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It's never too late to make things right :)
If suddenly on a construction site, your Hitachi ZX or JCB JS excavator suddenly starts working at maximum power, the engine makes a strange hum, and the temperature needle rises to the red zone, then most likely there is a problem in the radiator. Let's figure out how to return coolness and normal power to your "iron horse".
In the world of heavy machinery, where every degree counts, the radiator is your shield against possible overheating. For mini and medium-duty models like the Hitachi ZX or JCB JS, the radiator must not just "work" - it must be efficient so that the machine can withstand 7-8 hours of non-stop operation in dusty, dirty and high-temperature conditions.
If the radiator of your special equipment becomes clogged, starts to leak or wears out, you will lose 15-20% of your machine's operating power and the fuel consumption level will increase by up to 10%. In difficult cases, the equipment will completely stop due to thermal damage to the pistons.
According to service station statistics, 45% of unexpected downtime of excavators is related to the cooling system.
Why is the radiator a weak point of Hitachi and JCB excavators? Let's take a closer look.
Top 5 most common breakdowns:
- Clogging of radiator tubes and fins
How it manifests itself: sudden engine overheating, reduced fan airflow and increased fuel consumption.
Reasons:due to the accumulation of dirt and dust in the fins, heat transfer is significantly reduced by 15-25%. In Hitachi ZX excavators - typical for quarries, the flow of 180 l/min is blocked by almost 25%. In JCB JS series excavators for urban work, this figure reaches 20%
Decision: rinsing with water, maintaining a pressure of 2-3 bar.
- Leaking connections and tanks
How it manifests itself:rapid drop in fluid level, gurgling in the radiator (air jams), antifreeze leakage from 0.5 l to 1.0 l per day.
Reasons:due to vibrations or corrosion - cracks in the tanks. In JCB JS excavators, due to the design of the tanks and their close proximity to the ground, the likelihood of cracks is increased
Decision:regular inspection of radiator tanks, if necessary - replacement with models with reinforced tanks
- Corrosion of radiator tubes and fins
How it manifests itself:reduced efficiency, rust on visible part
Reasons:lack of quality zinc coating and use of poor quality antifreeze that does not contain inhibitors. JCB JS series radiators are prone to corrosion due to moisture. Corrosion rate can reach 0.02 mm/year.
Decision:Ultrasound to check the thickness and wear of the tubes (normal up to Ø9 mm). Detailed analysis of the antifreeze for pH (normal 7.5–9) and metal content (optimally >50 ppm).
- Mechanical damage to the excavator radiator
How it manifests itself:reduced flow by 15-20%, specific fan noise >5 dB or visible dents on the radiator fins
Reasons:Hits by stones or tree branches in Hitachi ZX and JCB JS - while digging Solution: install protective grilles or replace the radiator
- Wear of radiator flanges and seals
How it manifests itself:rapid pressure drop and slow fluid leakage at the connections
Reasons:natural wear due to rubber aging from constant heating and cooling cycles. Hitachi ZX series excavators often suffer from prolonged high loads
Decision:Regular replacement of radiator seals
But it often happens that the breakdown of radiators of special equipment is not the result of ignoring maintenance, but rather the time has come to replace the radiator.
In our online store you will find radiators for your equipment.
Delivery across Ukraine and to any corner of the world
Contact our specialists - they will help you choose the right radiator for your special equipment and advise on operation issues.
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6 November, 2025