Maintenance of excavators in rainy weather

                     Urgent notice! Operating an excavator in heavy rain is like slow suicide! Uncovering the “unwritten rules” of equipment maintenance during the rainy season.

Recently, many regions have been hit by heavy rainfall, prompting the issuance of flood warnings. The damp and rainy environment poses a serious challenge to the normal operation and service life of construction machinery, especially excavators. To ensure construction safety and extend equipment service life, Shandong Hightop Group has compiled key maintenance points for excavators during heavy rain and rainy weather, helping customers scientifically cope with adverse weather conditions. 

• Emergency protective measures during heavy rain

Principles for suspending work to avoid danger

When an orange or higher rainstorm warning is issued, it is recommended to immediately suspend work, move equipment to higher ground, and avoid waterlogging.

If equipment has been submerged in water, the power supply must be cut off, and it is strictly prohibited to force it to start. The equipment should only be used after professional maintenance.

Waterproofing of key components

Electrical system: Wrap core components such as the control box and sensors with waterproof cloth, and check that the wire harness connectors are sealed.

Engine: Ensure that the air filter is dry, and install a waterproof cover to prevent rainwater from entering.

Hydraulic system: Check the tightness of the hydraulic cylinder seals to prevent rainwater from seeping in and causing the oil to emulsify.

• Daily maintenance during rainy weather

Rust and corrosion prevention treatment

After daily work, promptly clean mud from the undercarriage, bucket, and other parts, and spray rust-preventive lubricant on exposed metal parts (such as pins and joint bearings).

Check for paint peeling and touch up with special anti-corrosion paint to prevent metal corrosion.

Oil and Filter Management

Hydraulic oil: Hydraulic oil is prone to moisture absorption in rainy weather, so the oil testing cycle should be shortened (it is recommended to check the moisture content every 50 hours).

Diesel tank: Fill the tank with fuel to reduce condensation inside the tank, and regularly drain the water from the oil-water separator.

Filter replacement: Replace the air filter and oil filter ahead of time when the humidity exceeds the standard.

Engine Maintenance

Before starting, check whether the spark plugs and battery terminals are oxidized. If necessary, wipe them with a dry cloth.

Run the engine at idle speed for 5-10 minutes to drain any water accumulated in the exhaust pipe and prevent rusting.

• Details that cannot be overlooked during post-rain maintenance

Thorough drainage inspection

Clean up any accumulated water and mud from the track plate gaps, slewing bearings, and other parts to prevent increased wear.

Open the drain valve at the bottom of the equipment to drain all accumulated water.

Functional testing

Test all movements (such as boom lifting and rotation) and observe whether there are any abnormal noises or delays. Check for the risk of water entering the hydraulic system.

Test the dashboard alarm function to ensure that the sensors are not damp and have not failed.

Professional Maintenance Recommendations  

If the equipment experiences difficulties in starting up or lacks power, contact the professional after-sales team for in-depth maintenance by technical personnel.Heavy rain and overcast weather pose a significant challenge to construction machinery. Shandong Hightop Group always puts customer needs first, providing scientific maintenance plans and timely technical support to help equipment maintain stable performance in harsh environments. For more guidance, please visit our official website or call our service hotline for consultation. Safe construction starts with meticulous maintenance!