In industrial and mining environments, loaders (whether wheeled or tracked) often face complex and harsh ground conditions. Muddy/soft soil and snow/ice conditions are particularly challenging, each presenting its own unique characteristics in terms of slippage/sinking risks, equipment wear, and operational strategies. These harsh environments not only test the mechanical performance of the equipment but also place extremely high demands on operational procedures. This article systematically analyzes the different precautions for wheeled/tracked loaders operating in muddy and snowy environments from four dimensions: ground conditions, equipment adaptability, operating procedures, maintenance, and safety management, highlighting the similarities and differences between the two. It aims to provide a reference for equipment selection, operator training, and on-site management.
1.1 Muddy Conditions
Muddy ground is usually caused by precipitation, groundwater overflow, damage to soft soil structure during operations, or failure to level the ground promptly after the process ends. The ground bearing capacity decreases sharply, and the soil adhesion coefficient drops significantly. At this point, the soil is saturated, with high moisture content, reduced load-bearing capacity, and a low coefficient of friction. Loaders are prone to slippage and sinking during loading, especially when using the V-shaped loading method. Frequent forward, loading, backward, and unloading cycles significantly increase the risk of the equipment getting stuck in the mud. Simultaneously, the mud-water mixture accelerates wear at the hinge points of the working device, affecting the precise control of the bucket. Loaders face the following challenges under these conditions:
Reduced ground load-bearing capacity makes loaders prone to settling or getting stuck.
Lower friction between tires (or tracks) and the ground leads to slippage and difficulty in steering.
Mud easily adheres to the underside of tires/tracks, and mud accumulation affects traction and steering.
Splashing mud and water during operation causes mud and sand to adhere to the external parts of the equipment, especially the lower structure, tracks, and tensioner wheels, leading to accelerated wear or jamming.
Operator visibility may be affected by splashing mud and water, increasing safety risks.
1.2 Ice and Snow Operating Conditions
Ice and snow environments include scenarios such as snow cover, icy surfaces, frozen soil, ice-water mixtures, and snow melting followed by refreezing. The coefficient of friction on icy and snowy surfaces is only 1/7 to 1/5 that of dry surfaces. This extremely low friction leads to increased braking distance and a higher probability of loss of steering control. Low temperatures can also cause diesel fuel to solidify and hydraulic oil viscosity to increase, directly affecting engine starting performance and the response speed of working devices. The main challenges in this environment are:
Extremely low coefficient of friction: Tires or tracks are prone to slipping, skidding, and loss of steering control on ice or snow.
Hidden obstacles on the ground (such as potholes under ice, rocks, frozen soil protrusions, and snow-covered areas) – increasing the risk of overturning or equipment damage.
Cold temperatures affect hydraulic oil, engine warm-up, and the elasticity of tire/track materials: for example, track rubber hardens, tension changes, and frozen snow and ice may jam the substructure.
The snowmelt-refreezing process can cause mud and ice/snow to intersect (e.g., snowmelt forms water, mixes with mud, and then refreezes), creating a double-complex working condition.
1.3 Differences between Muddy and Ice/Snow Conditions
To more clearly see the similarities and differences between the two, a brief comparison can be listed first:
|
project |
Key points of muddy working conditions |
Key points of ice and snow working conditions |
|
Ground bearing/friction |
Low load-bearing capacity, slippage, getting stuck |
Extremely low friction, slippage, and obstacle concealment |
|
Accumulation at the bottom of the equipment |
Mud accumulation and mud erosion |
Ice and snow, water and ice alternation cause ice accumulation and freezing blockage. |
|
Material/Hydraulic Effects |
Sludge and high humidity cause lubrication problems |
Low temperatures cause high viscosity of hydraulic oil and increased rigidity of rubber. |
|
Operational strategy |
Slow down, avoid getting stuck, choose wide tires/tracks |
Extremely slow speed, avoid sharp turns, control skid, warm up, de-icing. |
|
Security risks |
Stuck in the mud, tilted, poor visibility |
Slippage, overturning, hidden crater, freezing shutdown |
Next, we will analyze the operational precautions in detail.
2.1 Preparatory Work and Equipment Adaptation
Selecting the appropriate model and configuration: When operating on large areas of muddy ground (such as mining sites, quarries, and coal tailings areas), priority should be given to scenarios with low load-bearing capacity and soft ground. It is recommended to use wide-tracked loaders with a large ground contact area and low ground pressure, or loaders equipped with wide-wheeled wheels. The literature states that "wide tracks enhance buoyancy and traction, making them an important means of traversing soft ground."
