Winter Weather Preparedness Week is a great time to perform routine maintenance checks on your hydraulic equipment before a broken part leaves you “out in the cold.” To ensure your hydraulic systems operate efficiently and reliably, check that your outdoor equipment is winterized and well-maintained.  This is especially important for industries whose hydraulic systems experience regular exposure to the elements, such as construction workers, foresters, salt spreaders, snowplow operators, and more.

Keep your business moving with these cold weather tips for operation of hydraulic equipment:

Choose the Right Hydraulic Fluid: Cold temperatures increase oil viscosity and may make some oils resistant to flow on start-up. Choose a hydraulic oil with a lower viscosity, such as Lucas Oil AW-32, for best results in cold weather. If your oil has high viscosity, you may want to replace it, or dilute it with oil from the same brand with a lower viscosity to improve flow. Do not mix oil packages or brands, as different labels may have different additive packages and mixing could compromise additive performance, leading to corrosion, increased mechanical wear, and in some cases, machine failure. Consult your equipment’s manual or a Triad Technologies hydraulic fluid specialist to identify the best solution for your needs.

Maintain Proper Fluid Levels: Freezing temperatures may cause hydraulic fluid to contract, resulting in lower fluid levels and the entry of air into the system. This may cause cavitation, leading to reduced efficiency or equipment failure. Check fluid levels regularly and top up as needed to maintain optimal system performance. Consult your equipment’s manual for guidance on adjusting fluid levels and other settings for cold weather conditions.

Protect Against Drastic Temperature Changes: The materials used for standard hydraulic hoses can be porous, and freezing, melting, and refreezing may cause these hoses to crack or lose flexibility. Once the outer layer of a hose is damaged, failure becomes twice as likely. By utilizing hydraulic hoses and equipment engineered for extreme temperatures, you can preserve productivity and minimize the risk of equipment failure. As an added measure, you can also equip hoses with an external cover or hose sleeve to help insulate your line and minimize exposure.

Never Run Equipment Cold: Running equipment before it has had time to warm up may result in increased oil viscosity, which can damage components. Electric or engine-driven heaters can be installed on hydraulic reservoirs, lines, and pumps to keep oil within the recommended temperature range.  Some manufacturers also recommend running at half throttle, activating hydraulic attachments for 15 seconds, waiting five seconds, then repeating this process two to three times before sustained operation. On average, it is best to have an oil temperature reading of 150 degrees Fahrenheit before operation to ensure proper lubrication throughout the system.

Store Equipment Properly: If you have hydraulic equipment that needs to be stored for the winter, be sure that it is kept in a dry, temperature-controlled environment. If you do not have access to a temperature-controlled storage facility, take steps to protect equipment from freezing temperatures, such as using antifreeze, insulating components, or draining equipment’s hydraulic oil prior to storage.

Conduct Regular Inspections and Maintenance:  Even after implementing all the steps above, one of the most important factors in extending the life of your hydraulic system is routine inspection and maintenance. It is recommended that you conduct visual inspections at least once per quarter, looking closely for signs of damage and wear. These checks can help you avoid costly, unscheduled downtime by allowing you to identifying and correct problems in their earliest stages.

Stock Backup Components: Your local Triad Technologies ParkerStore is a valuable resource for all of your hydraulic hose and fitting needs. If you have hydraulic components and accessories that are regularly exposed to the elements, or which experience extreme wear, you can minimize future downtime by keeping replacement products on-hand. Our ParkerStores offer a wide variety of hoses, fittings, seals, rubber mounts, and more. We also offer 24/7 emergency service if you need a replacement part outside of regular business hours.
 

Don’t let poor planning freeze your productivity – plan for winter weather and keep your equipment protected! Contact Triad Technologies today or comment below to ask about our winter weather preparedness products and services. Our experts can help you choose the right products for your needs and ensure that your hydraulic systems are ready to weather any coming storm!