Winterizing Heavy Equipment
Winter weather is on its way, and if you want your heavy equipment to keep up with the drop in temperature, you’ll need to perform some extra maintenance. It doesn’t matter if you plan to store your equipment or put it to use at freezing temperatures, any operation with heavy equipment needs to ensure the proper winter maintenance to avoid serious damage.
Taking care of your heavy equipment can be hard work. Let the professionals at RECO Equipment help you out. We’ve put together a short guide to get you started on winterizing your equipment, but if you need more help, or you’re just interested in checking out some new and used equipment for yourself, call or head into one of our locations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana.
Before You Begin
Get a hold of any and all equipment owner’s manuals to use as a guide for winterization. They’ll let you know the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to a whole host of supplies and parts, from fuel and oil to the right tire pressure and regular maintenance schedules. Follow the advice and information found in your owner’s manual over the tips in this article, as the specifics of your equipment are usually going to vary in some way. When in doubt, check your owner’s manual!
Engine Maintenance
It’s imperative that your equipment engine is properly cared for, and doing that requires paying attention to the fuel you use, lubrication, and a functional filtration system. Slacking in any of these areas could lead to serious repair costs and downtime for your heavy equipment.
The fuel tank cap and vent should be checked for proper functionality. Signs of water or sediment in the fuel are often a clear sign of a problem and letting it sit could lead to damage to the fuel injection system. Take a look at the fuel filter to see if it’s working correctly or needs to be replaced. To protect engine operation during the winter, switch to a more appropriate fuel: either #1 diesel or a quality gasoline mix. The cold weather will only increase current fuel problems, so it’s imperative you use the right fuel for winter operation.
Check your owner’s manual for information about engine oil and lubricants, including suggested change intervals. Inspect the air filtration system for any potential problems.
Replace Oil and Coolant
The winter weather will be great for keeping your heavy equipment from overheating, right? Nope! Overheating is still as big a problem as ever, even when the temperature drops. Be sure to inspect the coolant reservoir and hoses for signs of leakage. You always want it filled to the cap. Coolant also prevents corrosion, helps to lubricate, and inhibits cavitation. That’s why it’s important to replace these fluids at the suggested points outlined in your owner’s manual.
Engine oil is similarly important, as it keeps the equipment from overheating and makes sure that moving parts are lubricated. Use an oil that matches the temperature outside the machine. It’s always a good idea to check on the engine oil during winterization. Do so as you would with any other engine. The oil should still hold its viscosity and light color. Otherwise, it’s time to replace both the oil and filter.
Tend the Battery
There’s a lot you can do to prepare the battery for winter weather. First, check the electrolyte indicator. If it has drained below the top of the plates, it will have permanently lost some of its performance. Clean out any dirt and other debris from around the battery, as it can mess with the conductivity and drain energy. If there’s corrosion around the battery posts, you can clean them up using some baking soda and a small brush; this ensures the posts and cables have a clean point of contact.
Never store batteries outside if the machines they power aren’t being used. If a battery is going to sit for a while, the best thing you can do is hook it up to a battery tender or trickle charger so they’re ready to use when you need them.
Operating a battery in cold weather isn’t a problem in and of itself, but it does amplify the normal stressors for battery operation, such as time, heat, vibration, and frequent starting and stopping. The only thing you can do is take extra care to ensure the battery is getting fully recharged between uses, which may still require a tender. Know that winter weather can increase the power demands of a piece of heavy equipment significantly, and while an undercharged battery might not normally have a problem with that, a battery without a full charge could run into issues.
Taking Care of Tires
Tires and freezing temperatures do not get along very well. From the loss of traction and air pressure to the brittlizing effect of the cold, the tires on your heavy equipment will need daily attention and a few extra steps to reduce the potential for wear and tear. You can start with proper tire inflation. Also examine the tires for even wear, remove any foreign objects stuck in the tread, and inspect the tire wall for signs of cracking and scalping.
The list of extra maintenance tasks for heavy equipment during winter weather might seem like too much, but these precautions help to prevent costly service and maintenance, and have the added benefit of keeping your equipment up and operating. This isn’t an exhaustive list, and you should seek the help of professionals if you run into any serious maintenance issues. If that’s the case, don’t hesitate to call or head into a RECO Equipment location near you. We’re in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. Stop by today and let our team of experts answer all your questions and help you find the equipment or service you’re looking for!