Pre-operational Condition Survey: Before operation, the operator should observe the following on-site: mud depth, water content, presence of water-filled pits, thickness of the soft soil layer, and risk of subsidence along the route. This step helps in selecting the optimal driving path and avoiding getting stuck.
Inspect the Equipment's Substructure: Before operation, clean mud residue from tires/tracks, tracks, drive gears, tensioning mechanisms, etc., ensuring there are no entangled objects to prevent obstruction or jamming. Especially in muddy environments, mud accumulation at the bottom can rapidly reduce traction efficiency.
2.2 On-site Operation Strategies
Control Speed and Load: When driving on muddy surfaces, reduce speed appropriately and avoid sudden acceleration and sharp turns, as these will exacerbate slippage, sinking, and even getting stuck. It is recommended that the bucket load not be too full, keeping it below the equipment's rated value to reduce ground pressure. Avoid abrupt acceleration, deceleration, and steering; throttle operation should be gentle and smooth. Traditional wheel loaders, when frequently started and stopped, experience significant throttle input and output from the operator, causing the engine to frequently operate in an inefficient range, increasing fuel consumption.
Route Selection and Driving Method: Prioritize hardened, compacted, or drained routes, avoiding repeated trips through deep, soft mud. When encountering waterlogged or muddy areas, detour or lay temporary gravel mats, planks, or steel plates to enhance load-bearing capacity. Operate in a straight line as much as possible to avoid skidding.
Avoid Wheel or Track Slippage: Slippage (driving without moving forward) will quickly cause the loader to sink into the mud and place a high load on the drive system. Literature suggests: If slippage is felt, stop immediately, lower the load, and try slight back-and-forth swaying to extricate yourself.
Loading/Unloading Location Selection: On soft ground, loaders should choose the hardest possible platform for loading or unloading. Loading with the load pressing down from the front increases ground pressure and makes the loader prone to sinking. Loading locations should be on hard surfaces or with a prepared subgrade. Use a layered loading method to reduce single-cutting resistance. When inserting the bucket into the material pile, maintain a straight-line movement, fully utilizing the loader's linkage mechanism to allow the bucket to move vertically.
Precautions for driving after loading: When driving after loading, lower the boom appropriately to keep the load center as low as possible (lowering the center of gravity), which is beneficial for stability. Avoid driving with the load raised on soft ground, as this increases the risk of overturning or getting stuck.
Self-rescue techniques: When a slight sinking occurs, quickly alternate between bucket digging and unloading actions, using the reaction force of the working device to help the equipment get out of trouble.
2.3 Handling when stuck or slipping
Prepare towing or auxiliary equipment: In muddy environments, prepare towing straps, steel plates, wooden planks, and gravel blocks before operation for a quick response if the equipment gets stuck in the mud.
Correct extrication method: When the loader is stuck, do not accelerate suddenly or force it to run, as this will only deepen the stagnation. First, reduce the load (unload some material), lower the boom to the ground, try slow back-and-forth swinging, lay down pads or gravel to enhance traction, and then slowly start to disengage. Literature suggests using a trailer to pull it out, but a dedicated towing point and compliant towing equipment should be used.
Avoid damaging the equipment: When the equipment is difficult to untangle, forceful pulling may damage the chassis, tracks, and drive gears. It is recommended to assess whether to call for larger equipment for assistance, or to clean the mud and unload the load before trying again.
2.4 Post-operation maintenance and inspection
Clean the understructure: After each day's work, especially in muddy environments, thoroughly clean the understructure: tracks, tires, chains, tensioning system, drive gears, etc., removing mud, water, and gravel. Failure to clean in time will cause accelerated wear, jamming, and even malfunction.
Inspect wear: Focus on checking tire tread wear, track rubber cracks, drive gear tooth wear, and whether the tensioner is normal. Mud work accelerates the wear of these components. If serious damage is found, repair or replace the affected parts promptly.
Lubrication and Corrosion Prevention: Mud and water often contain corrosive substances (such as minerals, chemicals, and salts). Articulation points and connecting pins should be lubricated and protected against corrosion to ensure smooth operation even in humid environments.
