Winter Care Guide for Excavators

Fear not the cold snap! Keep this excavator winter survival guide handy.

Recently, as a powerful cold front continues its southward advance, temperatures across much of the country have plummeted dramatically, presenting an annual challenge for construction machinery such as excavators. Ensuring equipment operates reliably in sub-zero conditions has become a key concern for numerous engineering teams.

Engine Start-Up: The First Hurdle in Cold Conditions

Cold weather starting difficulties present the foremost challenge for excavators operating in winter. Hightop engineers recommend that when temperatures drop below -10°C, -35 grade diesel should be prioritised, supplemented by the installation of a fuel preheating system. Engine oil selection is equally critical; grades such as 5W-30 or 0W-40 ensure fluidity in severe cold, enabling the engine's vital components to start smoothly.

Hydraulic system: the nerve network of equipment operation

Low temperatures cause hydraulic fluid to thicken, resulting in sluggish equipment operation. Hightop maintenance specialists advise allowing 10-15 minutes for preheating before startup, ensuring the hydraulic fluid reaches above 20°C prior to commencing work. Regular fluid inspections and prompt replacement of water-contaminated hydraulic fluid effectively prevent system failures.

Frost Protection: Where the devil is in the details

Antifreeze freezing point testing and battery insulation measures are key to winter maintenance. For equipment parked outdoors long-term, it is advisable to fit battery insulation covers or remove batteries overnight for indoor storage. The cooling system must use antifreeze suitable for local sub-zero temperatures, with regular freezing point checks conducted.

Special Equipment: The Icebreaker in the Coldest Winter

It is noteworthy that demand for low-temperature excavators equipped with specialised anti-freeze configurations has recently surged. These machines typically feature engine preheating systems and cold-resistant seals, proving particularly popular in northern regions.

Maintenance Upgrade: Winter Demands Extra Care

The maintenance team advises that extra attention should be paid to equipment upkeep during cold weather. In addition to routine filter inspections, ensure moisture is promptly drained from the fuel system. At the end of the working day, place attachments such as buckets on the ground to prevent prolonged pressure on hydraulic cylinders.

With the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and growing demand for winter construction, cold-weather resilience in construction machinery is emerging as a key industry R&D focus. Hightop Group's R&D team will continue to pioneer new technologies such as intelligent temperature control and rapid preheating, progressively integrating these into next-generation equipment to help engineering projects overcome seasonal constraints.