As summer arrives, it brings with it frequent extreme weather conditions such as typhoons, heavy rains, and flooding. On June 2, China’s National Meteorological Center issued its 30th consecutive day of heavy rain warnings—an unusually prolonged weather alert in recent years.
Facing natural disasters such as river overflows, flash floods, and landslides, excavator operators must remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions to ensure safety and protect equipment.
Key Precautions for Excavator Operation in the Rainy Season
1. Assess Ground Conditions Before OperationBefore starting any construction, inspect the surrounding environment for soft or muddy ground that could lead to the excavator becoming stuck. A basic method involves inserting a bamboo pole into the soil—if the pole sinks easily more than 1 meter without resistance, the area is likely muddy and unsuitable for normal operations.
2. Observe Mountain Terrain Before Work
In mountainous regions, carefully observe the slopes for signs of potential landslides or mudslides. Check for fractured terrain, irregular excavations or dumping, poor vegetation growth, or muddy runoff, all of which may indicate unstable conditions.
3. Stop Immediately If Sinking Occurs
If the excavator begins to sink, stop the machine immediately. Use the boom to support the chassis and prevent further sinking. Reverse along the original path rather than moving in a new direction.
4. Maintain Visibility and Safety During Rain
Stay alert at all times while operating in the rain. At night, ensure that all lights—headlamps, work lights, top lights, instrument panel lights—and the wipers are functioning properly to maintain safety.
5. Park in a Safe, Elevated Location After Work
Always park the excavator on higher, stable ground away from potential landslides or rising water levels. Keep the machine fully fueled to allow for immediate evacuation if necessary.
Excavator Storage Tips During the Rainy Season
1. Indoor Storage PreferredIf conditions allow, store the machine indoors in a dry location. Clean the machine thoroughly to remove mud and debris.
2. Secure Fuel and Hydraulic Caps
If parked outdoors, ensure that fuel and hydraulic tank caps are tightly sealed to prevent rainwater from entering and contaminating the system.
Conduct a full inspection and repair any worn or damaged components. Replace parts as necessary to avoid failures when operations resume.
4. Protect Hydraulic Cylinders and Undercarriage
Clean the air filter, lubricate all grease points, and retract all hydraulic cylinders if possible. If not, coat the exposed cylinder rods with grease to prevent corrosion. Place the tracks on long, stable blocks for support.
5. Battery Maintenance
Fully charge the battery, then either remove and store it in a dry, safe place or disconnect the negative cable to prevent power drainage.
Check the engine oil dipstick's rubber seal for wear and ensure the oil filler port is secure. When parked outdoors, cover it with a plastic bag if needed to prevent rainwater from entering the engine oil.
