How To Prepare Your Construction Equipment for Cold Weather

If you don't prepare your construction equipment for cold weather, winter can put a damper on your workflow. The machines might need to work harder to uphold performance. Plan ahead for these temperatures so that you can operate your equipment more smoothly and efficiently. While we won’t cover all contingencies, below are important habits to maintain when using your construction equipment during the colder months.

Retain a Full Charge With Your Batteries

When the temperatures are freezing, this could force the battery on the machinery to work harder. The battery might not start in cold weather, so you must keep the device fully charged every work shift to prevent starting problems. If you can, store these batteries inside to keep them warm and avoid damage.

Utilize Seasonally Appropriate Fluids

The fluids and oil you may use during the warmer months of the year might not be appropriate once temperatures reach freezing. Cold air can thicken oil, preventing it from moving freely throughout the machine. Swap out the oils for low-temperature grade fluids—keep a close eye on hoses and reservoirs because colder temperatures could prematurely break them.

Keep the Fuel Tank Full

Your fuel tank on your construction equipment could become frozen if there is insufficient gas. Avoid this mistake by draining the water from the separator before each shift and refilling the tank to full capacity before the end of each shift. In addition to this, store your excess diesel fuel in an insulated area because it can freeze and expand when temperatures are below 12 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place Machinery in Storage Facilities

Storing the machinery outside is not the best practice when you continue to operate with them in the cold. Find a storage facility that is enclosed, so the fluids within the equipment remain at room temperature. Furthermore, mother nature won’t be able to reach the gear, and you won’t need to scrape off snow and ice each morning before starting the workday.

Do NOT Use the Equipment Until It Reaches Operating Temperatures

If you turn the engine over and immediately start using the equipment, it could cause the intake and exhaust valves to stick. Run the engine until it reaches the appropriate temperature for operation. In extreme cases, some companies may keep their engines idling all night so that the machine never cools down. While that isn’t the best practice, air or block auto start heaters could help keep the machine at the correct temperature.

You must prepare your construction equipment for cold weather, or you could risk the machinery breaking down. Operating through freezing temperatures can be more manageable if you care for your equipment.