How to Deal with High Oil Temperature in Excavators?
3 Answers
The method to address high oil temperature in excavators is to replace the tube-fin radiator with a plate-fin radiator. Excavators, also known as diggers, are earth-moving machines that use a bucket to excavate materials above or below the machine's bearing surface and load them into transport vehicles or discharge them to stockpiles. Excavators consist of a power unit, working device, slewing mechanism, control mechanism, transmission mechanism, and traveling mechanism, and are primarily used for digging soil, coal, sand, and other materials. Externally, excavators are composed of three main parts: the working device, upper slewing platform, and traveling mechanism. Based on their structure and purpose, they can be classified into: crawler type, tire type, walking type, fully hydraulic, semi-hydraulic, full rotation, non-full rotation, general-purpose, special-purpose, articulated type, telescopic boom type, etc.
I've operated excavators for over a decade and encountered high oil temperatures quite frequently, mostly due to radiator dust buildup or insufficient hydraulic oil. I remember one time working on a scorching hot day when the dashboard warning light turned red. I immediately stopped to inspect and found mud clogging the fan blades, blocking proper heat dissipation. After removing and rinsing it clean with water while topping up with fresh hydraulic oil, I let the machine cool for half an hour before restarting, which solved the problem. Prolonged high temperatures can easily damage hydraulic pumps and seals, leading to costly repairs, so I've developed the habit of checking oil levels before each shift and cleaning the radiator filter weekly. Don't underestimate these small tasks—they can save you from major overhauls. Never push through when oil temps are high as it risks safety incidents; the safest approach is parking in shade with fans running to cool down. Regular oil and filter changes are also crucial, and using premium brand oils provides better heat resistance.
As a mechanic, I have a set procedure for dealing with high oil temperatures in excavators. Simply put, it's about looking before acting. First, check the hydraulic oil level and top it up to the standard line if it's insufficient. Second, inspect whether the radiator is dirty—clogged fins are common and can be cleared with compressed air or rinsed with clean water. Third, measure the oil pump and circuit pressure; abnormal readings may indicate leaks or wear, requiring part replacement. I recommend carrying an infrared temperature gun to scan the radiator surface and oil pipe joints during operation, marking any excessively hot spots for timely repair. For routine maintenance, clean the cooling system monthly and use dust screens to reduce dirt accumulation, significantly lowering the risk of overheating. The labor cost is low but the effect is substantial. Also, pay attention to oil aging—change the oil every 500 hours to extend its lifespan. Safety first: if there's unusually loud noise during high-temperature operation, shut down the machine to cool it. If necessary, call for a tow truck to send it to a professional workshop for diagnosis—don't skimp on small expenses and end up losing big.
