The impact of low temperatures on cranes

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It is currently the period when cold fronts move southward, and low temperatures have long become a common feature in most parts of the Northern Hemisphere. So what effects do these low temperatures have on cranes that operate in such areas? 1. Difficulties in starting the crane engine: The starting performance of an engine determines the minimum temperature at which it can start properly. However, the engine’s ability to start in low temperatures is influenced by factors such as the viscosity of the engine lubricant, the flow properties of gasoline/diesel at low temperatures, and the performance of the battery pack at low temperatures. The lower the temperature, the more these factors are affected, and consequently, it becomes more difficult to start the crane engine. 2. The metal components of cranes are prone to brittle fracture, which can lead to accidents: Under normal circumstances, the allowable operating temperature range for mechanical equipment is from -20°C to +40°C. However, in low-temperature environments below -20°C, the material properties of these metal components are affected; due to increased cold brittleness, it becomes very easy for the metal components of cranes to suffer from brittle fracture. 3. Accelerated wear of cranes: In low-temperature environments, the wear that occurs in cranes is mainly related to wear in the engine cylinders. This is primarily due to starting the engine in cold conditions; incomplete combustion of fuel and reduced lubrication properties of the oil all contribute to increased wear, especially on the cylinder walls of the engine.