Ready for summer! And your machine… Is it truly prepared for the heat?

Heatwaves pose significant challenges, not only for people but also for machinery operating in construction sites, quarries, mines, and, in general, outdoor workplaces.

High temperatures can have a detrimental impact on the performance, lifespan, and integrity of all heavy machinery, including excavators, wheel loaders, rigid and articulated dump trucks, and bulldozers. Let’s examine the risks that heatwaves present and discuss essential tips on how to properly protect and maintain this equipment in challenging weather conditions.

L538 LIEBHERR

Understanding the Risks

Extreme heat can trigger a series of issues in machinery, affecting their operation and leading to costly breakdowns. Let’s examine some of these risks:

Engine Overheating

High temperatures can strain the cooling system. Excessive heat can push the engine to operate at dangerous temperatures, potentially resulting in severe damage.

Accelerated Wear and Tear

Extreme heat accelerates the wear of mechanical parts, electrical components, and seals, which in turn can reduce the overall equipment lifespan.

Decreased Performance

Machines may become less efficient in extreme heat, impacting productivity and increasing operational costs.

Preventive Maintenance and Cleaning

Comprehensive preventive maintenance before and during heatwaves is essential to keep the machinery in optimal condition. Here are some key measures:

  • Cooling System Inspection

Always ensure that radiators, coolers and ventilation systems are clean and free from obstructions. It’s crucial that fans work properly to ensure adequate cooling.

 

Radiador 423-03-41110

  • Fluid Control

    Maintain the proper levels of coolant and lubricants in the tanks according to the manufacturer’s specifications. High-quality fluids are essential to protect the machinery from high temperatures and friction.

Deposito 425-03-31532

  • Air Conditioning System (AC)

    We must ensure that the air conditioning system is functioning properly to provide the operator with a more comfortable and safe environment, which can also help maintain focus and reduce fatigue. To achieve this, we will check the refrigerant level, clean filters, inspect hoses and connections, and remember to perform periodic system tests before shifts where the machine will be exposed to high temperatures.

Controlador AC PC340LC-7K

Constant Temperature Monitoring

Implementing temperature monitoring systems can be vital to detect overheating issues in a timely manner and take preventive measures. Infrared thermometers and temperature sensors can provide real-time readings to identify potential hotspots.

Adjustment or Replacement of Components

An essential aspect of maintenance is regular inspection of the machine’s key components for signs of wear. We must replace and adjust worn-out parts to prevent unexpected breakdowns that may occur during work in extreme conditions, such as the high temperatures that some work sites can experience during the summer months.

Smart Scheduling

Planning heavy machinery operations based on weather forecasts can significantly reduce stress on the machine. Avoiding operation during the hottest hours of the day and performing the most intensive tasks in the early morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are lower, is beneficial.

Protection and Shelter

When the machines are not in use, it is advisable to keep them in shaded areas or under covers to protect them from direct sunlight. This can help reduce exposure to high temperatures and prevent damage to sensitive components, such as the electrical system, which can be vulnerable to overheating, leading to significant wear on the insulation materials of the wiring.

Operator Training

While we’ve primarily focused on machines, we cannot overlook the role of the operator. Training the operator on how to recognize signs of overheating and how to take corrective actions is essential. Operators should be attentive to warning signs and know when to stop the machine to prevent further damage.

Heat-Sensitive Components

Some components most sensitive to high temperatures in the summer are those subject to constant friction, involved in cooling processes, or containing materials that can degrade in extreme heat. For example:

  • Belts

Transmission belts, like alternator belts and fan belts, are susceptible to hardening, cracking, or breaking due to excessive heat. If they’re worn out, they can result in system failures and energy loss.

 

Polea Ventilador WA500-3

  • Hoses or Tubes

    Since they transport coolant, oils, and hydraulic fluids, hoses and tubes can become more susceptible to leaks and ruptures when exposed to high temperatures. If they are weak or damaged, they can cause a loss of essential fluids necessary for proper functioning.

Tubo L120F

  • Radiators

    Radiators and coolers are vital for the cooling system. If they become obstructed or damaged due to the accumulation of dirt, dust, or other contaminants, they can lead to engine overheating.

Radiador HD405-6

  • Thermostats

    Thermostats regulate the engine temperature by controlling the flow of coolant. If they fail due to extreme heat, they can cause overheating or inadequate cooling of the engine.

Termostato WA500-3

  • Seals and Gaskets

High temperatures can cause seals and gaskets to degrade, leading to leaks and contamination of critical fluids.

  • Oils and Lubricants

If of low quality, their viscosity can be affected under extreme heat, which impacts their ability to properly lubricate and protect moving parts.

  • Electrical Components

Some electrical components, such as relays, switches, cables, and connections, may experience overheating due to high temperatures, which could result in malfunction or failure.