Drainage and Site Inspection: After operation, it is recommended to check the work path and parking area for water accumulation or softening. Avoid leaving the loader parked in mud or water for extended periods to prevent sinking or mud and water seeping into the chassis.
3.1 Preparatory Work and Equipment Adaptation
Equipment Preheating and Cold Start Procedures: In low-temperature environments, hydraulic oil viscosity increases, engine starting resistance increases, and the elasticity of tracks or tire rubber decreases. It is recommended to run the equipment under low load for a period of time after starting to warm it up before operation. Literature indicates that "temperatures below approximately 7°C are considered winter conditions and require special attention."
Icing and Snow Removal and Anti-skid Equipment: For wheeled loaders, consider snow tires, chains, and traction spikes; for tracked models, remove ice and snow from the tracks to prevent track jamming or drive failure due to freezing.
Working Condition Survey: After snowfall or on frozen ground, clear coverings (such as snow and ice layers) and check for hidden pits, soft soil under snow, and water bodies under ice. This step can prevent the equipment from entering hazardous areas.
Adjust Equipment Configuration: In icy and snowy conditions, minimize the bucket height to ensure a low center of gravity; select tracks or tires with high hardness and good grip. If conditions permit, add accessories such as anti-slip tracks and chains.
3.2 On-site Operation Strategies
Control Travel Speed and Smooth Movement: On icy/snowy roads, sudden acceleration, sudden braking, and sharp turns can easily lead to skidding or rollover. Low-speed, smooth operation is recommended. After installing anti-slip chains, the travel speed should not exceed 50 km/h, and sudden braking, rapid forward movement, and sharp turns should be avoided.
Straight Up and Down, No Lateral Movement: On slopes or icy inclines, travel straight up or down, avoiding lateral sliding. The center of gravity should always point towards the more stable side, i.e., when heavily loaded, the loaded end should face uphill. Similar to general loader safety regulations.
Avoid Freezing and Sinking: On snowmelt or thin ice-covered muddy ground, the machine is very prone to "falsely hardening" and sinking into the ground. Avoid prolonged stops on seemingly icy ground or submerging the boom in water—such operations may cause the equipment to sink or freeze and become stuck.
Enhanced Visibility and Obstacle Identification: Visibility is limited in snowy conditions, making obstacles (such as snow-covered rocks, curbs, and potholes) harder to spot. Operators should slowly patrol, clear their field of vision, and mark danger zones.
Special Equipment Application: Specialized equipment such as snowplows can be used for snow removal. For example, the snowplow loader offered by Luyu Heavy Industry features a reinforced structural design and can effectively clear snow from roads.
Emergency Handling: When operating on slopes, maintain a low and steady speed and plan an escape route in advance. If signs of skidding are detected, steer slightly and reduce throttle; avoid sharp turns.
3.3 Handling Slippage, Lateral Movement, or Freezing and Jamming
Reducing Load and Lowering the Bucket for Escape: If slippage begins, immediately lower the boom to the ground, unload or significantly reduce the load, and attempt to slowly swing back and forth to disengage. Avoid sudden acceleration or hard throttle input.
Auxiliary anti-slip measures: Consider laying anti-slip mats, gravel, or wooden planks before contact with the ground, or spreading sand/salt (depending on local environmental requirements) to enhance traction.
Avoid freezing the parking position: Prolonged parking in snow or melted snow may cause the equipment to freeze to the ground after cooling, resulting in difficulty starting or jamming. It is recommended to park on hard, solid ground and perform snow removal/drying after parking. Literature mentions that "parking in muddy/loose snow areas may cause the equipment to 'freeze to the ground'."
3.4 Post-operation maintenance and inspection
Thoroughly clean the underside and tracks/tires: Snow, water, salt dispersants, and ice easily adhere to the underside of the equipment, and prolonged residue can lead to corrosion, wear, and jamming. Timely cleaning and drying are necessary.
Inspect rubber parts, hydraulic system, and lubrication system: In low-temperature environments, rubber is prone to hardening and increased risk of cracking; if the hydraulic oil viscosity is too high, it will cause sluggish system response. Use the recommended low-temperature oil as specified by the manufacturer, and check the filter, antifreeze, etc.
Check the battery and starting system: Battery capacity decreases in cold environments, making starting difficult. It is recommended to check the battery, starting system, and install a preheater (if available) before winter.
