Iron Insights
Hot Days, Hard Work: Summer Maintenance Tips for Your Iron
When the temperature climbs, so does the strain on your equipment. Long hours under the sun can push your machine’s systems to their limits—and if you’re not prepared, the heat can cost you power, performance, and profit.
Whether you’re operating an excavator on a dusty job site or hauling dirt in 35°C weather, here’s how to keep your iron cool, clean, and running strong through the summer.
Keep It Cool—Literally
Overheating is one of the most common and costly issues during the summer months.
- Check coolant levels daily and top off with the correct mix for your machine.
- Inspect radiator fins and blow them out with compressed air regularly. Dust, debris, and bugs love to clog airflow.
- Check fan belts for cracks and proper tension. A slipping belt can reduce airflow right when you need it most.
If your machine’s temperature gauge is creeping into the red, don’t ignore it. One overheated engine can wreck your whole day—or week.
Heat Weakens Fluids—Stay Ahead of It
As temperatures rise, oil and hydraulic fluids thin out. That means less protection, more wear, and faster breakdowns.
- Use summer-grade fluids with the correct viscosity for warm weather.
- Stick to your change schedule—or shorten it if you’re pushing equipment hard in extreme heat.
- Check for signs of breakdown like burnt smell, foaming, or discoloration.
Hydraulic system overheating is no joke. It leads to sluggish performance and premature failure if left unchecked.
Defend Your Engine from Dust
Summer means dry ground and dusty sites—and your engine is sucking all of it in.
- Inspect and clean your air filters frequently. Replace them if they’re packed or damaged.
- Check pre-cleaners if your machine has one. They help extend filter life and keep fine dust out of sensitive systems.
- Don’t forget the cab filter—especially if you want to breathe easy during a long shift.
A clogged filter doesn’t just reduce performance—it risks pulling unfiltered air into your engine, which can lead to expensive damage.
Grease Early and Often
Heat breaks down grease faster, especially on high-friction pivot points.
- Increase your greasing schedule in summer months, particularly for loaders, graders, and backhoes.
- Use a high-temperature grease that holds up under heat and pressure.
- Wipe away old, melted grease—don’t just pile on more.
Lubrication isn’t just maintenance—it’s protection.
Don’t Let Electronics Bake
Modern heavy equipment is packed with sensors, screens, and wiring—and heat is hard on all of it.
- Inspect wiring harnesses for signs of sun damage or melted insulation.
- Keep cabs ventilated or use sunshades to reduce interior temps and protect electronics.
- Avoid letting screens bake in direct sunlight when parked—prolonged UV exposure can lead to screen failure.
If your machine is idling in the sun, the internal cab temp can easily hit 50°C or higher. Don’t underestimate how much damage heat can do over time.
Take Care of the Operator, Too
- Hydrate regularly. Dehydration leads to slower reflexes and poor decision-making.
- Wear light, breathable gear. Safety doesn’t have to mean overheating.
- Use window tint or fans to keep cab temps bearable.
When the operator’s fried, productivity drops—and so does safety.
