When choosing the right engine oil for excavators, you need to consider multiple factors, including brand, quality grade, viscosity, etc. Some well-known engine oil brands usually have good performance and quality assurance, such as Mobil, Shell, Great Wall, Kunlun, etc. However, the quality of engine oil does not only depend on the brand, but also on its specific ingredients and quality.
In terms of quality grade, common diesel engine oil quality grades include CF-4, CH-4, CI-4, etc. For high-speed naturally aspirated and turbocharged four-stroke diesel engines produced after 1990, CF-4 or higher diesel engine oil can be used; for high-speed four-stroke diesel engines that appeared after 1998, it is recommended to use CH-4 or higher diesel engine oil; for high-speed four-stroke naturally aspirated and turbocharged, heavy-load diesel engines produced after 2002, due to exhaust gas recirculation devices and relevant regulatory requirements, CI-4 or higher diesel engine oil should be used, which can replace CH-4, CF-4, CD series.
Regarding the choice of viscosity, it needs to be determined according to the local ambient temperature. Generally speaking, in cold regions such as Northeast China, Xinjiang, and Tibet, it is recommended to use 5W series oils with good low-temperature fluidity; in North China, East China, and South China, normal 5W-30/40 or 10W-30/40 oils can be used; in hot regions such as Hainan, it is recommended to use 40 or 50 oils. For example, for 15W-40 oil, the number 15 before W means that the lowest temperature applicable to this grade of oil is -20°C, and the number 40 after W means that the kinematic viscosity standard of the oil at 100°C is between 12.5mm²/s and 16.3mm²/s.
For second-hand dealers, when purchasing second-hand excavators, they will also pay attention to the oil used in the equipment. If it is found that the original owner used a good quality and suitable oil, this may be a positive signal, indicating that the original owner has done a good job in maintaining the equipment and the excavator's engine condition may be relatively good. On the contrary, if it is found that the oil used is of poor quality or not suitable for the model of excavator, the second-hand dealer may need to consider whether there are potential problems with the engine and conduct a more detailed inspection and evaluation before selling.
When selling second-hand excavators, second-hand dealers can recommend suitable oil brands and models to customers. They can provide professional advice to customers based on the model of the excavator, the use environment and other factors. For example, for excavators used in cold areas, oil with good low-temperature performance is recommended; for excavators working under high load, oil with higher quality grade is recommended. At the same time, second-hand dealers can also remind customers of the importance of regular oil changes and how to correctly select and change oil to ensure that the excavator's engine can maintain good operating condition.
In addition, if the excavator is an electronic injection engine, it is best to choose oil with a grade of CH-4 or above; if it is a direct injection turbocharged diesel engine, CE, CF, CF-4 grade oil is usually sufficient.
At the same time, make sure to purchase oil through formal channels to avoid purchasing counterfeit and shoddy products. You can also refer to the excavator's manual, which generally provides the manufacturer's recommended oil models and specifications.
In short, choosing the right oil for an excavator requires comprehensive consideration of factors such as brand, quality grade, viscosity, and local ambient temperature to ensure that the engine is well lubricated and protected. Second-hand dealers can also play an active role in this process, providing customers with professional advice and services to improve the value and reliability of second-hand excavators.