I. Load Control: Is the machine being operated with reduced load?
The core of the break-in period is to allow newly assembled components (such as engine pistons, hydraulic pump shafts, and vibration bearings) to gradually integrate under gentle operating conditions, avoiding premature wear due to high loads.
Therefore, the working load of the equipment during the break-in period should be controlled within 60% to 80% of its rated value.
In actual operation, this means: prioritizing compaction of medium-soft soil materials such as sand and gravel layers, and avoiding high-resistance operation scenarios such as initial compaction of thick asphalt layers and high-fill roadbeds.
If the equipment is found to be operating at full load or overload for a long period without any performance abnormalities, it is highly likely that the break-in period has passed.
II. Speed Limitation: Is speed-limited operation being implemented?
During the break-in period, mechanical shock needs to be reduced. Travel and vibration speeds should be reduced by 20% to 30% compared to normal operating conditions.
Operating characteristics include: smooth starting, gentle acceleration and deceleration, prohibition of sharp turns and emergency braking, and the use of medium to low vibration frequencies.
For example, a road roller with a normal operating speed of 8 km/h should be kept below 5.6 km/h during the break-in period to avoid excessive heat load on the transmission system and hydraulic components.
If the operator maintains a consistently low and stable speed, avoiding continuous long-term operation, this is a typical sign of break-in behavior.
III. Running Time: Has the Break-in Period Been Exceeded? The break-in period for road rollers is typically set at 80-100 hours, and for some heavy equipment, it can be extended to 150 hours.
Although new machines undergo a short factory break-in period (approximately 2 hours) before leaving the factory, this is only to check assembly quality and does not meet the full break-in requirements. Therefore, the user still needs to complete the complete break-in process after receiving the machine.
The cumulative running time can be checked through the equipment timer or construction log. If it is still within this range, and with the implementation of load reduction and speed limiting measures, it can be confirmed that the machine is in the break-in period.
✅ Comprehensive Judgment Criteria: When the equipment simultaneously meets the three conditions of "load ≤ 80% + speed reduction 30% + cumulative operation < 100 hours", it can be basically determined that it is in the break-in period. Once this stage is completed, a mandatory maintenance (such as oil change, tightening, and inspection) is required before it can be switched to normal operation mode.