Controlador PC210LC-7K

  • Fans

    While designed to assist in the cooling system, fans can also be affected by high temperatures. If fans do not operate properly or if they become obstructed, the cooling system may not be as efficient, increasing the risk of overheating.

Ventilador WA380-5H

In conclusion

Proper protection and maintenance of earthmoving and mining machinery during heatwaves are essential to ensure the safety, efficiency, and longevity of the equipment.

By understanding the risks and implementing preventive measures such as regular maintenance, temperature monitoring, and smart planning, we can minimize the negative impact of extreme heat. Let’s remember that these investments in care and prevention not only safeguard our assets but also protect the workers operating these machines, ensuring a safer and more productive work environment in any climatic conditions.

You can reach us at:

info@taopparts.com

www.TaopPart.com

 

A Glimpse into the Heart of Our Machines: Hydraulic Pumps

The hydraulic system is a vital component in earthmoving and mining machines, as it utilizes special fluids, usually hydraulic oil, that are under pressure.

This pressure, generated by the fluid, is essential to transmit the required power and enable the efficient operation of various components in the machines. In this way, it enables the control of actions and other crucial movements in the equipment’s operation.

VOLVO L

Components of the hydraulic system

Hydraulic pump: Converts mechanical energy into hydraulic energy, generating hydraulic flow that drives the operation of the components.

Hydraulic valves: Control direction, pressure, and flow, enabling precise movement of actuators.

Hydraulic cylinders: Transform hydraulic fluid energy into linear motion, driving lifting, pushing, and pulling actions. Among the top sellers at TAOP PARTS are:

Lift cylinder: Allows the movement of the boom and generates the force needed for lifting loads.

Steering cylinder: Enables control and change of the machine’s direction.

Boom cylinder: Provides lifting and tilting motion in heavy machinery, such as excavators, for excavation and loading tasks.

Bucket cylinder: Facilitates the movement of the bucket or other attachments.

Komatsu WA470-5

Hydraulic motors: They are responsible for converting hydraulic oil into circular motion, enabling the operation of elements such as wheels and tracks. In this way, the hydraulic system drives essential movements for the machine’s mobility and operation.

Volvo L220E

Hydraulic filters: Maintain fluid cleanliness, protecting the system components from potential damage caused by particles and contaminants.

Accumulators: Store hydraulic energy and release it when a temporary increase in pressure or flow is needed.

At TAOP PARTS, we offer all the hydraulic system spare parts, as well as a large stock of its main component, the hydraulic pump.

The hydraulic pump in Komatsu and Volvo machinery

What is it?

The hydraulic pump is a device that converts mechanical energy into hydraulic energy, generating the necessary fluid flow that drives the operation of the hydraulic system.

Volvo L180E

Types

Gear pumps

They are simple and economical, suitable for low-pressure and low-flow applications.

Axial piston pumps

Composed of multiple pistons or plungers (usually six or eight), they can handle pressures of around 380 bar. They offer higher efficiency and pressure capacity, making them ideal for demanding applications.

There are 2 types:

  • Variable displacement: With the same speed, the hydraulic fluid flow can vary.
  • Fixed displacement: Depending on the speed, the flow varies. Higher speed results in higher flow, and vice versa.

Vane pumps

Commonly used for fuel and/or oil transfer. They do not generate high pressure but provide a good flow rate.

Gear pumps

Composed of two gears, they have a constant flow rate. The flow rate increases with higher revolutions. They operate at a pressure of approximately 250kg.

How does a hydraulic pump work?

Typically, the hydraulic pump takes in fluid at low pressure and sends it out at high pressure, creating a continuous flow that activates the entire hydraulic system of the machine, including cylinders, main valves, hydraulic distributors, etc.

It has an inlet or suction port and a main pressure outlet (PP).

On the other hand, variable displacement piston pumps work differently, as they act by internal signal to vary the flow.

Our most popular pump models

Here are the models that our best-selling pumps fit:

Komatsu

708-1S-00230 for wheel loaders like WA470-5, WA480-5, and WA380-5.

Komatsu WA380-5

708-1S-00940 for wheel loaders like WA470-6, WA430-6 and WA380-6.

Komatsu WA380-6

15068597 for wheel loaders like L220D, L220E, L180E and L150E.

Volvo L150E

11709023 for wheel loaders like L220D, L150E and L180E.

Volvo L220D

In summary, the hydraulic system is a crucial component in earthmoving and mining machinery, with hydraulic pumps playing a vital role in its operation by generating the necessary hydraulic flow.

At TAOP PARTS, we understand the importance of supplying high-quality components for hydraulic systems. We offer a wide range of parts and spare parts for Komatsu and Volvo hydraulic systems. We work to ensure our customers’ machines perform at their best while promoting environmental protection and circular economy by giving our spare parts a second life.

Feel free to contact us!

TAOP PARTS

info@taopparts.com