Hydraulic oils and engine oils can also be a concern in extreme cold conditions as they will thicken, which can increase the amount of system pressure, reduce lubrication, and decrease hydraulic performance. In climates that experience extreme cold, artic oils are recommended to ensure proper machine performance.
Archive for the 'Maintenance Tips' Category
Dec 2010
28
Diesel fuels tend to gel when temperatures drop below 30° F, causing restrictions in fuel lines. Ensure that you mix all fuel with conditioners that prevent wax crystals from forming in your fuel system. It is always good to ensure that you top-off your diesel tank each night to decrease the possibility of moisture build up in the tank.
Dec 2010
21
Proper radiator and coolant maintenance is extremely important in cold weather. Radiator and coolant maintenance, begins with ensuring that the radiator fins are free of any debris and coolant hoses are tight and not rubbing. When checking the antifreeze the best mix for most climates is a 50/50 ratio. This 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze will protect against freezing in temperatures as cold as -34° F. If you are in Artic conditions, more protection can be added up to a 60/40 mix. You should never go over a 68% mix, beyond this ratio the freeze point will start to rise. At 100 % antifreeze and no water the freeze point is 0° F.
Dec 2009
28
Use only ISO 15 mineral oil in the brake system of any Loadall or Backhoe. Regular dot three brake fluid will destroy the seals and produce costly repairs.
Dec 2009
21
Check and drain if necessary your fuel water separator daily. This could save you expensive repair of the fuel injection system as well as costly down time.
Dec 2009
14
If your machine is equipped with a/c then you should clean the cab filter daily. If you want to stay cool, you have got to stay clean.
Dec 2009
1
Hit the mark on getting more out of your equipment.
JCB North America would like to introduce a new series featuring Mark Coberly our North American Service Manager. In this series Mark will hit the mark on productivity, safety, operation, and getting more out of your equipment. We’ll be adding new videos throughout the year, that will give you great ideas on how to repair and maintain your heavy equipment, while maximize your machines performance and minimize downtime.
Our first video is a short introduction on what you should be doing to reduce maintenance cost on your backhoe loader by just performing a few daily checks, before operating your machine. Please remember to always reference your machines operator manual for fluid types and manufacture recommendations before performing any work on your machines.
JCB North America would like to hear ideas from you, so please send us any questions or suggestions that you may have to designworksusa@jcb.com
