With the low winter temperatures just around the corner, now is the time to start preparing your machines for storage or to function optimally all winter long.
If you are planning to get the most out of your machine this cold season, take the steps listed below to avoid malfunctions and ensure your machine runs smoothly despite the freezing temperatures.
1. Use the correct fluids for your machine and working conditions.
If the temperature in your working environment drops to or below freezing, be sure to only use diesel fuel, coolant, and engine oil suited for those low temperatures.
- Check the operator’s manual to confirm the viscosity of your engine oil.
- Make sure the coolant mixture is appropriate for cold weather conditions.
- For diesel fuel, select one that is a “winter blend” to avoid gelling in extremely low temperatures
2. Drain water from the fuel/water separator daily.
This step applies to machines operating in any climate and is a preventative measure to avoid damage to the engine and high-pressure fuel system. In freezing temperatures, this step is even more critical to also avoid unwanted freezing causing the engine to stall or result in costly repairs.
3. Inspect the hydraulic oil of your machine frequently.
Check your hydraulic oil even if your machine is not due for service. The color of the oil can give you insight into the health of your machine.
- If you see it is a dark color, replace the oil right away because this is an indication of heat exposure.
- If it appears milky, drain it immediately because this means water has gotten into the oil.
4. Keep your machine’s undercarriage clean.
With cold temperatures comes snow, ice, and other material getting caught in your undercarriage that can then freeze overnight. Build up of these frozen materials can lead to damage to cylinder rods, cylinder wiper seals, and the machine’s tracks. Always be sure to park your machines in a dry area when leaving them overnight.
5. Idle the machine’s engine for 5 minutes then slowly work its way up to operating RPM.
It is important to allow time for the oil to circulate throughout the machine and work its way up to the proper temperature. Rushing this process in cold temperatures can result in damage to certain components of your machine due to a lack of oil pressure.
6. Use a block heater instead of using starter fluid or ether.
Starter fluid or ether can result in too rapid of an increase in compression and can cause a piston to crack or melt. Using a block heater that is plugged in overnight or using glow plugs or a grid heater are also suitable solutions.
7. Make sure your radiator had adequate airflow by clearing out any debris.
An engine could still overheat despite cold temperatures if its cooling system is not functioning properly. To make sure the cooling system continues to operate properly, frequently clean the radiator so it’s receiving proper airflow.
Opting for winter storage for your machines? Follow the steps below to make sure your machines are ready for use when spring comes.
- Store the machine in a dry, dust-free environment or if this is not an option, park the machine on wooden planks and cover it with a tarp out of the way of direct sunlight.
- Make sure your water separator and fuel tank have been drained of any water.
- Always leave your machine with a full tank of fresh fuel
- Change hydraulic filters, engine oil, and engine filters especially if a maintenance interval is coming up.
- Replace coolant with long-life coolant if the current coolant condition and levels are not adequate.
- Lubricate all grease points on your machine.
- Check that no cylinder rods are exposed by retracting cylinders as much as possible. Then, apply rust-preventing oil to any exposed cylinder rods. If not possible, start the machine’s engine every 30 days throughout the winter months.
- If temperatures reach below freezing in the storage area, remove the battery and store it somewhere warm. If temperatures do not reach that low, simply disconnect the negative terminal on the battery.
Any questions on how to properly prepare your machines for storage or the winter months? Contact ACT Construction Equipment at 800.462.2447 for guidance.