In the endless snowy and frozen lands of Russia, winter cold is a severe test for construction machinery, especially small excavators. To ensure that these small but powerful machines can still operate efficiently in extreme cold conditions, technological innovation and careful maintenance have become two indispensable pillars.
The engine, as the heart of a small excavator, has an insulation and heating system that is of great importance at low temperatures. For this reason, engineers have equipped the engine compartment with highly efficient thermal insulation materials, as if wearing a layer of special down jacket, effectively blocking the attack of cold air from the outside world. At the same time, the integrated pre-heating insert acts as a warming furnace, heating the engine before starting, ensuring the right viscosity of the oil, reducing wear during cold starts and making every ignition smooth and trouble-free.
The modification of the fuel system focuses on the waxing and solidification of diesel fuel at low temperatures. By using specialised diesel fuel with a high freezing point, this specially formulated fuel maintains good fluidity even at temperatures as low as minus several tens of degrees Celsius, ensuring the continuity of the fuel supply and avoiding power loss or breakdowns due to frozen fuel.
The choice of hydraulic oil is also crucial, which directly affects the flexibility and responsiveness of the hydraulic system of the small excavator. In extremely cold environments, hydraulic fluids need to have excellent low-temperature performance, including a low freezing point, high viscosity index and good lubricity. Synthetic hydraulic fluids are the ideal choice because of their excellent low-temperature properties and anti-wear protection, effectively guaranteeing the stable operation of the hydraulic system in the cold.
For exposed rubber hoses and seals, low temperatures can cause the material to become brittle, increasing the risk of breakage. Therefore, these parts are replaced with cold-resistant special rubber products, which can maintain flexibility and elasticity at low temperatures to ensure that the sealing performance is not affected, thus guaranteeing the reliability and safety of the entire hydraulic system.
The battery, as the starting source of the mini excavator, loses power faster in the cold environment. In order to prolong battery life and ensure reliable starting, the mini excavator is equipped with a specially designed battery heating system and thermal insulation sleeve. These devices maintain the battery at the proper operating temperature, reducing power loss and ensuring a quick and powerful start every time.
Through these targeted technical upgrades and meticulous maintenance measures, the small excavators can also be revitalised in the icy conditions of Russia. They are not only able to work continuously and stably in the extremely cold environment, but also inject inexhaustible power for Russia’s infrastructure construction and economic development.