Ensure proper maintenance and upkeep of mechanical equipment, especially during the high-temperature summer season, to reduce repair costs and other abnormal expenses throughout the equipment's lifecycle, lower operating costs, extend service life, and help improve enterprise efficiency. This article specifically addresses the key points of summer maintenance for common mechanical equipment failures in summer.

The Importance of Mechanical Equipment Maintenance and Upkeep

 

　　To some extent, the importance of mechanical equipment management and maintenance mainly lies in the economic aspect. Generally, the maintenance technology for mechanical equipment is relatively simple and the costs are low. To ensure normal operation and extend the service life of mechanical equipment, it is necessary to reduce damage to its components. Overall, this means strengthening maintenance work. Moreover, this work not only significantly reduces unnecessary cost increases but also greatly enhances the economic benefits generated by construction enterprises.

　　Generally speaking, the shorter the usage time of mechanical equipment, the higher its operational reliability. The service life and reliability of mechanical equipment are inversely proportional. Typically, a decrease in reliability also indicates that the equipment is prone to problems, especially when some equipment suffers severe damage, leading to higher maintenance costs. As capital-intensive equipment, mechanical equipment involves high investment and operating costs. Therefore, to better realize the economic benefits of mechanical equipment, management and maintenance should be strengthened.

　　

 

Common Mechanical Equipment Failures in Summer

　　

　　01  Hydraulic System Failures

　　In high-temperature environments, hydraulic systems often experience pipe bursts, joint oil leaks, solenoid valve coil burnouts, hydraulic valve jams, and excessive noise. Systems using accumulators may suffer accumulator damage due to high hydraulic oil temperatures. Aging circuits in summer are more prone to outer insulation cracking caused by metal thermal expansion and contraction, leading to short circuits. Electrical components in control cabinets are also prone to failure in high temperatures, and key control parts such as industrial control computers may experience crashes, slow operation, or control failures.

　　02  Lubrication System Failures

　　When construction machinery operates for long periods under high temperatures, the lubrication system's performance deteriorates, oil easily degrades, and transmission systems such as the chassis are prone to wear. Additionally, the exterior paint, braking system, clutch, throttle control system, and metal structures are also affected.

　　03  Engine Failures

　　High temperatures mainly affect the engine by causing rapid temperature rise. Under high ambient temperatures, the engine is prone to overheating, which reduces oil viscosity and leads to mechanical failures such as cylinder scoring and bearing damage, while also lowering engine output power. Continuous high temperatures place strict demands on radiator permeability, requiring the cooling system to operate under high load continuously, which shortens the lifespan of components like cooling fans and water pumps. The air conditioning compressor and fan are used especially frequently, increasing the likelihood of failure.

　　04  Other Failures

　　In summer, high temperatures and humidity can cause battery explosions if vent holes are blocked due to increased internal pressure. Tires working in high temperatures not only wear faster but may also burst due to increased internal pressure. Transmission belts lengthen in summer, causing slippage and accelerated wear; failure to adjust timely can lead to belt breakage. Small cracks in the cab glass may expand or even shatter due to large temperature differences inside and outside or water splashes.

 

Summer Maintenance Measures for Mechanical Equipment

 

　　01 On-site Emergency Handling of High-Temperature Failures

　　"Boiling over" is one of the most common high-temperature failures in construction machinery. When the water temperature is too high, do not hastily open the radiator cap to cool it, as hot water may spray out and cause injury. Allow natural cooling before refilling water. According to operational experience and machinery operation specifications, when operators find the engine "boiling over," they should immediately stop work but not turn off the engine. Let the engine idle, fully open all louvers to increase airflow, allowing the water temperature to gradually drop under the cooling fan's effect and release the large amount of bubbles generated in the cooling system.

　　

 

　　After idling the engine for a few minutes and the water temperature has dropped and is no longer boiling, wrap the radiator cap with a towel or gauze soaked in water, carefully unscrew the radiator cap slightly to release steam. Once steam release is complete, fully unscrew the radiator cap. During this process, keep your arms covered and avoid your face above the filling port to prevent burns from hot water spray. If the engine has stalled, quickly restart it and let it idle. If it cannot be restarted after stalling, close the throttle and use a hand crank to turn the crankshaft. If no hand crank is available, intermittently use the starter motor to move the piston up and down several times to dissipate heat inside the cylinder through intake and exhaust ventilation.

