Three Tips for Preparing Compact Equipment for Colder Temperatures

Keeping a construction business successful in a difficult economy often means working in any weather, despite the toll it may take on your fleet. Colder temperatures, sleet, snow and salt can all harm your compact construction equipment in winter.

Fluids and filtration: extreme cold weather affects the viscosity of engine and hydraulic oil, which can lead to increased wear and potential failure. Consult Cat guidelines to confirm you are using the right type of oil for winter. Check and replace oil and air filters as necessary.

Batteries and electronics: cold weather puts additional stress on uncharged components. Make sure the battery is fully charged and that all connections and cables are free of corrosion.

Undercarriage: components incur more wear and tear in winter when slick conditions place additional demands on tires, suspension and frame. Check daily for loose parts, low tire pressure, debris, cracking or signs of damage.

Most importantly, make sure your operators know to give equipment time to warm up before use. Running cold can cause a skid steer or backhoe to blow a hose, o-ring or other component, leading to costly machine failure and unanticipated downtime.