5 Safety Tips That Will Keep Your Heavy Equipment Running Smooth this Winter

 

Winters have just arrived, and it is time to prepare your heavy equipment. Of course, we don't want our project to stop because of the weather. But before you set your articulated dump truck hire on the job site, you must ensure maximum performance and safety. Thus, we bring you five tips that will be super helpful for you this long winter.

 

How cold weather affects heavy equipment performance?

Although heavy equipment is meant to work in harsh conditions, prolonged cold temperatures can deter its performance. Firstly, the engine oil, grease, and hydraulic fluid may become less viscous due to prolonged cold, making it more difficult to pump. To make matters worse, regular grease can clog lines if it becomes too cold, making it difficult to inject low-viscosity, low-temp grease. Additionally, heavy machinery's batteries may freeze if left outside for an extended period.

 

• Check the filters and battery.

Always check filters before using the long-reach excavator rental since dirty or clogged ones might make it difficult to start and result in power loss. Additionally, batteries discharge more quickly at colder temperatures. Employees should be aware that a frozen battery should never be charged or jump-started. Wait until the battery has reached a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

• Store equipment indoors

It's recommended to keep your machine away from this cold weather while it's not in use. If heavy snowfall or blizzard occurs, you don't want to spend hours clearing out the accumulated snow on it. Also, unhook any attachments and store them separately to prevent damage to hinges and joints.

 

• Routine cleaning of your equipment

During the coldest months of the year, heavy equipment with caked-on dirt, muck, and debris can be dangerous. Salt and other substances present in snowfall can taint systems. Regular and thorough equipment cleaning will safeguard the body and parts and enable you to identify possible problems.

 

• Warm up every time

Before starting the daily work, run your engine idly until it reaches operating. Warming up helps prevent the intake and exhaust valves from sticking and also gives your machine a good stretch to spread heated oil evenly.

 

• Use ground heaters

Lastly, using ground heaters is the best thing you can do to keep your project going even in extreme cold. Yes, a portable glycol ground heater rental is designed for the purpose and works like a heater to defrost frozen ground. You can use them for numerous jobs, such as removing frost, preventing fresh pavement from freezing, and distributing heat throughout the construction site.

 

Conclusion

By following the above tips, you keep them in optimal condition and ensure on-site safety. However, heavy equipment is quite expensive and needs the utmost maintenance to run smoothly. If you are unsure of the risk, simply rent it out from OEC Rentals. They are the ultimate destination to get ground thawing equipment rental, ground heaters, etc., this winter season. Get in touch with them today to rent heavy equipment for your upcoming project.