　　When adding coolant, it is best to use the same type as in the radiator and avoid adding tap water unless in an emergency. When adding cooling water to the radiator, wait until the water temperature drops to about 70°C before proceeding. Use a "gradual water addition method" to slowly reduce the temperature rather than adding water too quickly at once. Add water slowly while the engine idles, ensuring a steady flow to guarantee the safety of both operators and equipment.

　　When the brake or other parts are overheated, do not use water to cool them, as this will reduce their lifespan and performance, causing deformation or even cracking of parts. Therefore, the machine must be stopped and allowed to cool naturally.

　　02 Daily Maintenance Key Points for Mechanical Equipment in Summer

　　1. Perform thorough preliminary maintenance on construction machinery

　　At the start of summer, it is best to conduct comprehensive maintenance on construction machinery, including replacing the three filters and engine oil, replacing or adjusting belts, and checking the reliability of fans, water pumps, generators, and compressors. Perform maintenance, repairs, or replacements as necessary. For machinery operating in high-temperature areas, increase the oil viscosity grade appropriately and check whether the cooling and fuel systems are unobstructed. Replace aging wires, plugs, and hoses, inspect and tighten fuel lines to prevent leaks, and clean oil and dust from the engine body to ensure the engine operates lightly and dissipates heat well.

　　2. Ensure proper lubrication work

　　Equipment lubrication is one of the important methods to prevent wear and failure of equipment components.

　　Lubrication plays an important role in mechanical transmission and equipment maintenance. Lubrication can affect equipment performance, accuracy, and lifespan. The implementation of lubrication must first achieve the "Five Fixed, Three-Level Filtration" principle: lubricate according to the specified time, lubricant operator, lubricant type, location, and quantity; control filtration during storage, distribution, and refueling. This reduces friction and wear, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the equipment.

　　During the high-temperature summer season, the lubrication timing should be adjusted first, shortening the time by 0.5 to 1 times compared to spring and autumn, while continuously monitoring the oil quality. Grease oils are sensitive to temperature changes; if the temperature rises, add oil appropriately (no more than three pumps with a grease gun). If after adding oil the temperature rises slightly and then gradually decreases, it proves the lubrication is effective. The bearing's internal lubrication was insufficient, causing the temperature to rise. If the temperature remains unchanged or only rises after adding oil, it indicates the bearing is worn, severely lacking oil, or the oil inside has become dry. Therefore, for grease lubrication, adjust the lubrication timing, create a lubrication plan, schedule the time, and execute it on time.

　　For liquid oils, attention should be paid to oil emulsification. In the high-temperature summer season, lubricating oil operates long-term in environments over 20 degrees higher than in spring, autumn, and winter. The oil continuously heats and cools in a non-sealed environment. Since the oil is a hydrocarbon, water can form, causing the oil to emulsify. Emulsified oil greatly reduces viscosity and significantly decreases the efficiency of the original film on the lubricated parts. Consequently, friction forces increase exponentially. Therefore, liquid oils also require a good lubrication plan, careful inspection, and proactive prevention to achieve predictive maintenance.

　　

 

　　3. Planned Maintenance

　　Planned maintenance refers to creating inspection and repair plans to prevent equipment failures and wear by summarizing the patterns of equipment wear and failure. The maintenance plan must be targeted, covering all parts of the equipment that may experience wear or failure, with step-by-step inspection, measurement, analysis, and summary. Planned maintenance is the most important method in equipment management. When used well, it can keep all equipment in a stable state, and personnel can participate in equipment work in an orderly manner. If used poorly, it results in futile daily rushes, and personnel working without order will reduce efficiency and work enthusiasm.

　　4. Condition-Based Maintenance

　　Through all monitoring methods, equipment shows a trend; temperature, displacement, and other indicators reflect the equipment's operating status. By collecting and analyzing these data, we can clearly see whether the equipment is running stably or declining. Generally, equipment operates under relatively stable conditions with a slight gradual decline in status. What should be done is to urgently halt the downward trend, allowing all parts to be maintained under excellent and qualified cooperation. This can reduce labor intensity, prevent accidents, and reduce wear, thereby contributing modestly to the company's economic benefits.

　　Conclusion

　　In summary, summer maintenance and care of mechanical equipment should follow the principles of timeliness, rationality, and comprehensiveness to facilitate equipment operation and adapt to external temperature and working conditions. Equipment tracking management is needed to grasp performance dynamics and formulate maintenance plans that combine targeted and general approaches.