As temperatures drop sharply with the arrival of early winter, construction equipment enters a challenging operating season. Whether your excavator is working through the cold or temporarily shut down, proper winter maintenance is essential to ensure reliability and extend equipment life. This winter care guide provides practical steps—starting with engine protection—to help your machine stay in peak condition throughout the season.

Cold starts require sufficient preparation time. After switching on the power, wait until the preheat indicator turns off before starting the engine. Each start attempt should last no longer than 10 seconds, with at least 60 seconds between attempts. If the engine fails to start after three attempts, stop immediately, identify the cause, and resolve the issue before trying again.

Once started, the engine should idle for 3–5 minutes to warm up, with slightly longer idle time in winter. Avoid accelerating or loading the engine immediately.

At the end of each workday, allow the engine to cool down at idle before shutting down completely. This helps ensure smoother starts the following day.

Before entering winter, check the engine coolant’s antifreeze temperature rating. If unsure, add an appropriate amount of concentrated coolant to prevent damage to the radiator or engine block. Using long-life coolant can extend replacement intervals up to six years or 12,000 hours and is conveniently available through authorized online parts stores and local service centers.

Switching to lower-viscosity engine oil—such as 10W-30 or 5W-40—is recommended for cold climates. For machines operating in milder winter regions, such as the Yangtze River Delta, oil changes can be determined based on local temperatures.

For machines equipped with a urea system, allow about three minutes after shutting off the key switch before cutting the main power. This ensures the urea pump can complete its reverse purge, preventing crystallization and potential line damage in low temperatures.

For equipment stored for extended periods, shut off the main power and start the engine at least once a month. Let it idle for five minutes and perform routine operational checks to keep the machine in optimal condition. If battery voltage drops, replace it promptly to avoid cold-weather starting issues.