Several common incorrect practices in lubricating construction machinery

The working sites of construction machinery are often construction sites with relatively harsh environments. After being used for a period of time, construction machinery should be subject to necessary maintenance and care to keep the equipment in good technical condition. In the user manual of the equipment, there are generally detailed requirements for adding lubricating oil to each lubrication point. When the sealing ring is worn, it needs to be replaced in time. However, in the investigation of actual usage conditions, it was found that some drivers and maintenance personnel often neglect the above requirements. Several common wrong practices are:

Do you need lubrication? Add a little oil, please!

Due to the differences in working methods and conditions of various parts of the equipment, there are strict requirements for the oiling cycle, the amount of oil added each time, and the method of oiling at each lubrication point. Drivers and maintenance personnel should strictly follow these requirements and not just add a little oil at will. Otherwise, it will be difficult to meet the lubrication requirements.

It has already been oiled. Is it still lacking lubrication?

The requirements for lubricants vary depending on the moving parts, working modes and ambient temperatures of the equipment. Different types and grades of lubricants should be added as required. Only by using lubricants that contain necessary additives and have the required physical and chemical indicators can the equipment be well lubricated. It is harmful to add oil randomly without checking the grade.

Is it okay to add more lubricating oil?

The structural type and usage condition of the moving parts of the equipment determine the amount of oil to be added. Usually, there are clear regulations and requirements in the equipment's user manual. Maintenance personnel should replenish lubricating oil in appropriate amounts according to the user manual, the oil gauge or dipstick configured on the equipment, and the viewing window, etc. Excessive addition of lubricating oil is more harmful than beneficial.

It dries quickly after adding lubricating oil!

Strictly speaking, this is a misunderstanding in concept. Only fuel directly participates in work. Adding lubricating oil generally refers to filling the concave and convex areas between the moving friction pairs with it and maintaining a certain thickness of lubricating oil film. This achieves the purpose of separating the two contacting surfaces of the friction pairs, reducing frictional resistance and wear. At the same time, it also has the functions of cooling the machine parts and sealing. These functions of refueling indirectly support the work done by fuel.

There's an oil leak. Should we replace the sealing ring?

In hydraulic systems, in most cases, oil leakage faults are caused by the failure of sealing rings. The sealing ring serves a sealing function through elasticity (pressure).

After the sealing ring is installed in place, when there is no oil pressure, its elasticity should be able to exert a pre-pressure on the contact surface, that is, its cross-section should have a certain degree of compressive deformation. When there is oil pressure, it is pressed to one side of the groove and plays a sealing role by elasticity and other means. When replacing the sealing ring, it is essential to strictly follow the instructions to select a sealing ring of the same size; otherwise, the appropriate compression degree and other requirements cannot be guaranteed. At the same time, it should be particularly noted that used sealing rings should not be used. When using new sealing rings, their surface quality should also be carefully inspected. Only after confirming that there are no defects such as small holes, protrusions, cracks and grooves and that they have sufficient elasticity can they be used. There's an oil leak. If you just replace the sealing ring carelessly, it's bound to cause trouble.

The model of the sealing ring is good. Just put it on?

When replacing the sealing ring, the open parts of the hydraulic system should be strictly cleaned first, and it is strictly forbidden for impurities and dirty oil to mix into the system. When installing, it is best to use special tools to prevent sharp metal edges or even fingernails from scratching it. It is strictly prohibited to directly pass the sealing ring over the threaded part of the component. In special circumstances, simple installation tools should be made by oneself or the threaded part should be wrapped with plastic film, and clean hydraulic oil of the same model should be applied to the outside of the tool or film. The saying "Just put it on" is essentially not feasible.

Spare sealing rings, can they just be left there casually?

Because the sealing ring contains a large amount of additives, it is prone to aging and deterioration. Therefore, when storing it, it is necessary to avoid direct sunlight, prevent it from getting damp or hot, and also ensure it does not come into contact with acidic or alkaline substances. Generally, the storage period should not exceed one and a half years. They must not be strung together with ropes or iron wires and hung for storage. Therefore, it is not acceptable to just leave the spare sealing ring idle.

The oil is dirty. Pour it out!

Apart from the rancid and deteriorated hydraulic oil, there is still a considerable amount of hydraulic oil and lubricating oil that can be utilized. Hydraulic oil that is merely mixed with metal particles can be reused after sedimentation and filtration. Heavily contaminated oil, after simple treatment, can be used for lubrication of rough processing equipment and rust prevention of outdoor equipment, or the waste oil can be collected and handed over for reuse. This can save energy and reduce waste. While simply pouring it down is convenient, it pollutes the environment and goes against the principle of sustainable development.