Winterizing Your Heavy Equipment

Winter weather will be here before we know it, so it’s essential that you prepare your heavy equipment for the temperature dip. There are some extra maintenance steps to perform to ensure you’re prepared. Whether you plan to store your equipment or continue using it during the colder months, you still need to perform winter maintenance to prevent serious damage. 

Here at Synergy Equipment, we know winterization can be challenging. We’ve gathered some tips to help. If you’d like to learn more or you’re shopping for new equipment, stop by today! We have several locations throughout Florida and Georgia. We proudly serve South Carolina as well. Whether you’re looking for construction equipment for sale, equipment rental, or heavy equipment for sale in Florida, we’ve got you covered.

Getting Started

First, refer to the owner’s manual for your heavy equipment. This will be a helpful guide when you begin your winterization process. It provides specific information on the manufacturer’s suggestions regarding supplies, parts, fuel, oil, tire pressure, and so on. The specifics of your equipment may vary, so it’s imperative that you follow the directions given in the owner’s manual above all else. When in doubt, always check the owner’s manual.

Maintain Your Engine

In order to take proper care of your equipment, pay attention to the fuel you use, the functional filtration system, and lubrication. If you neglect any of these items, it could lead to serious damage and costly repairs. It could also result in significant downtime for your heavy equipment and nobody wants that, so be sure to prioritize proper engine maintenance.

For starters, your fuel tank cap and vent should be checked regularly to confirm functionality. Any signs of water or sediment in the fuel could indicate an issue and if you let it sit, it might damage the fuel injection system. Examine your fuel filter to confirm it’s working correctly or if it needs to be replaced. Switch to the appropriate fuel to protect your engine in the winter months. The cold weather will only increase existing fuel issues, so it’s critical to use the right fuel for operation during the winter. 

Replace Oil & Coolant

Overheating is still a problem even when it’s cold out. Always inspect the coolant reservoir and hoses for any signs of leakage. It should always be filled up to the cap. Coolant is also used for preventing corrosion, helping with lubrication, and inhibiting cavitation. Therefore, it’s very important to replace these fluids at the suggested times outlined in the owner’s manual.

Engine oil is just as important because it keeps your equipment from overheating. It also ensures that all moving parts are correctly lubricated. You should use an oil that matches the temperature outside of your machine. It’s always wise to check the engine oil during the winterization process, like you would with any other engine. The oil should hold its viscosity and light color. If this isn’t the case, it’s time to replace the oil and the filter.

Tend the Battery

There are many things you can do to prepare your battery for cold weather. Check the electrolyte indicator and if it’s drained below the top of the plates, it’s permanently lost some of its performance. Clean out any debris and dirt as this can drain energy and hinder conductivity. If you notice corrosion around the posts, clean it with baking soda and a small brush. This will ensure the cables and posts have a clean point of contact.

Never store your battery outside of the machine it powers if it’s not in use. If you know your battery is going to sit, hook it up to a battery tender or trickle charger. Remember, operating a battery in cold weather won’t be an issue, but it’ll amplify the normal stressors for operation, like vibration, heat, and frequent stopping and starting. Your best bet is to fully recharge it between uses, which may still require a tender. Winter weather can increase power demands of equipment, so a battery without a full charge could run into problems.

Check the Tires

Tires and freezing temperatures don’t mesh well. Loss of traction and reduced air pressure are just a few of the issues you could face. The tires on your equipment will require extra attention during this time of year. You can add a few extra steps to your routine to lower your risk for wear and tear. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Check for existing signs of wear. Remove any foreign objects stuck in the tread. Inspect the tire wall for scalping and cracking.

It might seem like a lot, but it’ll be worth it to protect your heavy equipment as well as avoid expensive repairs and downtime. For more information, feel free to contact us at Synergy Equipment or visit any of our dealerships in Florida and Georgia. We also serve customers in  South Carolina. We’re proud to offer a variety of inventory, including an impressive selection of heavy equipment for sale in Florida, equipment rental, and construction equipment for sale. Stop by today!