As the daylight hours decrease and the mercury drops, keeping machines in prime operating condition requires more time, attention and effort. Moisture plus cooler temperatures can increase wear on any machine’s engine, transmission and hydraulic systems. Engines often "start hard" during lower temperatures, creating more tension on these machine components:
- Engine and hydraulics: The increased viscosity of engine and hydraulic oils reduces the ability of engine parts to move and requires more energy to move throughout the machine.
- Diesel Fuel: When untreated, fuel will gel and will not flow as freely due to the fuel’s paraffin.
- Cylinders: The cold air temperature decreases heat of compression needed to ignite fuel. Proper Cetane in fuel and start-up procedures are needed to ensure success on cold days.
- Batteries: To “crank” the engine at the required speed for the compression, more of the machine's battery power is drained.
At least six weeks before temperatures are expected to dip, schedule extra time every morning and night for operators to check their machine components and engines. When fleet managers help their operators prepare, they minimize future downtime and safeguard machines against excess wear and tear.
Check out the five steps to prep equipment for the fall and winter.
1. Use up as much fuel as possible before treating it.
Cold reduces diesel fluidity and causes poor engine performance, so fleet managers should use as much untreated bulk fuel as possible. Then, drain all tank sumps to remove water that settled out over the summer season. Next, add in fuel conditioner and check coolant and freeze protection before replacing the fuel filters. Ensure the fuel supplier is delivering a blended or treated fuel for winter operation.
Remember, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) has a good shelf life if operators follow a proper storage system during winter. DEF must be stored in new ISO-approved containers in a climate-controlled area at least 50 degrees Fahrenheit. DEF will begin to freeze at 12 degrees Fahrenheit.
If operators or fleet managers need more time to schedule these tasks, contact a trusted equipment service provider like RDO Equipment Co. Most equipment dealers can treat fuel, check coolant protection levels, and inspect for any necessary repairs for customers.
2. Consider changing the engine or hydraulic oils.
Consider changing engine or hydraulic oils to lighter weights to reduce potential wear and promote easier starting. Also, opt for lighter-weight grease for auto-lube systems to prevent injector plugging and dry joints.
3. Check undercarriages, consider tire chains.
Depending on the specific temperature, moisture level and soil type, a machine’s tracks may need to be loosened based on the amount of material that could get packed into the tracks. Soil plus water equals hard ice chunks that could damage a dozer or excavator. That's why it's essential to check for debris and loosen tracks. Operators should discuss situations with their fleet managers to understand when they can add tire chains if necessary.
4. Stock up on support equipment and other essential parts.
Some parts, like fuel filters, should be replaced more often during the fall or winter. Fleet managers should also consider adding generators, heated sheds or other machines for several reasons.
- Generators may be required to warm engines before starting, or in the rare case, jump-start a compact machine.
- Heated sheds provide space to store DEF on the job site and can also be a place for operators to hold a quick morning meeting.
Colder temperatures increase operator fatigue, so additional equipment checks, generators and a heated shed can help team members pay attention to site safety.
5.Schedule annual inspections with your trusted service provider.
Annual inspections help fleet managers plan downtime as they manage machines working on many different jobs. Many equipment dealers will have promotions for inspections during the fall, so contractors can talk to their trusted partners to stock up on materials and schedule preventative maintenance. Before cooler temperatures, any operator should discuss their concerns with a trusted technician.
Allen Charnstrom
Allen Charnstrom has worked in the heavy equipment industry for nearly 30 years. For 25 years, he provided excellent service as a field service technician for Minnesota contractors. Now, as RDO Equipment Co.’s Product Specialist Manager for the Midwest region, he works with several team members to provide contractors with innovative equipment and technology solutions.
