- Precautions for Starting Equipment in Extreme Cold
Hydraulic System Anti-Freeze Measures
Replace hydraulic oil with low-temperature variants (recommended: ISO VG 32 or equivalent). Frozen oil can damage the pump.
Allow 5–10 minutes of no-load operation before use, warming the hydraulic system via slow lifts (some Russian regions reach -40°C).
Check hydraulic hose seals—rubber becomes brittle in cold; replace with cold-resistant seals.
Electrical System Maintenance
Battery insulation: Add thermal covers or remove batteries overnight, storing them above 5°C (common in northern Kazakhstan).
Inspect wiring insulation to prevent cold-induced cracks and short circuits.
Emergency Measures for Frozen Hydraulic Oil
Gradual Thawing
❌ Never use open flames on hoses/tanks (fire risk & seal damage).
✅ Correct approach:
Use industrial heaters (2+ meters away) to warm the tank gradually—no more than 10°C per 30 minutes.
In Kyrgyz mountains, build a temporary insulated tent + wrap hoses with explosion-proof heating pads.
Manual Circulation Assist
Operate the directional valve 10–15 times to break mild freezing (effective around -30°C in Kazakhstan).
If arms are fully stuck: Drain the low-pressure hose and flush with warm oil (<40°C) (professional required).
Backup Solutions
In extreme cold (e.g., Yakutsk), keep portable hydraulic oil heaters (ATEX-certified) for emergency tank heating.
Post-Thaw Checks
Item Standard Method/Tool
Oil water content ≤0.1% Visual inspection (clear on filter paper)
Pump noise No metal grinding Stethoscope + IR thermometer
Preventive Tips
In Arctic zones (e.g., Tyumen oil fields), install oil temp sensors + auto-heaters (linked to startup circuits).
Technical Note:
Hydraulic oil freezes 5–8°C above its listed pour point (e.g., standard VG46 may fail at -25°C, while HVLP oils work at -45°C).
Central Asia pitfall: Diluting oil with diesel (reduces lubrication, wears pumps faster).
- Daily Cold & Slip Management
Adapting to Conditions
Clear ice/snow from platforms; use anti-slip steel/rubber mats (common in Uzbekistan’s wet winters).
Halt work if winds exceed 10 m/s (Central Asian steppes face strong gusts).
Upgraded Lubrication
Apply -50°C grease (e.g., Molykote G-4700) to scissor joints weekly.
Coat rails/rollers with anti-freeze lubricant to prevent icing.
- Long-Term Storage Guidelines
Winterization Steps
Drain moisture from hydraulics + add anti-rust agents (critical in Siberia).
Retract arms to minimize stress on the frame.
Dust/Sand Protection
Cover critical parts (e.g., Turkmenistan’s windy deserts still spread abrasive sand).
- Regional Risks & Solutions
Kyrgyz valleys: Large day-night temperature swings—reinforce morning inspections.
Russian Far East: Fit certified auxiliary heaters for sub-Arctic operations. - Regulatory Standards
Complies with:
GOST R 55555-2018 (Russia’s winter machinery code).
Kazakhstan Labor Ministry’s Winter Equipment Safety Guide (Article 12.7).
