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Preventive maintenance is crucial. Winter weather can be hard on the job site and on the Caterpillar equipment you trust to get tasks done expertly and efficiently.
Whether you need to winterize your fleet or implement a heavy equipment preventative maintenance plan, Yancey Bros. can you protect your investment, reduce unplanned downtime and help prevent unexpected repair costs.
Choose a cold-weather fuel that prevents gelling as well as winter-grade oil, lubricants and coolant with an antifreeze mixture.
Where applicable, a block heater can be used to keep engines warm when they’re not in use, making them easier to start.
Check fluid levels and oil dipsticks before starting the engine each day.
Allow engines to warm up for at least five minutes before beginning to work. This allows oil, lubricants and coolant to move through the engine and warm up to an effective operating temperature.
At the end of thew workday, fill equipment fuel tanks to reduce any chance of fuel freezing overnight.
Batteries
Because batteries lose power quickly in subfreezing temperatures, disconnect them from equipment not in used and move them indoors into a temperature-controlled space.
Battery blankets or battery warmers can help prevent freezing if an indoor storage isn’t an option.
When reconnecting batteries to equipment, make sure all electrical connects are clean and tight.
Hydraulic Systems
Like other oils and fluids, use hydraulic oil engineered for cold weather.
Electric or engine-driven hydraulic heaters can help keep hydraulic fluid at an optimal temperature.
Condition hydraulic hoses, which can become stiff and crack in colder temperatures.
Check for any hydraulic leaks regularly and make any needed repairs quickly to prevent fluid loss.
Tires and Tracks
Switch to tires or tracks designed for cold and snowy conditions.
Freezing temperatures cause tires to lose air faster than normal. Check tire pressure regularly and move to a warm place to refill them.
Use tire chains or other traction aids whenever conditions are snowy, icy or slippery.
Cab Comfort and Visibility
Maintain the cab’s heating system to keep equipment operators warm and focused on tasks.
Also maintain windshield washers and defrosters to ensure the best line of sight in poor conditions.
Provide operators with appropriate cold-weather gear, such as insulated clothing and gloves.
Test lights for safer operation and higher visibility.
Other Preventive Maintenance
Follow the recommended maintenance schedule for your equipment and be aware of any winter-specific checks and services.
Regularly grease all fittings and lubricate moving parts to ensure smooth operation and excess winter wear and tear.
Remove built up dirt and reside, especially any road salts, at the end of each shift.
If you don’t have an indoor space to store equipment, move it to a location that’s most sheltered from wind at the end of the work day.
Partner with Yancey This Winter
Don’t put your investment in heavy equipment at risk this winter. Yancey Bros. has over expert technicians throughout the state of Georgia that specialize in winter maintenance needs and can prepare your fleet for the worst of the winter weather and make sure your equipment is up to date on manufacturer-recommended upkeep. Call today to schedule service.
