Uninterrupted and efficient operation of truck cranes in winter time depends primarily not only on the performance characteristics of a particular model, but also on how responsibly the work was done to prepare the machine for work in low temperatures.
Truck crane services are no less vulnerable to climatic changes than the use of passenger cars. At the same time, in time not carried out preparation of special equipment for winter work, often becomes the cause of its failure. When preparing a truck crane for winter work, you should pay attention not only to the automobile chassis, but also to the crane itself. Thus, for effective operation of truck cranes in low temperatures, it is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory works, which, as a rule, are combined with regular maintenance.
The work involves inspection of all systems and mechanisms of the machine, in particular the engine, the crane control system, the crane system and transmission units, and, of course, the cabin of the crane operator. First of all, check the operation of the thermostat, the presence of malfunctions of the coolant temperature gauge, the level of tension of the fan drive belt. Inspection of all these elements and correction of problems are made in order to prevent overheating or overcooling of the engine during operation, which leads to high fuel consumption.
The fuel tanks are flushed beforehand and refueled with special winter fuel. If any fuel system faults are detected, they must be eliminated. In addition to fuel, engine oils are also replaced. Winter oil varieties differ from summer oil in viscosity. Thus, summer oil thickens in the cold, and, as a consequence, the resistance force of the starter rotation increases. Ultimately, this can lead to its wear and tear and failure at the most inopportune moment. It is important to bring the density of the battery electrolyte to a value at which it will not freeze even at low temperatures (reduce its viscosity).
Otherwise, when the temperature drops, the electrolyte increases in volume and destroys the battery. Working fluids and lubricants, on which 90% of the crane unit operation depends, are replaced with the appropriate brand. If necessary, the hydraulic tank is additionally insulated with insulating materials. And, of course, of particular importance in the effective operation of the crane in winter time is the creation of comfortable conditions inside the cab of the crane operator. If the manufacturer did not provide for thermal insulation when equipping the cab, it and the heating system are installed during the preparatory pre-winter inspection.
