Properly preparing your construction equipment for winter is essential, as cold weather can wreak havoc on your machines. If you’re wondering how to winterize your construction equipment, taking just a few simple steps can help you effectively maintain your machines during the winter.

Here are the top five tips for winterizing your equipment:

1. Maintain Proper Fluid Levels

Before cold weather sets in, make sure all fluid compartments are filled with lubricants of the right viscosity. Be sure to check the oil tank as well as hydraulic and transmission components.

Oil should be changed before and after the winter months. It is usually best to use a low-viscosity oil for winter so it can flow through the machine more easily.

You also want to make sure you have the right amount of coolant. A 50/50 ratio of coolant to water is typically ideal for keeping your engine running, but in colder climates, a 70/30 mix may be better to prevent the water from freezing.

2. Keep Batteries Charged and Properly Stored

For starting construction equipment in cold weather, the battery needs double the standard number of cranking amps. For that reason, it’s essential to keep the battery charged and warm so that startup is easier.

If the temperature in your area falls below zero, or if you won’t need the machine during the winter months, remove the battery and store it in a temperature-controlled space until you plan to use it again.

3. Store Equipment Indoors

Snow, sleet, hail, cold winds and other winter weather can significantly damage both the interior and exterior of your machines. To give them the best protection from these elements, store them inside an enclosed facility. This move will also allow you to control the temperature and more easily monitor factors like oil viscosity and battery charge without having to dig the machine out of snow or brave frigid temperatures.

4. Inspect the Tires

Tires lose air more rapidly when temperatures drop. To ensure the tires on your machines have enough air to support their weight, thoroughly inspect each tire before use. If they need air, inflate them in an area with a reliable heat supply, which helps achieve optimal seating for the tire bead.

5. Refill the Fuel Tank After Each Use

Fuel tanks can freeze in the overnight hours if they are empty. To prevent this from happening, refill the tank after each use. Before you refill it, clean and drain the water separator to reduce the chance of leak-over water, dirt and sediment. With a clean fuel system, your machine will be better equipped to withstand even the coldest of winter seasons.

Contact Mustang Cat Today

At Mustang Cat, we have a vast inventory of new, used and rental construction equipment to meet the needs of a wide range of jobs and industries. We also rent out machines from Caterpillar® and other industry leaders to cover specialized jobs or replace machines that are down for maintenance or in storage for winter.

If you’re looking to add compact construction equipment, work tools and attachments, or other machines to your fleet, contact us today.