Winterizing Heavy Equipment

10 Steps for Winterizing Heavy Equipment

Preparing for winter conditions is an important task for all heavy machinery. We’ve put together 10 steps you can take this winter to help to ensure your equipment remains healthy and in a good condition throughout the winter months and all year long!

1.  Fuel Maintenance

One of the most important tasks when winterizing your heavy equipment is to get your fuel treated.  Storing diesel fuel can lead to some shifting in its properties since it’s not as refined as gasoline.   Our trained technicians use fuel conditioning products to prevent your diesel fuel from gelling during cold winter months, to ensure cold weather performance and to prevent damage from occurring to your engine or carburetor.

2.  Check Fluid Levels and Antifreeze  

Checking transmission fluid, hydraulic fluid and antifreeze levels before the weather goes south ensures that your equipment will have proper flow throughout the machine. If levels are low, make sure to top off with lubricants of the proper viscosity.  You want to always ensure your antifreeze is below 20 degrees and keep your starting fluid at room temperature in a safe environment.

3.  Keep Batteries Warm and Charged

Cold temperatures require more power to be used to power on machines. It is helpful to keep batteries fully charged and stored in a warm environment for easy start up.

4.  Run Engine Until it Reaches Operating Temp.

Before each use of your heavy operating equipment, run your engine until it reaches operating temperature. This will help prevent intake and exhaust valves from sticking during operation. Running your engine before use also helps to cycle and distribute warm oil to ensure smooth operation. Blocking the radiator to restrict cold air from the fan will help in speeding up the warm-up process of your engine.

5.  Inspect Tires

Cold temperatures cause tires to lose air much quicker than usual. Check your tires before every operation during the winter to ensure they are filled to the correct pounds per square inch of machine. Inflate tires in a heated area. This will help the tire bead seat correctly.

6.  Keep Equipment Stored in an Enclosed Environment

When you are not using your machine, store your equipment in an enclosed space to avoid snow from building up on your machine. Snow can cause damage to hinge and joints as well as various other engine problems.

7.  Condition Hydraulic Hoses

During colder temperatures, the outer wrapper of hydraulic hoses can crack. To avoid this from happening, condition your hydraulic hoses before temperatures drop considerably this winter.  Applying an artic hydraulic oil will help to condition the hydraulic hoses.

8.  Store Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Properly

Did you know that DEF freezes after prolonged exposure to 12 degrees or lower? If you’re keeping your equipment stored in a warm, enclosed environment you should have to worry about this possible headache, but if you’re not, make sure you have a way to thaw frozen DEF to keep your equipment running.

9.  Fill Fuel Tank After Every Shift

To avoid a frozen fuel tank, you should always fill up your machinery at the end of each workday. Like a car’s fuel tank, moisture can build up in your tank and clog the filters. No. 2 diesel fuel can also freeze during the winter months, consider switching to No. 1 diesel fuel to prevent freezing in the tank and fuel lines while in the winter season.

10.  Give it a Good Clean

Plant material left on equipment can trap in moisture and cause rusting, while mud and earth-moving debris can freeze your tracks in place. Occasionally giving your heavy equipment a good clean is a good idea to remove any unnecessary debris and extend the life of your tracks or to simply reduce spot wear.

Our Service Department is here for you this winter! We offer Winter Service Specials to get your equipment ready for winter. Contact us today to schedule your service appointment or request a service appointment online.