How to Prep Your Equipment for Winter Work

Keeping Your Machines Running Strong When the Temperature Drops

When the first frost hits and the ground starts to harden, every seasoned operator knows—winter is coming for your iron. Cold weather is hard on heavy equipment. From sluggish hydraulics to brittle hoses and weak batteries, freezing temperatures can turn a good machine into a deadweight overnight.

But with a bit of planning and a few key maintenance steps, you can keep your fleet working hard all winter long. Here’s how to prepare your equipment for whatever the cold season throws at it.

1. Start with Fluids: Cold’s First Victim

Cold temperatures thicken oil and slow hydraulic response. Before winter sets in, switch to low-temperature or multi-viscosity fluids recommended by your manufacturer.

• Engine Oil: Consider a winter-grade oil (like 5W-40 synthetic) for easier starts and faster lubrication.
• Hydraulic Fluid: If your machine feels sluggish, your hydraulic oil may be too thick for the temperature. Use an all-season or low-temp fluid rated for your region.
• Coolant: Check your antifreeze blend with a tester — it should protect down to at least -37°C (-35°F).
• Fuel: Run winter-grade diesel to prevent gelling. Add anti-gel or conditioner before the cold hits and always drain water separators daily.

2. Inspect and Protect Your Battery

Cold weather drains battery efficiency fast — at -20°C, a battery can lose up to 50% of its cranking power.

• Clean terminals and apply dielectric grease to prevent corrosion.
• Check cables for tight, clean connections.
• Test battery voltage and load; replace if it’s weak before it fails in the field.
• When possible, plug in block heaters or use battery blankets overnight.

Your goal: make sure your equipment starts when you need it — not after an hour of boost cables and swearing in the dark.

3. Check Belts, Hoses, and Seals

Cold temperatures make rubber components brittle. Inspect:

• Hydraulic hoses for cracking or soft spots.
• Belts for wear, fraying, or loss of tension.
• Seals and fittings for leaks that can worsen with contraction in the cold.

A small leak in summer becomes a major failure in winter. Replace questionable parts before the cold turns them into liabilities.

4. Keep It Clean — Especially Undercarriages

Mud, snow, and ice buildup can freeze solid overnight, locking up tracks and rollers. After each shift:

• Clean undercarriages, steps, and pins.
• Park on boards, mats, or gravel to prevent freezing to the ground.
• If possible, store machines indoors or under cover to keep ice from forming in moving parts.

It’s simple maintenance that prevents costly downtime.

5. Warm-Up Matters

A cold start puts serious strain on your engine and hydraulics. Always give your machine time to come up to operating temperature before working at full load.

Let the machine idle long enough for oil to circulate — and cycle the hydraulics gently to get fluid moving through the system. The extra few minutes pay off in reduced wear and fewer breakdowns.

6. Check Electrical and Lighting Systems

Winter means shorter days and poor visibility. Inspect all lights — work lamps, signals, and beacons — and replace any that are dim or out.
Also, ensure connectors are sealed from moisture to avoid corrosion or shorting out when the snow melts.

If your machines run auxiliary heaters, cameras, or GPS units, check that the alternator and wiring can handle the extra load.

7. Store Smart and Plan Ahead

If you’re parking equipment for extended periods:

• Top off fuel tanks to prevent condensation.
• Disconnect or trickle-charge batteries.
• Grease all fittings to push out moisture.
• Cover exhaust openings to keep critters and moisture out.

If your iron is working through the winter, stock up on essentials — filters, fluids, anti-gel, and spare batteries. Supply shortages can bite when temperatures drop.

8. Operator Comfort Matters, Too

Frozen fingers and fogged windshields slow productivity and raise safety risks.

• Check heaters, defrosters, and cab seals.
• Replace worn wiper blades.
• Keep an emergency kit on board (blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, gloves, and fuel additive).

A comfortable operator is a focused operator — and that keeps everyone safer.

Winter is tough, but heavy equipment built and maintained right can handle it. The key is preparation: get ahead of the freeze, stay consistent with inspections, and treat your machine like the investment it is.

With the right fluids, maintenance, and storage habits, you’ll spend more time working and less time thawing out broken iron in the yard.

Because in this industry, the cold doesn’t stop the work — it just separates the pros from the unprepared.