As temperatures rise during the summer, operators need to stay hydrated and prepared for heat-related conditions. Excavators working in high-temperature environments also require proper maintenance to ensure stable performance and efficient operation.

Here are several practical summer maintenance tips to help your excavator stay cool and productive throughout the hot season.

Check and Replace Coolant Regularly

Don’t let the name “antifreeze” mislead you—coolant is not only for winter use.

Its high boiling point helps prevent coolant from overheating during summer operations, making it essential for daily machine performance. To avoid your excavator “overheating,” regularly inspect coolant levels and replace or refill as necessary.

Always use the specified professional coolant and never mix different brands, as this may cause corrosion or blockage in the engine cooling system.

Inspect Brakes and Prevent Tire Blowouts

For wheeled excavators, high summer temperatures can increase tire pressure and raise the risk of blowouts during outdoor operation.

Regularly inspect braking performance and tire condition to reduce safety risks. However, never cool tires or brakes by pouring cold water directly onto them, as sudden temperature changes may cause serious equipment damage.

Clean the Radiator and Cooling Components

After long periods of operation, debris and dust can accumulate on the surfaces of the radiator, hydraulic oil cooler, and air-conditioning condenser.

These deposits reduce heat dissipation efficiency and may lead to overheating problems. During summer, regularly cleaning these components helps maintain stable operating temperatures and also improves cabin cooling performance for operators.

Operate Carefully in Waterlogged Conditions

Summer often brings heavy rain and sudden storms, making water-related operations more common.

When working in water, take extra precautions:

• If water rises above the slewing ring gear, replace the grease inside the gear ring immediately to prevent sand and debris contamination.
• Avoid tilting the excavator more than 15° during water operations to prevent the upper structure from entering the water and damaging the cooling fan or radiator system.

Proper summer maintenance not only protects equipment performance, but also extends machine lifespan and improves jobsite safety during extreme weather conditions.