Parking location and covering: When parking, choose a location free of snow accumulation, meltwater, and standing water, on firm ground. For long-term parking, it is recommended to use a snow cover, mulch, or move the equipment indoors or to a covered location to reduce the risk of snow intrusion or freezing.
4.1 Wheeled Loaders
Advantages: High mobility, relatively high speed, easy tire maintenance.
In muddy conditions: Wheeled models are more prone to sinking and have poor traction; wide tires + low-pressure tires are recommended. They are better suited to relatively hardened ground.
In icy and snowy conditions: Tires are significantly affected by ice and snow slippage, but traction can be improved by using snow chains, studs, and sandbags for weighting.
Selection Recommendation: If the work site is relatively hardened, has high traffic volume, and requires rapid reversal, wheeled loaders are preferred. However, caution should be exercised in severely muddy conditions or frequent freeze-thaw cycles.
4.2 Tracked Loaders
Advantages: Large ground contact area, low ground pressure, good buoyancy, suitable for soft and muddy terrain.
In muddy conditions: Tracked loaders have a clear advantage, with a low risk of slippage and getting stuck. However, their lower structure (tracks, tensioners, racks) is sensitive to mud accumulation, requiring frequent cleaning and maintenance.
In icy and snowy conditions: Tracked models perform excellently on deep, slippery snow, but on hard ice, slippage is possible due to varying ground pressure distribution; moreover, the risk of snow/ice entering the track mechanism and causing jamming is higher. Literature indicates that "low ground pressure is an advantage on snow, but it makes slippage easier on hard ice." Selection Recommendations: Tracked loaders are recommended for work sites with muddy, water-saturated, and soft roadbeds. For sites with frequent icy/snowy conditions but a high proportion of hardened ground, tracked loaders can still be considered if appropriate anti-skid attachments are used.
4.3 Summary of Selection and Operation Recommendations
In environments with soft mud, high water content, and no hardened surfaces: Wide-tracked loaders are preferred.
In scenarios with deep snow, mixed wet snow, and mostly soft ground: Tracked loaders equipped with anti-skid devices.
In scenarios with predominantly hardened surfaces and only occasional mud or snow: Wheeled loaders with snow chains/anti-skid tires are a flexible option.
Regardless of the type of machine, emphasis should be placed on site surveys, route planning, configuration of anti-skid/anti-sinking equipment, operator training, and routine maintenance.
Operators must be familiar with the operating manual provided by the equipment manufacturer and receive specialized training for muddy/snowy conditions. Special attention should be paid to understanding the specific techniques for speed, load, steering, and braking when operating on soft ground or in icy/snowy conditions.
Develop a pre-operation condition assessment process, including assessing ground water saturation, snow/ice cover depth, path hardness, and equipment status. Ensure management approval is obtained before entering high-risk operating conditions.
During operations, maintain the principles of "low bucket position," "slow speed," and "smooth operation," and strictly prohibit sharp turns, sudden braking, and rapid acceleration in soft mud or icy/snowy areas.
Maintenance and servicing procedures must be strengthened: daily cleaning of the understructure, regular inspection of tracks/tires, hydraulic systems, cold start systems, batteries, etc. Especially during icy/snowy seasons, antifreeze measures, equipment covering, and snow removal after shutdown are essential.
Periodic inspections: Strengthen the detection of "three leaks" (oil leaks, water leaks, and air leaks). Anti-skid chains should be equipped on the vehicle in winter, and checked and cleaned promptly after use to prevent rust. Regularly calibrate malfunctioning fuel pumps to ensure normal fuel supply.
Safety Assurance Mechanisms: Warning signs should be set up in high-risk areas; operators must wear anti-slip boots; and the cab heating system must be functioning properly (especially in icy and snowy environments, ensuring clear visibility and defogging/de-icing in the cab).
Faced with increasingly complex operating environments, standardized operation of loaders in muddy and icy conditions has become a crucial aspect of equipment management. Through scientific preparation, precise operation, and meticulous maintenance, not only can operational safety be ensured, but the working efficiency and service life of the equipment under harsh conditions can also be significantly improved. While both muddy and icy/snowy conditions are "harsh ground conditions," their fundamental mechanisms (ground load-bearing capacity, friction coefficient, and factors affecting the equipment) differ significantly. As professionals operating loaders in industrial and mining sites, we must not only be proficient in the performance and adaptability of the equipment itself, but also develop a systematic understanding of ground conditions, operating strategies, maintenance, and safety management.
