Winterizing Heavy Equipment
When winter rolls around, we put aside a lot of our heavy equipment because we don’t need it during the cold. To make sure winter doesn’t wreak havoc on your machines, you need to perform some extra maintenance. You should perform some of this maintenance even on machines that you’ll be using in the cold because they need the extra care to avoid damage.
Taking care of your heavy equipment can be hard work. Let the professionals help you out. We at Burrows Tractor have put together a short guide to help you winterize 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 Yakima and Wenatchee, WA as well as North Plains, OR. We welcome all our friends from Portland and Washington.
Check the Owner’s Manual
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!
Proper Engine Care
It’s essential that your heavy equipment engine be properly cared for, and doing that requires paying attention to the fuel you use, its lubrication and a functional filtration system. Slacking in any of these areas could lead to serious repair costs and downtime for your heavy equipment.
Check the fuel tank cap and vent 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.
Oil & Coolant Replacement
Freezing temperatures should 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 heavy 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.
Battery Check
To prepare the battery for winter weather, there’s a lot you have to do. 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.
Tire Care
Tires and freezing temperatures do not get along very well. From the loss of traction and air pressure to the brittle effects 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 heavy equipment up and operating. 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 Burrows Tractor location near you. We proudly serve those in Kennewick, Ellensburg and Richland, WA Stop by today and let our team of experts answer all your questions and help you find the heavy equipment or service you’re looking for!