The days are getting colder. Winter is quickly approaching. You will want to be preparing your heavy equipment and machinery for the colder weather, so you can prevent damage that can be expensive and time-consuming. Now is the time to plan and get things in order. Here are a few tips for getting your heavy equipment ready for the cold weather that lies ahead.

• Be sure to condition any and all hydraulic hoses and use the correct lubricants. Make sure your equipment has the right engine, transmission, hydraulic, and final drive lubricants for that specific piece of equipment.
• Use enclosed storage facilities for your equipment, and be sure fluids are at room temperature. That will make for an easier start for your machine and you will spend less time brushing off all the snow and ice.
• In most situations, block heaters are best for getting your engine started in cold weather. A block heater will increase the temperature of the hydraulic fluid and the engine. You can block the radiator to speed up the warming-up process.
• Be sure that all batteries are fully charged and that they are warm. When it is cold, it takes twice as many cranking amps for your battery to turn over, so making sure it is charged and warm will make it start much easier and more quickly.
• Keep starting fluid on hand, be sure it stays at room temperature, and only inject it as the engine is cranking. Be sure to store starting fluids properly and safely as they are highly flammable.
• You should always run the engine until it reaches the temperature for operation. This can help you avoid sticking of the exhaust and intake.
• Make sure you keep your tires properly inflated because they lose cold air faster in cold weather. Also, when they are inflated, do so in a heated area for the best results.

Can the weather affect your heavy equipment earning potential?

When people head into heavy equipment careers, they sometimes fail to recognize the impact that the weather can make on their ability to work. If you are earning an hourly wage, as opposed to a fixed salary, then you do need to be aware that inclement weather can reduce your earning potential. Not all heavy equipment operations are affected by weather, but some are, and for some people it can really bite into their budget. One way to deal with this is to obtain certification for machinery that is not affected by the weather.

Be Prepared!

It is worth pointing out that not all bad weather is bad enough to stop work. If there is heavy rain, an electrical storm or deep snow, however, work can grind to a halt. For some people, this is a welcome break, for others it represents a loss of income. If you experience a lot of downtime in your region due to weather, you might want to consider working towards extra certification. Some heavy equipment will be operated throughout the year in rain or snow. Indeed, graders and bulldozers are sometimes used to clear snow, so you might find your services in even greater demand in bad weather.

Different climates, different considerations…

Depending on where you live, weather might have minimal effect on your workload. If, however, weather is a significant factor in your workload, it would pay to consider extending your skill base. Contact us at Associated Training Services if you are interested in learning about heavy equipment careers that will allow you to operate in almost any weather condition.