The harsh winter weather in Calgary can be challenging on your heavy equipment unless you take particular precautions to reduce the chance of damage.
Certified truck repair shops just want to help you keep your equipment in the best condition possible, so we’ve compiled a list of advice on how to prepare your heavy equipment for winter. These general guidelines should be helpful regardless of the type of industrial equipment your organization relies on.
Reduce the burden of lower temperatures on your equipment by getting adequate maintenance and servicing to keep it running at peak performance. Not sure where to start? Here are some pointers to help you get your equipment ready for winter.
Visual Inspection
The owner’s manual is an excellent place to start. These often include suggestions for oil and fluids and other seasonal maintenance activities particular to your equipment. A thorough evaluation of the equipment will assist in identifying any problems that may worsen when the temperatures drop.
Examine your tires, batteries, wiring, hoses, and attachments, and repair or replace any elements that show signs of damage, such as cracks, cuts, or worn places. The machine should be kept as clean as possible to aid in the detection of leaks and other issues.
Acquire the help of a reputable heavy machinery expert to help with any unforeseen problems in the future. This can mitigate any unforeseen problems and save you lots of money.
Lubricants And Fluids
Coolant, engine oil, hydraulic fluid, transmission fluid, drive lubricants, and fuel must be checked and monitored before and during the cold season. Where applicable, use low-temperature grease and oil with a reduced viscosity to operate better in cooler temperatures.
Batteries And Engines
You’ve already taken care of a substantial portion of engine care and maintenance by taking care of your fluids and lubricants. Check the air filtration system for any gaps that could allow intake air to pass the filter, resulting in premature engine failure.
Over the winter, it’s always advisable to use a block heater and keep your battery well-charged and warm (battery heaters are another option to consider and are common in colder places). Store your battery, or perhaps the entire computer, indoors whenever possible. Allow the equipment to reach working temperature before using it. This reduces wear and tear and increases the useful life of the equipment.
Your best bet is to take your equipment to a reliable truck repair shop for proper maintenance and inspection.
Also read: How To Choose A Reliable Truck Repair Shop
Idle Your Machinery To Save It
This option is only recommended if your equipment has to work in extreme temperatures for an extended period.
If you work in severely cold climates, ensure that your machines are adequately idled overnight. Working in areas where temperatures can reach -40 or -50° C means you could spend the entire day warming up a machine simply to get it started. As a result, in some areas, machines never turn off. They are left idle all night — for days or months at a time — since the cold might make starting the next shift difficult.
It is critical to understand that if you leave your equipment idling unattended, you must boost the exhaust temperature since an engine idling at 700 or 800 RPMs can be destroyed. Machines should be idled overnight at roughly 1200 RPMs.
Since the air is so cold, you won’t get a complete burn of your gasoline, and it will also wash the cylinders (i.e., wash the lubricating oil from your rings and liner walls). However, if you idle at 1100 or 1200 RPMs, you can avoid unnecessary maintenance costs in the future.
Clean Your Machines At The End Of The Day
The track, undercarriage, driveline, articulation joints, and steer cylinders are all included. If they get muddy and the temperature drops below freezing, they will freeze overnight. Frozen mud is similar to concrete as it is far more challenging to chisel and pull out than ice. Frozen mud in the tracks can quickly harm the tracks, pins, and rollers if the machine is driven.
Get Professionals To Thoroughly Inspect All Rubber Parts
Parts such as hoses, tires, drive belts, and electrical cables are more vulnerable to damage in freezing conditions. Check for cracks and tears every week to keep your equipment running smoothly. We also recommend having spare seals, rubber mounts, hoses, and fittings on hand for emergency repairs.
Professionals can easily detect wear and tear and advise operators through the process.
About LLN Truck Repair
LLN Truck Repair is one of Calgary’s top-rated commercial truck repair shops due to our dedication and excellent work ethic. With more than 20 years of exceptional truck repair experience, LLN is a family-run business with knowledgeable mechanics. Our skilled staff will help you at every stage, whether you need assistance with a truck, trailer, or heavy-duty equipment or simply need help keeping your fleet of vehicles on the road. Learn more about LLN Truck Repair and our services.
Contact us right away for high-quality, affordable truck repair services.