Komatsu PC20R-8, Operation & Maintenance Manual

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PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN THE COLD SEASON
3.11.4 OTHER PRECAUTIONS
3.11.5 PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN AT THE END OF WORK
1 - When the ambient temperature decreases, the battery capacity decreases accordingly and, if the battery
charge is low, the electrolyte may freeze.
Keep the battery completely charged and insulate it to protect it against low temperatures, so that the machine
can be started without problems the following day.
2 - Measure the specific weight of the fluid and check the battery charge percentage, making reference to the fol-
lowing table:
3 - When the electrolyte level is low, add distilled water before starting work, rather than after work, in order to
prevent the fluid from freezing during the night.
CHARGE PER-
CENTAGE
FLUID TEMPERATURE
20°C 0°C -10°C -20°C
100% 1.28 1.29 1.30 1.31
90% 1.26 1.27 1.28 1.29
80% 1.24 1.25 1.26 1.27
75% 1.23 1.24 1.25 1.26
1 - Before using the machine in normal operating conditions, carry out some slow movements either forward and
in reverse, and operate all the work equipment cylinders slowly more than once.
These operations serve to warm up and fluidize the oil in the hydraulic circuit and the reduction gears.
1 - Completely remove mud and water from the machine body.
Park the machine on firm ground; if the machine must be parked near banks or ditches, park it on wooden
boards in order to distribute the weight of the machine on a larger surface.
2 - Be careful to water drops forming on the hydraulic cylinder rods: these drops must be completely removed,
since if they freeze the cylinder gaskets may be damaged.
After removing the water drops, protect the rods with oil.
3 - Drain the condensate that may have formed in the tank, to prevent the water from freezing during the night.
4 - Since the battery capacity may decrease considerably at low temperatures, after work cover the battery or re-
move it and store it at a suitable temperature.