Keeping Machines In Good Shape During Cold Weather

It's always winter somewhere where machines are needed

. Regardless of whether you are dealing with a snow blower clearing a residential sidewalk, or much heavier equipment keeping an acre of parking lot clean, there are numerous techniques people use for making sure machines not only perform well in the cold months - but also survive them. If you have invested time and money into your fleet, you should take some simple steps to keep them humming year after year, no matter the weather.

Always read and understand the Operation and Maintenance manual:

This may sound like a no-brainer but the first step to ensuring your machine's health is reading the manual. The operating manual for a big machine is your most important tool in ensuring your safety, and the safety of others on any job site, small or large. Some companies, like Caterpillar, affix the operating and maintenance manual to the seat of all machinery with a lanyard, to ensure ease of access and prevent misplacement. Also, regardless of the weather, machinery should also be inspected to ensure that the equipment is working properly - any unnoticed damage or need of repair can result in injury.

Prepare Machines for the Cold:

To better prepare your machines for cold weather, try the following: use block heaters and enclosed storage facilities when machines are not being used. A block heater is an electric heater that heats an engine to ease starting in cold weather. They are connected to normal AC power overnight or before driving, which allows easier starting in cold temperatures. Heaters are also available for motor oil so that warm oil can quickly circulate and warm the engine during start-up. On that note, always use correct lubricants and provide the correct cooling system protection for the conditions you will be working in. Storing machinery in enclosed facilities when the machine is not being used will prevent exposure to the elements - like rust - which can harm a vehicle.

Miscellaneous:

There are numerous other precautions you can take to ensure the life of your machinery. Remember to: inspect all rubber parts weekly; keep all batteries fully charged; always fill the fuel tank at the end of the shift; check the air filters on a regular basis when snow is present; run the engine until it reaches operating temperatures; never remove the air cleaner element when snow packing occurs; if your machine is shut down for more then 16 hours; the engine will cool to the external temperature; and always maintain your machine per the Operation and maintenance manual during cold weather.

by: Dan Horvath

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