A Checklist: Is Your Boom Ready for Winter?

Winter is coming, and it's time to check that your boom is ready for snow and below-zero working conditions. Dinolift created a checklist to make sure you're set for winter usage.

Dino Download Checklist

This checklist will help you ensure that your boom lift is ready for winter, snow, and below-zero working conditions. Dinolift booms are made for Nordic conditions, which means our lifts work extremely well in cold conditions. 

Let's get to the list: 

#1 Maintenance

Maintenance is key! Make sure that all daily, monthly, and yearly inspections are made in time.

#2 Day-to-Day Checks

Make sure to perform proper washing and drying to ensure clean surfaces. Protect the control center and the platform from snow and ice whenever they are not in use. Always keep the lift free from dirt, snow, and ice. And make sure that you always have the battery charger and engine heater cable available. 

#3 Tire Pressure

Cold weather will cause tire pressure to decrease. Make sure to regularly check tire pressure to ensure the best possible friction and driving conditions on different ground conditions. 

#4 Battery Function

To ensure proper operation and long service life of the batteries, it is recommended to always recharge them at the end of each workday, especially in cold weather conditions. Storing the batteries flat will shorten their service life, and flat batteries also freeze more easily.

#5 Engine Oil and Winter Quality Diesel

In cold weather, it is recommended that the engine is kept running to keep the hydraulic oil warm. Also important: avoid cold weather diesel problems by using winter quality diesel during the cold season. 

Dinolift Snow

#6 Check Diesel Filter to Avoid articles in the Fuel Line

In cold weather, it is important to check the diesel filter to make sure the paraffin present in the diesel hasn´t started to form wax crystals. These wax crystals can coat the fuel filter elements quickly and drastically reduce fuel flow. 

#7 Lubrication of Moving Components

It's important to check the hydraulic oil classification to ensure sufficient viscosity in cold conditions. As the temperature decreases, the viscosity can rapidly increase to the point where the oil will no longer flow. It is recommended that high viscosity index oils be considered for cold temperature operation. 

#8 Winter Standing and Storage

If you leave the lift standing for a long period of time, we recommend propping it up to release any load from the wheels. Also, make sure the lift is protected from the elements. 

#9 Cold Conditions Start-up Procedure

  1. Let the power pack run for a few minutes before starting the movements.
  2. To ensure proper operation of the valves, start with doing a few warm-up movements to warm the oil in the cylinders. 
  3. Check that the limit switches and the emergency descent devices are operational and clean. 
  4. Snow, sleet, rain, and ice will create a slippery ground. Always ensure your base is stable before going up in a lift.
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