Winter is upon us. As temperatures continue to dip, it's important to ensure your equipment is fully prepared to rise to the occasion. Maintaining performance is crucial for your fleet, as it ensures that your equipment can operate efficiently and effectively. Additionally, extending equipment life, and ensuring safety are also critical considerations. To ensure your equipment stays at its best throughout the winter, follow these steps.
Winterization Techniques
Start with the Basics
Check under the hood to ensure you have proper levels of antifreeze, hydraulic oil and engine oil for cold temperatures.
Next, get familiar with recommendations for cold weather-rated batteries. Inspect your machine’s battery and follow the guidelines for cold weather-related batteries. If necessary, change or replace it to ensure optimal performance. Use winter-grade diesel and consider fuel additives for enhanced protection against gelling.
Check tire inflation and look for signs of wear to ensure optimal traction. If you live in a particularly snowy or icy region, consider using tracks or chains for improved traction. When you’re prepping your track loader, always check for wear and ensure proper tension for traction on snow and ice.
Storage Solutions
Consider storing your equipment for the entire winter season to enjoy the benefits of battery life, increased uptime and eased cold weather starts.
If indoor storage isn't feasible, use weatherproof covers to shield machinery from the harsh elements. Park equipment on elevated blocks or pallets to prevent tires from freezing to the ground and to keep moisture from accumulating under the machinery.
If you plan to store your machine in a covered indoor space for the winter, give it a good clean. Clear away dirt and debris to prevent rust and corrosion, especially on exposed metal surfaces vulnerable to moisture.
A clean machine also makes it easier to spot potential issues during inspections. You’ll appreciate the benefits of a clean machine when you’re ready to put it back to work in the spring. Don’t forget to drain water systems and lubricate moving parts to prevent freezing and ensure smooth operation.
Safety Measures
Above all, you want to ensure you’re taking all necessary safety measures. Confirm operators are trained to handle machinery in winter conditions. This includes becoming well-versed in the best practices for startup and operation in freezing temperatures.
Clear snow from footwear before entering the cab. Tracked-in snow can cause excess moisture inside the cab, which can lead to foggy windows when the cab is heated, reducing visibility. To be extra cautious, install or check lighting systems and warning lights for poor visibility conditions.
As always, stay on top of daily equipment checks, such as clearing snow and ice from machinery. Even while not in regular use, don’t forget that your machine still requires attention. Conduct checks regularly to ensure belts, hoses and other components stay in good shape.
Prolonged idleness in cold temperatures can cause equipment issues. By staying proactive with routine maintenance, you can prevent unexpected issues when it’s time to put the equipment back to work.
Gear Up
As winter approaches, prioritize equipment preparation for durability, operational safety and reduced downtime. By following these winterization recommendations, you can protect your equipment from harsh winter conditions and prevent costly repairs and downtime. Proper preparation now ensures a smooth winter season for your fleet. With proper preparation, you’ll be ready to tackle winter and emerge stronger for the busy season ahead.
