Overview
ISO 6749:1984 - Earth-moving machinery - Preservation and storage - specifies general methods for preserving earth-moving machines and their components, removing preservation materials, and defining categories of storage and transportation conditions. It applies to newly manufactured machines (preservation normally performed by the manufacturer) and to in‑service machines prepared for storage. The standard was developed by ISO/TC 127 (Earth‑moving machinery).
Key topics and technical requirements
-
Preservation scope and responsibilities
- Preservation treatment includes preparatory dismantling/marking, surface preparation, application of preservatives, packaging and final documentation.
- Manufacturers normally carry out preservation of new machines; used machines must be reconditioned before preservation.
-
Surface preparation and cleaning
- Surfaces must be free of corrosion, oil and contaminants; cleaning methods include alkali washing, organic solvents or abrasive blasting followed by thorough drying (compressed dry air, controlled heating, wiping).
-
Preservation methods and protective coatings
- Recommended methods: inhibitor coatings (paper, alcohol or vapour‑phase inhibitors, powders), oil/dopes (spraying, dipping, filling cavities), and polymer inhibitor films.
- Special attention for electrical junction boxes, rubber components (light‑proof compounds), hydraulic systems (fill with inhibited fluids), and fastenings/dismantled parts.
-
Packaging and packing materials
- Two classes: protective packing (moisture/corrosion barrier, e.g., waterproof paper, film, sealing compounds) and transport packing (mechanical damage protection).
- Partial packing allowed for complex geometries; sealed overlaps and labels required.
-
Documentation and labelling
- Instructions for removal of preservatives and reassembly must be attached in a labelled waterproof envelope and may be included in the operator’s manual.
- Tags for dismantled parts should be waterproof.
-
Storage and transport categories
- Defines four severity categories: A (light) to D (very heavy) based on atmospheric corrosivity and climatic region.
- Short‑term storage: up to 2 months; long‑term: over 2 months (subcategories for up to 1 year and over 1 year).
- Inspection intervals for long‑term storage: generally every 6 months in temperate climates, every 3 months in tropical/coastal/other severe climates.
- Transportation modes (land, sea, river, air) have assigned condition categories and packing recommendations.
Applications and users
- Practical for: manufacturers, dealers, fleet owners, maintenance teams, logistics and transport companies, and storage facility managers handling earth‑moving equipment.
- Use cases: factory preservation prior to shipment, lay‑up procedures for idle machines, long‑term storage of heavy equipment, transit protection across modes, and development of preservation/removal instructions for operator manuals.
Related standards
- Developed by ISO/TC 127 (Earth‑moving machinery). ISO 6749 references other International Standards and contract documents for specific packing, lifting and transport methods - users should consult applicable ISO standards and contractual requirements for lifting, transport and packaging details.
Keywords: ISO 6749:1984, earth‑moving machinery preservation, storage categories, transport conditions, inhibitor paper, oil coatings, preservative removal.
