Equipment
Safety

Guidance for Using Equipment in Cold Weather Conditions

Plummeting temperatures and the thought of snowfall means it is time for contractors to make sure their fleet is winter ready. Luckily, there are options available, and steps to take, to ensure peak performance no matter the weather.
By Steve Chandler
January 11, 2021
Topics
Equipment
Safety

Just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean all construction work stops for the winter. But plummeting temperatures and the thought of snowfall means it is time for contractors to make sure their fleet is winter ready. Luckily, there are options available, and steps to take to ensure peak performance no matter the weather.

The first step for contractors is ensuring they have the proper materials and accessories for cold weather work. Depending on jobsite needs and expected temperatures, this could include the following.

  • Specialty “arctic oil.” While internal combustion engine powered units are cold-start tested to -20F (-29C) with standard hydraulic oil, arctic oil is designed for temperatures consistently below 0F (-18C). Make sure to select the correct oil viscosity for the temperature range in which the equipment will operate.
  • Accessories such as block heaters, battery blankets, hydraulic tank heaters, pan heaters and freeze plug heaters.

Additionally, once equipment is on the jobsite, there are steps contractors can take to make sure it continues to perform to its full capabilities.

  • Allow equipment to warm up properly at the beginning of the day. This gives the oil a chance to flow through the system and heat up hydraulic components. Additionally, the engine and transmission function better if given ample time to warm up before using.
  • Inspect cold-weather package items frequently for proper operation. Follow all maintenance procedures according to schedule, or as needed.
  • Remember that platform load sensing systems monitors the weight in the platform and disable functions if the load is above the platform load limit, and in cold weather applications, this means heavy jackets and boots will count toward the platform’s total capacity.

Ensuring the right equipment and accessories are available for the job will keep jobsites operating to their full potential, no matter the weather.

Click here to read the original article on Genie’s website.

by Steve Chandler

For more information on Genie products and services, visit www.genielift.com.

About Terex

Terex Corporation is a global manufacturer of lifting and material processing products and services delivering lifecycle solutions that maximize customer return on investment. Major Terex brands include Terex, Genie and Powerscreen. Terex solutions serve a broad range of industries, including construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, shipping, transportation, refining, energy, utilities, quarrying and mining. Terex offers financial products and services to assist in the acquisition of Terex equipment through Terex Financial Services. More information about Terex is available on its website www.Terex.com, on LinkedIn and on Facebook.

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