Are you prepared for low temperatures?
Five essential steps for winterizing your machines to keep them running strong in frigid temps
For most locations, cold weather has the potential to impact job sites. Preparation is the key to protecting your equipment investment. Whether you run your machines in frigid temperatures and want to continue reliable production or store them to protect against the elements, follow these five steps for winterizing success.
Choose the right fluids and purge
Switching to a winter-blended fuel helps protect your engine and its components as temperatures go down. Traditional diesel tends to gel and develop condensation in colder temperatures and can freeze if there is too much water in it. High water content can also cause filters to freeze, expand and burst. Fuel tank water and sediment should always be drained off.
Newer machines that use diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) need special attention, whether you’re using them or storing them long term because DEF freezes below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Before shutting down for the day—or for months—the automatic DEF line must be purged to ensure that it is empty. This helps prevent expansion that could damage system components.
All fluid levels should be checked consistently to ensure they are at proper levels. Use a low-viscosity oil and coolant with a freeze-level protection rating to help avoid major damage to the engine or other systems at low temperatures. A block heater is another consideration when parking overnight.
Keep batteries charged
Cold weather stresses batteries, so inspect for damage before winter usage and replace, if necessary. If you plan to use your equipment, make sure the battery is fully charged. Check that the water and acid levels are properly filled if the battery is not sealed.
If you park your equipment long term, check the water or acid levels. Maintenance-free batteries should be fine. The battery disconnect switch must be turned off when storing a machine for a long time. To prolong its life, consider removing the battery and putting it in a temperature-controlled climate.
Visually inspect before startup
Before operating, thoroughly inspect the machine to check for irregularities and address them before starting up to prevent potential damage. Let the machine warm up to the proper operating temperature and cycle through functions to allow fluids to move before doing any work.
Keep track of the undercarriage
If your machine has an undercarriage, pay special attention to it during cold conditions. Brush off any snow that may have accumulated overnight or during breaks before entering the machine to reduce the chance of slipping when entering the cab.
It’s especially vital to keep tracks cleaned as frozen mud and debris cause problems with the undercarriage, including seals and the housings of the final drive. It prevents the rollers from turning during travel, which causes flat spots on the carrier and the bottom rollers.
Extremely cold temperatures can cause tracks to freeze to the ground. To prevent this, park your machine on timbers, small pieces of wood in forest areas or another barrier when not operating, if possible.
Don’t overlook the cab
Cabs are often an afterthought when it comes to cold temperatures, but they shouldn’t be. To keep operators comfortable, ensure the heater is properly working. If your machines have heated seats, check to see if they work.
When storing the machine, thoroughly clean the cab and remove any debris, especially food-related items. Inspect it to ensure there are no holes or missing filters and the doors are sealed properly. Doing so helps keep pests such as rodents from nesting and potentially destroying the operator’s cab.
If you follow these five proactive steps, you can have the confidence and peace of mind that your valuable equipment investments will perform and stay in top shape when the thermostat dips.
