As temperatures rise in summer, wheel loaders often operate under high-temperature conditions, which can easily lead to overheating of the engine and hydraulic system, affecting work efficiency and even causing serious equipment damage. Based on practical maintenance experience and technical guidelines from Lugong Machinery Group, this guide details the key points of summer cooling system maintenance for wheel loaders, helping operators and maintenance personnel keep the equipment in good working condition and avoid unexpected failures.?
The first key step is to clean the radiator and hydraulic oil radiator regularly. Construction sites are usually dusty, and debris such as dust, willow catkins, and insects can easily block the radiator fins, reducing cooling efficiency. Before cleaning, it is crucial to ensure that the engine has completely cooled down to avoid scalding. Use a high-pressure air gun to blow from the inside of the radiator (fan side) outward, which can effectively blow out the debris stuck in the fins. If the radiator is seriously contaminated by oil, you can rinse it with a low-pressure water gun after blowing with air, but be careful not to use excessive water pressure, as this may damage the fragile cooling fins. In addition, it is necessary to check and clean the gaps between the radiator groups to ensure unobstructed airflow.?
The second step is to inspect and maintain the coolant. Coolant is the "blood" of the cooling system, and its main role in summer is to prevent boiling. Expired or low-quality coolant has a lower boiling point, which is prone to boiling, and may produce scale that clogs the pipeline. When the vehicle is cold, check the coolant level in the expansion tank to ensure it is between the maximum and minimum marks. At the same time, observe the color and cleanliness of the coolant-if it appears cloudy, has sediment, or contains oil, it should be completely replaced immediately. Follow the recommendations in the maintenance manual (usually every 2 years or 2000 operating hours) to replace the coolant, and never mix coolants of different brands, as this may cause chemical reactions and damage the cooling system.?
The third step is to check the fan belt. The fan belt drives the cooling fan to rotate, and its tightness directly affects the cooling effect. With the engine turned off, press the middle of the belt firmly with your thumb- the proper sinking amount should be between 10-15 mm. Carefully observe the surface of the belt for cracks, damage, or excessive wear; if any abnormalities are found, replace the belt immediately to avoid sudden belt breakage during operation, which would lead to engine overheating.?
Finally, pay attention to the daily operation and monitoring. During high-temperature operation in summer, operators should always pay attention to the water temperature and oil temperature readings on the dashboard. If abnormal temperatures are found, stop the wheel loader in a cool place and let it idle to cool down-do not turn off the engine immediately, as this may cause sudden high temperatures inside the engine and lead to damage. In addition, check the hydraulic oil level regularly and replace the hydraulic oil in a timely manner according to summer working conditions to ensure the normal operation of the hydraulic system and reduce heat generation.
