As the days get colder and shorter, it’s time for sites to start thinking about their heavy equipment winterization plans. Do you have a set routine you follow each winter to keep your machinery and site running perfectly, even under harsh weather conditions? If you don’t, take a look at our tips on how to winterise your heavy equipment – we’ve updated 2022/2023’s list. If you already have a schedule, why not take a look and see whether you’ve missed anything from our list!

1. Store your heavy equipment indoors

Storing your heavy machinery indoors during the colder months can be one of the most effective methods of winterisation, providing you have the space and facilities to do so. Keeping your machinery out of sub-zero temperatures overnight will mean warmer starting temperatures, fluids will not freeze (including brake fluid which can present a hazard if frozen) and reduced start-up times the following morning, when you don’t have to worry about snow scraping and de-icing.

Also, did you know, lead-acid batteries lose around 20% of their power at 0°C? Another reason to keep your equipment indoors overnight! If, however, this is not an option, consider removing batteries at night or installing battery warmers. Similarly, run your engine before using the equipment as this will give the engine a chance to wake up in cold conditions.

2. Check rubber parts

Rubber is known to lose its elasticity in cold conditions, hardening at around 0-10°c. The brittleness and inflexibility of rubber parts during the colder, winter months makes the need for regular inspection even more important, so don’t forget to check hoses and rubber seals more frequently for cracks, tears or signs of damage. This can avoid potentially dangerous or expensive future issues, such as hydraulic leaks.

3. Inflate tyres correctly

When temperatures fall, tyre pressure also drops. Ice crystals can contribute to tyre deflation, so it might be worth considering inflating tyres with dry nitrogen gas to prevent the formation of ice crystals. Check tyre pressure once or twice a month over the winter months and adjust as and when needed. Underinflation can cause uneven wear, which brings us onto our next point…

4. Check tyre tread

When temperatures drop below 7°C, tyre tread begins to harden, much like the other rubber parts of your heavy machinery, and this reduces grip. Make the switch to winter tyres and regularly check the tread to ensure the safety of your heavy machinery in hazardous, icy and wet conditions.

5. Clean your heavy equipment’s undercarriage

Your heavy machinery’s undercarriage goes through a lot on a daily basis and needs to be inspected regularly for signs of damage to the tracks or other, smaller parts. The winter months add another element to the mix: frozen debris. It’s important to remove any chunks of mud or debris at the end of each day, as this is much easier to do when the mud is still fresh and not frozen into icy blocks.

You can read our full guide to undercarriage inspection here.

6. Store your DEF properly

Did you know that diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) can freeze in temperatures below 12°C? It should be stored somewhere insulated with some empty space in the container, as DEF can expand and swell in volume by up to 7% in the cold. 

7. Consider using winter oil

Did you know, synthetic oils tend to be better for the winter months as they have lower viscosity? This means they move more freely and can withstand lower temperatures with less risk of congealing or freezing. It might be worth swapping the oil you use for one more suited to winter conditions specifically.

8. Replace air filters before winter

Air filter replacement is more of a preparation step when it comes to heavy equipment winterisation. This is because it should ideally be carried out right at the end of summer, before the cold weather kicks in. Dust accumulates during the summer, and contaminated air can lead to premature engine failure (very costly!). Make sure to replace your air filters before winter to remove the summer build up.

9. Top up your fuel daily

CAT recommends topping up your fuel if levels are too low, as frozen diesel is not a problem you want to wake up to. Keep fuel topped up, ideally at the end of each day.

10, Rinse your heavy machinery daily

Daily winter maintenance of your heavy machinery is key to keeping everything running smoothly. A simple but effective way of reducing and preventing rusting, for example, is to rinse your machinery daily. This will remove any de-icing salts that have built up on the exterior of your machine, as well as any that might be trapped in your undercarriage or near the hydraulic cylinder rods (these will rust if exposed to snow, ice and salt).

At Jaytrac, we always recommend having a thorough winterization plan in place for your heavy equipment. For more information about the high quality replacement parts we supply, including CAT, Komatsu and Volvo spare parts, get in touch today on +441604491133  or email us at sales@jaytrac.co.uk. Alternatively, fill out our online enquiry form and our team will be in touch.