A driver’s driving habits can have a profound and extensive impact on the vehicle. This is especially true for drivers of truck-mounted cranes. Truck-mounted cranes are renowned for their excellent mobility and the ability to be quickly transferred, finding frequent use in various locations such as stations, docks, construction sites, and field rescue operations. Bad driving habits not only create troubles for work but also exert a significant negative influence on the vehicle. The following are several common bad driving habits. It is hoped that friends who drive do not possess these undesirable habits.
No self-inspection before starting the truck-mounted crane.
The truck-mounted crane should undergo a comprehensive self-inspection before starting. The data displayed on the dashboard can help determine whether there is a fault within the vehicle. Failing to conduct this self-inspection can lead to serious consequences in case of an undetected problem.
Let’s expand on this point. The self-inspection process is crucial as it provides an early warning of potential issues. By checking the various gauges and indicators, the driver can identify problems such as low oil pressure, overheating, or abnormal electrical readings. This allows for timely action to address the issue before it escalates and causes significant damage or poses a safety hazard. For example, a low tire pressure indication can prompt the driver to check and inflate the tires, preventing a blowout during operation. Similarly, an overheating engine warning can prompt the driver to stop and investigate the cause, potentially saving the engine from severe damage.
Neglecting maintenance for old cars.
Many people are extremely meticulous in maintaining their vehicles when they are first purchased. However, after one or two years of using the truck-mounted crane, this attitude often changes. Maintenance is performed very infrequently. In fact, the longer the truck-mounted crane is in use and the greater the mileage it accumulates, the more frequent maintenance should be. For instance, a newly bought truck-mounted crane is generally maintained every 5,000 kilometers. If it is an old truck-mounted crane that has been in service for about ten years, it should be maintained every 1,000 kilometers.
The importance of regular maintenance cannot be overstated. As a vehicle ages, its components wear out and are more prone to failure. Regular maintenance helps detect and address these issues before they become major problems. This includes tasks such as oil changes, filter replacements, brake inspections, and suspension checks. Neglecting maintenance can lead to reduced performance, increased fuel consumption, and a higher risk of breakdowns. For truck-mounted cranes, which are often used in demanding environments, proper maintenance is essential to ensure their reliability and safety.
Starting the vehicle without stepping on the clutch.
Truck-mounted cranes are generally equipped with manual transmissions. Manual transmissions must have the clutch stepped on when starting. This should become an ingrained habit. The main reason for this is to avoid the dangerous situation of the vehicle lurching forward when starting without disengaging the gear. Moreover, starting by stepping on the clutch can reduce the starting load on the engine.
Failure to step on the clutch when starting can cause significant damage to the transmission and engine. When the gear is engaged and the engine is started, the sudden torque can cause the transmission to grind and potentially damage the gears. This can lead to costly repairs and downtime. Additionally, reducing the starting load on the engine by stepping on the clutch helps prolong the life of the engine and starter motor.
Shifting gears without fully depressing the clutch.
The clutch and gearbox are closely intertwined. If the clutch is not fully depressed when shifting gears, the shifting gear set and the transmission gear set cannot mesh smoothly. At the very least, this will increase wear. In severe cases, it can cause damage to large gears and harm the gearbox.
Proper gear shifting is essential for the smooth operation and longevity of the vehicle. When the clutch is not fully depressed, the gears may not engage properly, resulting in grinding and wear. Over time, this can lead to damaged gears, a noisy transmission, and even complete transmission failure. It is crucial for drivers to develop the habit of fully depressing the clutch before shifting gears to ensure smooth and efficient gear changes.
Turning the steering wheel all the way to the end.
Many truck-mounted crane drivers have a tendency to turn the steering wheel all the way to the end when driving. This is a very bad driving habit because doing so will increase the wear on the ball joints and connecting rods of the steering system. For truck-mounted cranes with power steering, when the steering wheel is turned all the way to the end, the output of the power steering pump to the steering gear has the largest flow at night, which causes the oil pressure and oil temperature inside the power steering system to rise sharply and easily causes damage or leakage of the power steering system.
Excessive turning of the steering wheel can put a significant strain on the steering components. The ball joints and connecting rods are designed to handle a certain range of movement, and constantly turning the wheel to the extreme can lead to premature wear and failure. In the case of power steering systems, the increased pressure and temperature can damage seals and hoses, leading to leaks and reduced steering performance. Drivers should be mindful of not turning the steering wheel to the extreme and instead make smooth and gradual turns.
Pressing the brake pedal all the way to the end.
Many truck-mounted crane drivers have a habit of stepping on the accelerator hard and then stepping on the brake hard when driving. This is also a bad driving habit. For truck-mounted cranes with disc brakes, stepping on the brake hard will wear out the brake pads and shorten the service life of the brake pads. For truck-mounted cranes with drum brakes, stepping on the brake hard is very easy to cause brake overheating and failure, which seriously affects driving safety. During normal driving, it is best to mainly use intermittent braking and only step on the brake hard when necessary.
Aggressive braking can have several negative consequences. For disc brakes, hard braking can cause excessive wear on the brake pads, reducing their lifespan and increasing maintenance costs. In addition, it can also lead to warping of the brake rotors, resulting in vibrations and reduced braking performance. For drum brakes, hard braking can cause overheating, which can lead to brake fade and potential failure. By using intermittent braking and avoiding hard braking whenever possible, drivers can extend the life of the braking system and improve overall driving safety.
Looking at mobile phones while driving.
This driving habit is unfortunately common among many people, especially some experienced drivers. However, truck-mounted crane drivers must not look at mobile phones while driving. Safety should be the top priority when driving.
Distracted driving due to mobile phone use is extremely dangerous. It takes the driver’s attention away from the road, increasing the risk of accidents. For truck-mounted cranes, which often operate in complex environments and require precise control, even a momentary distraction can have disastrous consequences. Drivers should always keep their focus on the road and avoid any activities that could distract them.
For these bad driving habits, everyone must pay close attention. It is ideal that all vehicles do not exhibit these bad driving habits as it is beneficial for both the vehicle and one’s own safety.
In conclusion, bad driving habits can have a significant negative impact on truck-mounted cranes and pose a threat to the safety of the driver and others. By being aware of these habits and making a conscious effort to avoid them, drivers can ensure the longevity and reliability of their vehicles and contribute to a safer driving environment.
