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8 Essential Tips for Heavy Equipment Maintenance This Winter

December 19, 2023

8 Essential Tips for Heavy Equipment Maintenance This Winter

As winter’s chill settles in, don’t let freezing temperatures and heavy snow catch you off guard. At Williams Machinery, we want to make sure that as temperatures drop, you don’t experience unexpected downtime or compromised safety.

To keep your heavy equipment up and running in frosty conditions, set up a planned maintenance schedule with our service experts today, and read our guide on 8 essential checks to make sure your equipment is ready for winter.

1. Use Oils Designed for Cold Weather

Switch to hydraulic oils and engine oils that are formulated for colder weather to improve the performance of your heavy equipment.

2. Clean Your Equipment

Clear away debris before freezing temperatures hit, so you can avoid a variety of issues. If debris is not cleared away, your machine can get worn down by salt and dirt. Worse, if dirt freezes in your tracks, it can leave your machine immobile.

3. Thoroughly Inspect All Rubber Parts

Cold temperatures leave parts at higher risk of damage, including:

  • Hoses
  • Tires
  • Drive belts
  • Electrical wiring

To maintain your equipment’s performance, check for cracks and tears on a weekly basis. We also recommend you carry spare seals, rubber mounts, hoses, and fittings for crucial repairs.

4. Undercarriage Maintenance

Proper undercarriage maintenance is essential to keep your machines running smoothly long-term. Clean snow and other debris from the undercarriage on a daily basis.

5. Perform a Filter Check

Inspect fuel filters to ensure they’re clean and functioning properly. Air filters should be replaced to prevent any unexpected engine issues caused by contaminated air.

6. Ensure Your Coolant is Temperature Rated

To protect your engine from freezing, scale and corrosion, coolant is crucial in the winter. Use the appropriate coolant and concentration for colder weather for your machine.

7. Inspect Your Equipment Heaters

Keep working comfortably through the winter. Make sure your equipment heaters are fully functional and equipped.

8. Check Your Battery

Last but not least, we recommend performing a battery inspection. Ask yourself the following:

  • Does your battery hold its charge?
  • Are electrolyte levels at the full mark?
  • Are your batteries fully charged
  • Are your batteries free of debris, with clean terminals?

Service & Maintenance

At Williams Machinery, we’re dedicated to keeping you up and running. Entrust your equipment to our team of factory-trained service technicians—experts who understand the unique demands of the season. We don’t just maintain, we enhance, ensuring your machines conquer the cold and deliver peak performance.

Let’s create a tailored service plan crafted specifically for your needs. Connect with a member of your local service department today to build your maintenance plan.