As temperatures plummet across the Northern Hemisphere, Yantai Rocka Heavy Industry, a leading manufacturer of construction and demolition attachments, has issued a crucial advisory for operators and fleet managers on winterizing hydraulic breakers. Proper cold-weather maintenance is vital to prevent costly damage, ensure safety, and maintain the high performance and longevity of these essential tools.
Hydraulic breakers, often subjected to extreme stress, become particularly vulnerable in freezing conditions. Fluids thicken, metal contracts, and seals can become brittle, leading to potential failures, reduced efficiency, and increased wear. Yantai Rocka emphasizes that a proactive maintenance routine is the most effective strategy to avoid downtime during critical winter projects.
The key recommendations from Yantai Rocka’s technical team include:
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Fluid Management: Use the hydraulic oil and grease grades recommended by the breaker manufacturer, specifically those formulated for low-temperature operation. Ensure the carrier machine’s hydraulic system is thoroughly warmed up by operating at low to medium idle for 10-15 minutes before applying full power to the breaker.
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Daily Draining: Condensation accumulates in the breaker’s internal chambers. It is imperative to loosen the drain plug at the end of each working day to release any accumulated water or moisture before it freezes and causes casing or internal damage.
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Nitrogen Pressure Check: The nitrogen gas in the accumulator is critical for efficient operation. Cold weather can cause pressure to drop. Check and adjust the nitrogen pressure to the manufacturer’s specified level more frequently during winter.
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Seal and Lubrication Care: Inspect all seals for brittleness or cracks. Maintain a consistent and adequate lubrication schedule using winter-grade grease to protect the tool bushing and prevent metal-on-metal contact.
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Proper Storage: When not in use, store the hydraulic breaker in a dry, sheltered environment. Ideally, it should be placed indoors. If outdoor storage is unavoidable, use a waterproof cover and ensure the tool is positioned to prevent water ingress through the tool hole.
“A hydraulic breaker is a significant investment,” stated a Yantai Rocka spokesperson. “A simple, disciplined winter maintenance routine protects that investment. A few minutes of care each day can prevent thousands of dollars in repair costs and keep projects on schedule, even in the toughest conditions.”
The company advises all operators to consult their specific hydraulic breaker operation and maintenance manual for model-specific guidelines and to contact authorized Yantai Rocka service centers for professional inspections and support.