A Scientific Maintenance Guide for Underground Load-Haul-Dump

1.1 Lubrication Management
"Lubrication is the 'lifeblood' of the equipment," says Zhang, a maintenance supervisor at a major mining group. Critical components like articulation joints and hydraulic cylinder pivots must be greased every 8 hours with high-temperature-resistant grease, while hydraulic and gear oils should be regularly checked for contamination.
1.2. Tire and Brake Inspections
Due to rough underground terrain, tire wear and brake failures are common issues. Experts recommend daily checks on tire pressure (0.35-0.5 MPa) and brake air pressure to prevent accidents caused by underinflation or brake failure.
1.3. Cooling and Cleaning
"Dust is the 'silent killer' of radiators," warns Li, a veteran maintenance technician. Daily cleaning of radiators and air filters is essential to prevent engine overheating and unplanned downtime.

Maintenance priorities vary by usage hours:

• Every 50 hours: Replace engine oil filters and inspect driveline bolt torque.

• Every 250 hours: Replace hydraulic return filters and clean tank breathers to prevent system contamination.

• Every 1,000 hours: Perform full hydraulic and transmission oil changes, and check engine valve clearance.

"Many companies skip scheduled maintenance to meet deadlines, only to face much higher repair costs later," cautions Wang, a technical director at a leading equipment manufacturer.

3.1. Hydraulic System
Hydraulic failures account for over 40% of LHD breakdowns. Key measures include:

• Hydraulic Overheating: Check fan belts or clean oil coolers.

• Brake Failure: Prioritize air leak detection (soap-water test) or worn brake linings (replace if <5mm thick).

3.2. Electrical System
Humidity in underground environments accelerates corrosion. Insulation resistance (≥1 MΩ) should be tested routinely, and explosion-proof equipment (e.g., Ex d-rated) must have intact flameproof surfaces.

4.1. Long-Term Storage
For equipment idle over 30 days: drain fuel, disconnect batteries, and apply anti-rust coatings to hydraulic rods to avoid startup failures.2. Troubleshooting Common Failures<ul list-paddingleft-2">

• Hydraulic Overheating: Check fan belts or clean oil coolers.

• Brake Failure: Prioritize air leak detection (soap-water test) or worn brake linings (replace if <5mm thick).

Scientific maintenance not only extends LHD lifespan but also ensures safer, more efficient operations. Experts urge standardized protocols and operator training to keep equipment running at peak performance.