The truck-mounted crane is widely utilized and can be spotted in various locations such as factory warehouses, docks, and construction sites. It offers simplicity and flexibility in usage. However, being exposed to the elements all day long, truck-mounted cranes are inevitably prone to rust on their parts. Rust on these components can significantly shorten the service life of the truck-mounted crane. As a result, those who use truck-mounted cranes often keep some anti-rust oil on hand for emergencies. But how should we go about choosing the right anti-rust oil?
To understand how to choose anti-rust oil, it is first essential to be familiar with the characteristics and uses of several different types of anti-rust oil.
For instance, ordinary anti-rust oil is suitable for ferrous metals. Generally, there are three main types: solvent-type oil film, solvent-type volatile, and water-displacing oil film. The solvent-type oil film variety leaves an oil film on the metal surface, which is relatively easy to clean. The volatile type is often labeled as “no-cleaning.” This means that it evaporates quickly and leaves behind a thin protective layer without the need for extensive cleaning. The water-displacing oil film can rapidly displace the moisture on the metal surface and form a protective film when the metal is in a wet state. Each of these types has different maintenance periods. The oil film type typically provides protection for about 6 months, the volatile type for around 3 months, and the soft film type for up to 12 months.
Let’s take a closer look at the solvent-type oil film anti-rust oil. This type of anti-rust oil forms a visible layer on the metal surface, which acts as a barrier against moisture, oxygen, and other corrosive elements. The oil film can prevent direct contact between the metal and the surrounding environment, thereby reducing the risk of rust formation. However, it may require some cleaning effort if it needs to be removed for maintenance or further processing. For example, if a part coated with this anti-rust oil needs to be repaired or painted, the oil film may need to be cleaned off using a suitable solvent or degreaser.
The solvent-type volatile anti-rust oil, on the other hand, is convenient for applications where quick protection is needed and where cleaning afterward is not desired. As it evaporates quickly, it leaves behind a thin layer of protective substance that does not interfere with subsequent operations. This makes it suitable for parts that will be assembled or used soon after being treated with anti-rust oil. For instance, in a manufacturing environment where parts are temporarily stored before final assembly, the volatile anti-rust oil can provide quick protection without the need for extensive cleaning later.
The water-displacing oil film anti-rust oil is particularly useful when the metal is in a damp or wet condition. It can effectively push away the moisture on the surface and replace it with a protective film. This is important because moisture is one of the main causes of rust formation. For example, if a truck-mounted crane is exposed to rain or high humidity, this type of anti-rust oil can quickly displace the water and prevent rust from starting.
Mid-to-high-end anti-rust oil is another option to consider. This kind of anti-rust oil can be used on any metal. It is a viscous and lubricating anti-rust oil that forms a fairly thick protective film on the metal surface. In many anti-rust processes, it is used as the final step. This thick protective layer provides excellent protection against corrosion and can prevent rust for up to 18 months.
The viscosity of this anti-rust oil allows it to adhere firmly to the metal surface, even in harsh conditions. It not only provides a barrier against moisture and oxygen but also offers some degree of lubrication, which can be beneficial for moving parts. For example, on the hinges and joints of a truck-mounted crane, this anti-rust oil can prevent rust and ensure smooth operation. The thick film also makes it more resistant to abrasion and wear, providing long-lasting protection.
Suitable for the anti-rust of metals of special materials, such as copper and aluminum, there is solvent-type quick-drying anti-rust oil. The notable feature of this type is its ability to resist oxidation. It should be noted that this is the only one among the various anti-rust oils that can resist oxidation effectively. It can prevent rust for about 12 months.
Copper and aluminum are often used in electrical components and decorative parts of truck-mounted cranes. Oxidation of these metals can lead to discoloration, loss of conductivity, and reduced durability. The solvent-type quick-drying anti-rust oil forms a protective layer that prevents oxygen from reacting with the metal surface, thereby inhibiting oxidation. For example, on the electrical connectors and aluminum parts of a truck-mounted crane, this anti-rust oil can ensure reliable performance and longevity.
Food-grade environmentally friendly anti-rust oil is used in special locations where people frequently come into contact. It is mainly used for medical treatment, children’s toys, food tableware, and the like. Most vehicles do not use this type of anti-rust oil, but there are exceptions. For example, nanny cars may use this kind of anti-rust oil to ensure the safety of passengers, especially children.
This type of anti-rust oil is formulated to meet strict safety standards and is free from harmful substances that could pose a risk to human health. It is typically made from natural ingredients and is biodegradable. For example, in a medical facility where equipment needs to be rust-proofed but must also be safe for patient contact, food-grade environmentally friendly anti-rust oil can be used.
Low-viscosity environmentally friendly anti-rust oil is another option. In addition to being environmentally friendly, this anti-rust oil has another characteristic: it can be sprayed. The anti-rust oils introduced earlier can achieve the best effect only by smearing or soaking. This one can be sprayed, which provides a convenient application method. However, it should be noted that simply spraying anti-rust oil as we often see many people do is not always the correct approach. The usage instructions of anti-rust oil indicate the proper usage methods.
When using sprayable low-viscosity environmentally friendly anti-rust oil, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. This may involve cleaning the surface before application, ensuring proper distance and angle of spraying, and allowing sufficient drying time. For example, on the exposed parts of a truck-mounted crane that are difficult to reach by smearing or soaking, spraying this anti-rust oil can be a convenient solution.
Anti-rust oil that can be mixed with water, also known as transparent water-based anti-rust oil, is suitable for integrated cleaning and anti-rust. The concentration of the solution can be freely adjusted according to the required anti-rust time. However, the anti-rust time is relatively short, about 1-3 months. Generally, it is adjusted in a ratio of 1:20. This can only be regarded as an anti-rust solution and cannot completely replace traditional anti-rust oil.
This water-based anti-rust oil is useful for applications where a quick and temporary anti-rust measure is needed. For example, if a truck-mounted crane is going to be stored for a short period or if it is being used in an environment with moderate humidity, this anti-rust solution can provide some protection. However, for long-term storage or in harsh environments, a more robust anti-rust oil may be required.
After reading the above descriptions, do you now know how to choose anti-rust oil? The choice depends on several factors, including the type of metal being protected, the environmental conditions the truck-mounted crane is exposed to, the required duration of protection, and any specific safety or environmental requirements. By carefully considering these factors and understanding the characteristics of different types of anti-rust oils, you can make an informed decision and select the most suitable anti-rust oil for your truck-mounted crane. This will help ensure the longevity and reliable performance of your equipment.
