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Best Practices to Winterize Your Heavy Equipment: Part One of a Two Part Series

Nov. 9 2017 Heavy Equipment By Best Line Equipment

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Best Practices to Winterize Your Heavy Equipment: Part One of a Two Part Series


Best Practices to Winterize Heavy Equipment: Part 1


In this first of two blog posts on Winterizing Heavy Equipment, we focus on the importance of treating your fuel to checking engine temperatures before harsh winter conditions arrive. In Part 2, we discuss the importance of using manufacturer recommended filtration systems to checking hydraulic lubricants.

When you live in the Northeast region, you know just how unforgiving the winter months can be. Dropping temperatures, heavy snowfall and icy roads --- if you're unprepared, all three can be trouble for your heavy equipment.

At Best Line, we're ready to help you prepare for winter's worst. With our industry-tested best practice, you can rest assured that Best Line Equipment is prepared for what winter wonderland has in store. 

Why Winterize?

Just as you would prepare your home for the cold winter months, winterizing your equipment means preparing your machinery to sit dormant in low temperatures for months at a time. Skipping this step could result in serious maintenance issues come springtime, affecting your wallet and work schedule.

Where To Focus?

Your first step should be creating a checklist for you and your team to follow. Creating a checklist not only keeps you organized, but it also ensures that the appropriate attention is being paid to your machinery on a routine basis. Here are a few crucial items you may want to consider checking:

Fuel

When the temperature drops to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, it's time to start treating your fuel with an anti-gel addictive that is compatible with your engine, its emission components, and controls. When cold temperatures hit, the 2-D fuel begins to thicken, causing the viscosity to increase. The freezing process causes problems when the fuel is filtered because of the increased viscosity of the fuel it has a harder time flowing through the filter media, and this can cause separation of the paraffin "wax". The paraffin will coat the filter media stopping the flow of fuel through the filter. Also, the colder temperatures cause fuel particles to freeze, especially if moisture is present. Here are a few other tips to consider when dealing with fuel. 


  • Fill the fuel tank at the end of each day to decrease the amount of moisture and/or water build up.
  • Maintain a minimum fuel rating of 40 centane. If temperatures drop between -4 and -20 degrees, upgrade to a 50-centane rating.
  • Adding quality fuel treatments and the use of fuel heaters will help your diesel-powered equipment from plugging fuel filters due to "gelling or waxing."
  • Diesel fuel spoils as it gets old, so running the engine can help clean the tank of any residue. 
  • Never blend gasoline, gasohol or alcohol with diesel fuel. These will lower the flash points, causing the risk of explosion. Using these fuels will reduce the lubricity of diesel fuel, and cause damage to the engines fuel system because of the lack of lubrication. Today's diesel engines have very close tolerances in their fuel 
  • system components due to the very high injection pressures needed to meet today's emissions. Lubrication is key. 


Engine Oil

Changing your engine oil should already be a part of your regular maintenance. For those operating 4-cycle engines, we recommend changing the oil seasonally even if the OEM's (Origional Equipment Manufacturer) limits haven't been exceeded. Only use oils that meet or exceed the manufacturer's recommended oil viscosity and requirements. Today's diesel engines run at higher temperatures, and use EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) to meet emission requirements.  

The warmer your oil is, the easier it will flow through your system. Contact a Best Line experton whether or not engine heater blocks are required for your equipment. 


Engine

Always run the engine until it reaches operating temperature. Your engine is the heart of the machine. Keeping your machine's RPMs low until your engine warms up will prevent the increased wear and stress on engine components. The following are other factors to consider when checking your engine:

  • Always check engine fluid levels before starting the engine.
  • Always check for oil or coolant leaks. The cold weather can cause coolant hose to leak at connection due to shrinking fittings; check hose clamps for proper tensions.
  • Check the belt pulleys and belts to ensure they're free to turn before starting the engine.
  • Check fan belts' condition and alignment before starting up your engine.
  • Extend the engine's life by restricting its idle running time-- no more than 10 minutes.
  • Extend idle time can damage or plug exhaust after treatment systems. 

These are some time consuming tasks to complete before winter comes, but worth understanding as you don't want to get stuck spending money on extra repairs that can be preventable.