Self-loading concrete mixer trucks integrate material loading, metering, mixing, transportation, and unloading functions. As a type of heavy machinery commonly used on construction sites, self-loading concrete mixer trucks are widely used in various construction projects due to their high efficiency and flexibility. Their core components include a hydraulic transmission system, mixing drum, loading mechanism, and electrical control system. To ensure the long-term stable operation of self-loading concrete mixer trucks, improve work efficiency, and extend equipment lifespan, regular maintenance and care are crucial. This highly integrated equipment plays a key role in engineering construction, but it also places higher demands on maintenance. This article will detail the maintenance and care of self-loading concrete mixer trucks from the perspective of a maintenance engineer.
1.1 Engine System Inspection
Before starting the engine each day, check the engine oil level to ensure it is normal and to avoid excessive engine wear.
Check the engine coolant level to ensure there are no leaks in the cooling system and that the coolant level is within the specified range.
Visually inspect the inner wall of the drum and blades for concrete accumulation or abnormal wear. Confirm that the cleaning system nozzles are not clogged and ensure the unloading chute's swing mechanism is flexible and reliable.
Clean the air filter to ensure the engine's air intake system is unobstructed and to prevent filter blockage from affecting power output.
1.2 Inspect the Mixing System
Inspect the operating condition of the mixing blades and mixing drum, ensuring there is no obvious wear or cracks to prevent affecting the quality of concrete mixing.
Test the smoothness of the bucket's lifting and rotating movements, check the tension of the drive chain, and lubricate the pin connections.
Regularly check the smoothness of the mixing drum's rotation, adding lubricating oil as needed to prevent wear.
1.3 Hydraulic System
Check the hydraulic oil level and quality to ensure the hydraulic system is in normal working order. Regularly change the hydraulic oil and filter element to prevent system failure. Check that the hydraulic oil level is within the specified range and observe whether the oil is clean and free of air bubbles. Simultaneously check for leaks in the main pump, motor, and pipelines, especially the sealing condition of high-pressure hose joints.
Check hydraulic pipelines, joints, and seals for oil leaks to ensure the stability of the hydraulic system.
1.4 Check the Braking System
The braking system is a crucial safety feature of self-loading concrete mixer trucks. Check the brake fluid level daily and inspect the braking system for sensitivity.
Check the wear of the brake pads and replace excessively worn brake pads promptly.
2.1 Tire Inspection and Maintenance
Self-loading concrete mixer trucks often operate under complex conditions, making tires prone to wear or damage. Check tire pressure monthly to maintain proper pressure and prevent excessive tire wear or blowouts.
Regularly inspect the tire tread and sidewalls for cracks or foreign objects, and replace or repair as necessary.
2.2 Lubrication and Maintenance
Regularly lubricate all moving parts of the self-loading concrete mixer truck, especially rotating parts such as the steering gear and bearings, to ensure smooth operation of moving components.
Use standard-compliant lubricating oil or grease to avoid component damage due to insufficient lubrication.
Clean the hydraulic oil cooler fins to ensure heat dissipation efficiency.
Concentrate lubrication on all lubrication points throughout the vehicle, paying particular attention to critical areas such as slewing bearings and hinge points.
2.3 Fuel System Inspection
Regularly inspect the fuel system filter to prevent impurities such as mud and sand from entering the fuel line and affecting engine performance.
Clean the fuel filter element and replace it if necessary to ensure a clean and efficient fuel system.
2.4 Battery and Electrical System Inspection
Regularly check the battery voltage and connections to ensure there are no leaks or corrosion.
Check all electrical connections for security and ensure cables are undamaged to guarantee the normal operation of the electrical system.
2.5 Agitator System Wear Maintenance
The agitator blades should be inspected for thickness quarterly. Replace them immediately when wear exceeds 30% of the original thickness.
For localized wear on the inner wall of the agitator, repair can be done by welding with specialized wear-resistant welding rods. Special attention should be paid to ensuring the clearance between the blades and the cylinder remains within the range specified in the equipment manual. Excessive clearance will reduce mixing uniformity, while insufficient clearance can easily cause jamming.
2.6 Loading Mechanism Adjustment
The wear of the bucket blades should be checked, and adjustments or replacements should be made as needed.
The pins of the lifting hydraulic cylinders should be injected with lithium-based grease weekly until new grease overflows from the edge of the seal.
For chain-driven loading mechanisms, the chain link elongation should be checked regularly. If it exceeds 3% of the original length, the tensioning device should be adjusted or the chain replaced.
3.1 Winter Maintenance
In cold seasons, check the antifreeze concentration to ensure the engine can start normally in low temperatures.
Check the battery performance to prevent insufficient battery charge due to low temperatures, which could affect vehicle starting.
3.2 Summer Maintenance
High summer temperatures can easily cause engine overheating. Therefore, the cooling system should be checked regularly to ensure the radiator is not blocked and the coolant level is sufficient.
When operating at high temperatures, tires should be checked regularly to prevent overheating that could lead to tire blowouts or accelerated tire wear.
4.1 Cleaning Concrete Residue
After each use, concrete residue should be promptly cleaned from the mixing drum and mixing blades to prevent long-term accumulation that could cause the concrete to harden and affect the normal operation of the mixer truck.
Use a dedicated cleaning agent or high-pressure water gun for cleaning, and lubricate the cleaned parts appropriately.
4.2 Avoid Overloading
Self-loading concrete mixer trucks have limited load-bearing capacity. Overloading will not only accelerate vehicle wear but may also lead to mechanical failure. Always operate according to the load specifications in the equipment manual to ensure the safety of vehicle operation.
4.3 Fault Warning and Emergency Handling
If abnormal fluctuations in the mixing drum speed, significantly increased hydraulic system noise, or sluggish loading mechanism movement occur during equipment operation, the machine should be stopped immediately for troubleshooting.
For common problems such as excessively high hydraulic oil temperature, check the cooling fan operation, filter blockage, and the possibility of internal leaks in the system in the following order.
Establish complete maintenance records, documenting details of each maintenance session and troubleshooting process, providing data support for preventative maintenance.
Proper maintenance and upkeep of self-loading concrete mixer trucks can effectively extend equipment lifespan, reduce failure rates, and improve work efficiency. Scientific and standardized maintenance is the foundation for ensuring the continuous and stable operation of self-loading concrete mixer trucks. Through daily inspections, regular maintenance, and seasonal adjustments, the mixer truck can be ensured to operate stably under various working conditions.
As maintenance engineers, we recommend that owners or operators of self-loading concrete mixer trucks regularly perform the above maintenance and inspections to promptly identify and resolve problems, thereby avoiding large-scale repairs or sudden equipment failures.
