Cold Weather Safety Tips for Your Equipment

With winter nearing, now is a great time to prepare your equipment (and yourself). The cold weather is not only harsh on us but also on our equipment, and there are a few safety tips to remember before operating in the cold. 

Warm Up Equipment Before Operating

Just like any other vehicle, you have to warm up your equipment and machinery before operating. When machinery is cold, they move slower and can cause unnecessary strain on your battery. 

Maintain Your Battery

When the cold hits, your battery loses charge, especially in extreme cold. Consider using a block heater to maintain your battery or keep it in a sheltered, warm area. It’s also important to test your battery before winter to ensure you’re swapping out any weak batteries for new ones.

Switch To Winterized Fuel

As the temperature drops, fuel can crystallize and thicken, commonly known as gelling. In order to avoid this, it’s recommended to switch to winter-grade fuel or store your machinery under shelter. 

Be sure to replace your filters as well to reduce the chances of freezing or clogging. 

Inspect Equipment Daily

Snow, ice, and other debris can quickly stick to the undercarriage of your equipment, so be sure to inspect all areas. Clean off any debris with a cold water pressure washer to avoid rust and corrosion. 

This HPW40D model by MechMaxx has both cold and hot water options that can clean in all seasons. To avoid further snow pile-up, consider using an equipment cover for protection.

Prepare for Low Traction

Tire pressure goes down with the colder weather, so make sure you maintain the recommended pressure. The ground will become slippery and uneven, so consider upgrading to winter tires if possible. 

Your Snow Set Up

Whether you’re looking for new batteries, filters, or equipment shelters; MechMaxx has you and your equipment covered (literally). Shop our seasonal supplies here so you’re not caught in the cold with a machine that refuses to run.