Working in Winter: How to Stay Efficient with Your Machines

1 / 1

For those working outdoors during the next few months of winter, daylight will be shorter and the weather will be colder. If you’re operating heavy equipment, you can handle the elements by prepping your machine for the climate and planning ahead of the workday to keep moving. Here’s how you can promote efficiency with your machines to stay on schedule while remaining safe and comfortable on the job.

Compare new and pre-owned equipment for sale online.

Machine Care

If you haven’t done so already, change all of your equipment’s fluids to winter-grade levels for the colder months. That includes the engine oil, hydraulic fluids, upping the mixture of antifreeze in the coolant tanks, and dropping in fuel additives that will keep diesel fuel from gumming up and gasoline from forming ice crystals. When these last two issues go unchecked, filters and fuel lines can clog, which lowers or stops the efficiency of the engine. Speaking of filters, you should change those at the same time you are upgrading the fluids.

Colder weather will put a strain on your machine’s electrical system—especially if you use all-electric equipment—which means you should pay special attention to the batteries. If possible, store your equipment indoors when not in use to help protect it from the elements, including ice. If you can’t store equipment inside or if the indoor storage space is not environmentally controlled or heated, you may want to use block heaters or battery warmers to provide easier starts after sitting in the cold for a while. This will help to reduce wear and tear on the machines.

Hoses and belts can also become brittle in colder temperatures, so check them periodically for cracks or leaks. It’s better to isolate a problem before it becomes part of a bigger incident, especially if a repair can be done while the machine is still in the shop and not out in the field. Take further steps each day with equipment maintenance when preparing for winter jobs.

Equipment Adjustments

Check the tire pressure regularly and adjust as needed. Colder weather can cause tire pressure to drop when the air molecules within the tire slow down and contract. For every 10-degree Fahrenheit drop in temperature, you can expect to lose one to two pounds of pressure (PSI), which can affect machine handling, braking, fuel economy, and tire wear.

When starting the engine, let it idle for several minutes to warm up the oil and hydraulics. This will make the cab more comfortable with a warmer internal temperature for the machine operator when the work begins. When getting started with the work day, cycle the hydraulic components slowly and without a load to get them warmed up, then begin with light loads at first for the new shift.

If the vehicle is parked for a longer period of time, such as during a lunch break, it’s a good idea to start it periodically to keep all systems active and responsive. If you’re taking just a short break, it might be better to keep the engine running.

Working in Winter

If you’re going to be the one operating the machinery, layer up in form-fitting clothes—including insulated gloves and a hat. Naturally, you can remove layers as things get warmer, especially if you’re going to be inside a heated cab or actively moving on a project site. Form-fitting clothing is less likely to get caught on an object while you’re moving or operating equipment. Keep in mind that extra layers of clothes may limit your range of motion and possibly reduce your visibility, hearing, or grip if you are wearing a hat and gloves. 

Whether you’re managing a work crew or handling a workload solo, schedule regular breaks and provide a heated shelter for your team when experiencing frigid conditions. Stay warm at the worksite and offer a variety of hot beverages for your team such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate to regulate internal temperatures and boost morale. Just remember, consuming lots of fluids may also cause additional bathroom breaks, and be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day with water.

Shop for new and pre-owned heavy equipment trailers for sale online.

Equipment for Winter

If you need additional equipment during the winter months or you just want to add to your inventory, compare your choices through the online marketplace. Whether it’s a new unit, a pre-owned deal, or a component you can add or replace, explore all of your options for this time of year.

Barrett Baker

Barrett Baker is a freelance writer with more than 40 years of writing experience. He has worked with the U.S. Department of Energy, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, and a variety of advertising and marketing firms throughout his career. In his spare time, he enjoys photography, cooking, and working with animal rescues.

See author's work