Can you use "coolant"?

Crawler cranes also require coolant, and improper use of coolant can lead to damage to critical components, resulting in significant losses.

Today we will discuss a few points regarding the precautions for using coolant.

1. The freezing point is one of the most important performance parameters of a coolant. Currently, the freezing points of commercially available coolants mostly range from -25°C to -45°C. The freezing point of the coolant should be approximately 10°C lower than the lowest temperature in the region where the crawler crane is located to achieve a better antifreeze effect.

2. The boiling point is another crucial performance parameter of coolant, effectively preventing the engine from "boiling over." Since the boiling point of a liquid decreases with increasing altitude, a coolant with a higher boiling point should be selected for crawler cranes operating in high-altitude regions.

3. Even if the main components are the same, antifreeze from different brands and models may have varying additive formulations and should not be mixed to avoid chemical reactions, sedimentation, or bubble formation, which can significantly reduce the coolant's performance and damage the machinery. If switching to a different coolant, it should be replaced entirely at once, and the cooling system should be cleaned during the replacement process.

4. Regular replacement is necessary. After prolonged use, the performance of the coolant will degrade, which can easily lead to poor heat dissipation. In severe cases, it may cause the radiator to "boil over," and the damage this can inflict on the engine is well understood by every crawler crane operator.

A boiling radiator is extremely dangerous and, in severe cases, can lead to hose bursts and coolant splashing, thereby damaging the engine. Typically, the replacement cycle for antifreeze is 1-2 years.