As a construction, landscaping or agriculture professional, you need your equipment to bounce back between uses. When the weather changes, more attention to detail is required to ensure your machinery is ready for work and storage.
Completing much-needed winter maintenance for heavy equipment is key to keeping your investments working at peak performance for the long term. Here’s what you need to know when it comes to cold weather tips for Cat® equipment.
The Importance of Cold Weather Maintenance for Machinery
Freezing temperatures are tough on construction equipment. Proper maintenance ensures skid steers, compact track loaders and other equipment can operate safely.
Depending on your industry, you may use your fleet throughout the winter months or store it. Following a few simple procedures can be the difference between having to schedule significant repairs in the spring and continuing with your operations without interruptions.
Following through with winter maintenance for heavy equipment reduces the likelihood of unwanted downtime. Keep those who depend on your team satisfied year-round.
1. Inspect and Prepare Engines
One of the easiest cold weather tips for Cat equipment is inspecting engine condition and letting a machine’s engine reach a safe operating temperature before each use.
Equipment operators should make sure there’s enough antifreeze before starting up equipment. Your team should also use engine oil rated for cold-weather use — these fluids flow optimally when temperatures drop.
Remember to test batteries frequently. If you find that a battery is weak or hesitates, go the extra mile for your machinery and replace it as soon as possible. Cold weather is known to deplete batteries faster than normal operating conditions.
2. Explore Fuel Treatments
It’s important to check your options for fuel treatments and winter-grade fuel before temperatures dip below freezing. Knowledgeable technicians, like those at Stowers Cat, can provide recommendations for fuel additives that lessen the chances of fuel freezing or clogging filters.
Another straightforward cold weather tip for fuel systems is to ensure tanks stay full during short- and long-term storage. This step is essential in the fight against condensation buildup on fuel tank surfaces.
3. Prioritize Hydraulic System Maintenance
Construction equipment, including loaders, dozers, excavators, skid steers and compactors, feature hydraulic systems that make it easy for teams to lift and lower attachments. Winterizing these machines means inspecting the hydraulic fluids that enable your investments to travel smoothly. Failing to replace hydraulic fluids causes them to thicken, lowering performance.
Low-temperature hydraulic oil is essential for productivity in freezing conditions. When inspecting hydraulic systems, verify that hoses, fittings and connections are strong and free of leaks.
4. Lubricate Moving Parts
The moving components on heavy equipment undergo great stress, especially in the cold. Your winter maintenance process should include inspecting grease points like hinges, pins and bushings. Applying cold-weather grease helps your heavy machinery work as intended.
When deciding on lubricants for winter, choose a low-viscosity product solely designed for use in freezing temperatures. These offerings are advertised as “winterized” lubricants, and they contain silicone or lithium-based additives. Consult your machine’s owner’s manual before applying lubricants for desirable results.
5. Inspect Tires and Tracks
Tires and tracks have to work overtime when navigating across snow and frozen ground. Equipment operators should check tire pressure before and after using machines, as cold air causes air pressure to drop more than usual.
Both tires and tracks must be assessed for damage routinely. Anything from a small puncture in a tire to track misalignment or slippage will get worse when ignored during freeze-thaw cycles. Work with an experienced team to service your Cat equipment the moment something strikes you as out of the ordinary.
Accessories like tire chains can make a significant difference when working in snowy or icy conditions. They help maintain traction when moving over inclines and uneven terrain.
6. Winterize the Cabin and Prioritize Operator Comfort
Your business can only operate efficiently when equipment operators are comfortable in the elements. Winter maintenance for heavy equipment should include checking that cabin heaters and defrost systems are working properly to create a pleasant working environment.
It’s also critical to check and replace weatherstripping around machinery cabins to prevent cold air from entering. To put operators’ well-being at the center of your operations, you might consider adding special floor mats and extra insulation for operator cabins.
7. Consider Equipment Storage Options
Store your machines in a sheltered or heated space when they are not in use. Having a temperature-controlled space to store equipment saves you a great deal of time, as equipment operators can get right to a project versus removing snow and ice.
If you can’t store equipment indoors, purchasing tarps and covers for your machinery is worthwhile for safeguarding attachments, controls and surfaces. Many professionals purchase portable canopies for a straightforward startup.
Additionally, instruct employees to follow a specific equipment startup routine. Warming up fluids and components before use can prolong equipment life spans. You might arrive at a project site early to start machines in preparation for a busy workday ahead.
Stowers Cat for Routine Equipment Maintenance
Stowers Cat has been working in the heavy equipment sector since 1960. Our professionals offer the maintenance services you require to stay at the top of your game during the winter season. Our technicians are factory-trained to work on Cat equipment, allowing you to receive expert maintenance and repairs tailored to your heavy machinery.
We’re proud to offer unmatched support for teams in construction, landscaping and agriculture. Our goal is to provide an incredible customer experience and heighten your team’s uptime. Allow us to inspect your equipment, replace components with genuine Cat parts and complete fluid changes for optimal winterization.
Contact Us Today for Heavy Equipment Service
Stowers Cat is the premier Cat dealer for Crossville, Chattanooga, East Knoxville, Sevierville, and West Knoxville, Tennessee. Our technicians are ready to help you complete routine equipment upkeep so that you can stay productive and encounter fewer obstacles during the workday.
Visit your local dealer to speak with a technician in person, or fill out our quick form to schedule service today.
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