it with plain water or mix different types.
Clean the Cooling System: High temperatures are the most common cause of malfunctions in summer. Use a high-pressure air gun to clean the radiator, oil cooler, and air conditioning condenser at least twice a week to remove blockages such as cottonwood fluff and dirt.
Inspect Belts and Hoses: Check and adjust the tension of the fan belt, and replace it immediately if it shows signs of aging or deformation. Also, check rubber hoses and seals for aging or leaks, as these are common issues in high temperatures.
Switch to “Summer-Specific” Fluids: Replace engine oil and hydraulic fluid with summer-appropriate formulations as specified by the equipment. High summer temperatures can cause incorrect fluids to lose viscosity, leading to lubrication failure.
Frequently Check Fluid Levels and Quality: Increase inspection frequency and monitor for oil leaks. If abnormal consumption is observed, promptly investigate the cause.
Maintain Batteries and Wiring: Batteries evaporate quickly in summer, so top up with distilled water promptly. Aging wiring and non-standard fuses significantly increase the risk of spontaneous combustion in summer and must be replaced immediately.
Managing High-Temperature Operations: Avoid working during the extreme heat of midday (12:00–15:00) whenever possible. Limit continuous operation to approximately 2 hours, then shut down the machine for a 15-minute rest period.
Water Crossing Safety: When crossing water, keep the machine’s tilt angle within 15° to prevent water from entering the upper structure and damaging components such as the radiator.
Regularly Inspect the Undercarriage and Tracks: Promptly remove mud and debris from the undercarriage. Periodically loosen and retighten the track tension cylinders to clear sludge and prevent rust. After operating in high temperatures, avoid immediately driving tires or rubber tracks over sharp objects.
Avoid driving while fatigued: Summer demands significant physical exertion; operators must ensure adequate sleep and hydration, and stop work immediately if feeling unwell.
Take personal heatstroke precautions: Install heat-insulating film or sunshades in the cab; set the air conditioning temperature to around 26°C.
Monitor gauge alerts: Closely watch the coolant temperature gauge and hydraulic oil temperature gauge. If either reaches or approaches the red zone (e.g., coolant temperature exceeds 100°C), immediately follow the steps below.
Be alert to unusual odors: If you smell a burning or acrid odor, be on high alert—this may indicate overheating circuits or component failure.
If you discover that the engine coolant temperature is too high, or if the engine “boils over,” following the wrong sequence of actions can be extremely dangerous.
Stop immediately and let the engine idle to cool down: If you notice the coolant temperature is too high, stop work immediately, park the vehicle in a shaded, well-ventilated area, and keep the engine idling. Never turn off the engine immediately, as this will stop the cooling system from working, and localized overheating may cause severe damage such as cylinder scoring.
Wait patiently and check the cause: Keep the engine idling for 10–15 minutes; only turn it off once the temperature has dropped significantly. Then check whether the cooling fan and belts are functioning properly, and whether the radiator is severely clogged.
Cool safely and add water gently: After the engine is turned off, do not open the radiator cap immediately—high-temperature, high-pressure coolant spray can cause severe burns. You must wait for a while, use a thick cloth as a cushion, and slowly loosen the first thread. Once the pressure has been released, open it fully. If you need to add water, use purified or distilled water.
If you cannot resolve the issue yourself, or if the machine is accompanied by unusual noises, oil leaks, or other problems, it is recommended that you contact a professional repair technician immediately.
