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Common knowledge on the use and maintenance of small loaders during the running-in period
Jul. 16, 2025
After a small loader leaves the factory, it is generally stipulated that there is a running-in period (or running-in period) of about 12-50 hours, which is stipulated according to the technical characteristics of the small loader in the early stage of use.
The running-in period is an important link to ensure the normal operation of the small loader, reduce the failure rate, and extend its service life. However, at present, some users ignore the special technical requirements of the running-in period of the new machine due to lack of common sense in the use of loaders, or because of tight construction period, or because they want to make profits as soon as possible. Some users even think that the manufacturer has a warranty period anyway, and the manufacturer is responsible for repairing the broken machine, so the machine is overloaded for a long time during the running-in period, resulting in frequent early machine failures. Even when the warranty period is about to come, long-term operation ignores maintenance, and the failure is exposed as much as possible to obtain the manufacturer's warranty. During the last warranty period, the equipment is normal, and after the warranty period, frequent failures will not only affect the normal use of the machine, but also shorten the service life of the machine. Therefore, full attention should be paid to the use and maintenance of the loader during the running-in period.
1. Characteristics of the running-in period
1. Fast wear rate
Due to the influence of the processing, assembly and adjustment of new machine parts, the friction surface is rough, the contact area of the mating surface is small, and the surface force is uneven. During the operation of the machine, the concave and convex parts of the surface of the parts are embedded in each other and rubbed, and the metal chips dropped by grinding continue to participate in the friction as abrasives, further accelerating the wear of the mating surface of the parts. Therefore, the parts (especially the mating surfaces) are easy to wear and wear quickly during the running-in period. At this time, if the work is overloaded, the parts may be damaged and cause early failure.
2. Poor lubrication
Due to the small matching clearance of the newly assembled parts, the various operating modes, and the harsh natural conditions, it is difficult to ensure the uniformity of the matching clearance, and it is also difficult for the lubricating oil (grease) to form a uniform oil film on the friction surface to prevent wear. This reduces the lubrication efficiency and causes early abnormal wear of machine parts. In severe cases, it will cause scratches or surface ablation of the precision-matched friction surface, leading to the occurrence of failures.
3. Looseness occurs
There is a deviation between the geometry and assembly dimensions of the newly assembled parts. In the early stage of use, due to the impact, vibration and other alternating loads, as well as the influence of heat, deformation and other factors, coupled with excessive wear, it is easy to loosen the previously fastened parts.
4. Leakage occurs
Due to the looseness and vibration of machine parts and the influence of machine heating, the sealing joint surface and pipe joint of the machine will leak, and some casting, machining and other defects are difficult to find during assembly and debugging. However, due to the vibration and impact during operation, this defect is exposed and manifested as oil (water) leakage. So it is easy to leak during the running-in period.
5. There are many operating errors
Due to the lack of understanding of the structure and performance of the machine (especially for new operators), it is easy to cause failures due to operating errors, and even mechanical accidents due to rough operation; or it is not suitable for the operating mode and habits of different brands of equipment.
2. Application and maintenance during the running-in period
1. Small loaders are a special vehicle in construction machinery. Operators should receive training and guidance from the manufacturer, fully understand the structure and performance of the machine, and obtain certain operating and maintenance experience before operating the machine. The operation and maintenance manual provided by the manufacturer is necessary information for operators to operate the equipment. Before operating the machine, be sure to read the operation and maintenance manual and perform operation and maintenance as required.
2. Pay attention to the workload during the running-in period. Half of the workload during the running-in period should not exceed 70% of the rated workload. Appropriate workload should be arranged to prevent the machine from overheating the site due to long-term continuous operation and abnormal wear of various components.
3. Pay attention to the indications of each instrument, stop and eliminate abnormalities in time, and stop working before the cause is found and the fault is not eliminated.
4. Pay attention to regularly check the level and quality of lubricating oil, hydraulic oil, coolant, brake fluid, fuel (water), and check the sealing of the whole machine. If more oil and less water are found during the inspection, the cause should be analyzed. At the same time, the lubrication of each lubrication point should be strengthened. It is recommended to add grease to each lubrication point during the running-in period (except for special requirements).
5. Keep the machine clean, adjust and tighten loose parts in time to prevent parts from being worn or lost due to looseness.
6. At the end of the running-in period, perform mandatory maintenance, inspection and adjustment on the machine, and pay attention to changing the engine oil. It is recommended to replace various special oils of the manufacturer.
In short, the use and maintenance requirements of small loaders during the running-in period can be summarized as: strengthen operation, maintain various training, reduce load operation, pay attention to checking the working status of each part, and strengthen the lubrication of each part. As long as we pay attention to the maintenance of the loader during the running-in period as required, we will reduce the occurrence of early failures, extend the service life, improve work efficiency, and let the machine bring you more benefits.