To ensure that heavy machinery continues to operate efficiently and productively during the winter months it’s important to carry out extra checks to protect your investment.
Falling temperatures can have an adverse impact on machinery, here Chris Clark, Technical Capability Lead at Finning, authorised dealer of Cat equipment, parts and service in the UK and Ireland, highlights how to make sure machines keep working at optimal levels during cold weather.
- Always allow the machine to warm up. Temperature plays an important part in machines working at full capacity, as well as maximising the working life.
- Keep fuel tanks full. Condensation can be problematic in winter as a build-up of water in the fuel tank can cause issues, such as freezing and corrosion. Keeping tanks full minimises the space in which water droplets can form.
- Use a high-quality anti-freeze. Protecting cooling systems is essential to maintaining ideal operating temperatures. A high-quality anti-freeze will protect against freezing. Cat Extended Life Coolant protects fluids down to -37 degrees Celsius.
- Allow the Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) system to purge. Anti-freeze cannot be added to DEF systems, which is not a problem. However, it is important to allow the purge to complete to ensure any moisture is removed.
- Invest in winter parts. A range of specialist winter Cat parts are available from Finning – they’re easy to order through parts.cat.com. Products such as low temperature grease or coolant additives support efficient running, while seat covers and winter wiper blades improve operator experience.
- Carry out daily checks. In addition to standard checks, ensure coolant has not been diluted by water as this would make it less effective against frost, and look for fresh chips or cracks that could expand in the cold.
- Make sure lights and wipers are in good working order. Heavy rain and strong winds can be challenging for operators. Clear screens and mirrors of dirt and frost before operation and change wiper blades that do not clear glass well.
- Check lighting. As more work is carried out in darker conditions, make sure lighting works properly and high-quality LED or halogen bulbs are used.
- Choose a reliable battery. A heavy-duty Cat battery will help to ensure machines start well throughout the year and are well proven in winter months.
- Store machines with care. When machines are being stored over winter it is advised to move them to a covered area and disconnect the battery.
Chris explains: “Cold weather has a direct impact on factors such as fluid viscosity, which means systems can take longer to reach working temperature. Care must be taken to prevent frost damage to cooling systems and DEF systems.
“Carrying out winter checks at the start of the cold season and continuing to perform regular checks throughout winter will help to protect your machine and keep it working at full capacity. Parts showing signs of damage should be replaced.
“Finning offers a number of service solutions to support optimised operation of your heavy machinery, including winter checks, while replacement equipment can be ordered online via parts.cat.com.”
Finning offers structured and flexible preventative maintenance solutions to help your machinery remain in prime working order, find out more at finning.com.
