Winterizing Heavy Equipment

When the temperatures start to drop, it can take a toll on your heavy equipment. Tractors and construction equipment need some extra care to be able to operate in cold temperatures (or to be stored in cold temperatures). Here at Magnum Power, we strive to make your life easier. That's why we created the following guide to winterizing heavy equipment below. For all your heavy equipment needs, visit our dealership. We proudly serve those in Clay County, Missouri near Kearney, Liberty, Gladstone, and Kansas City.

Your Owner's Manual

You'll want to start by giving your heavy equipment owner's manual a read. Sure, it may not be the most interesting text you will ever read. But it will give you valuable insight as to the specific needs of your construction equipment. It'll tell you what you'll need to do specifically for your given model, which helps you better tailor your winterizing approach, and includes nuggets of wisdom such as the ideal timeline for maintenance and the right tire pressure.

Engine Maintenance

Tractors need a well-maintained engine to run. When you do the legwork of properly maintaining them, it can help improve their lifespan and save you money on repairs. You'll want to pay extra attention to the type of fuel you use, using proper lubrication, and inspecting the filtration system. If these parts start to fall out of repair, it could lead to expensive repairs down the road.

It's important to regularly inspect certain parts of your heavy equipment. Do your fuel tank cap and vent work correctly? Can you spot any signs of water or sediment in your fuel? If you can, this suggests an issue that you will want to fix as soon as possible. Leaving it to long can end up hurting your fuel injection system. One place to start is checking your fuel filter.

Some heavy equipment owners choose to change to a #1 diesel or quality gasoline mix when the temperatures begin to plummet. The cold temperatures can exacerbate fuel problems, so it helps to use a better-suited fuel.

Finally, you'll want to be sure you lubricate your engine, change your oil, and replace the air filters regularly. Your owner's manual will tell you when you should do this.

Oil and Coolant

Even though the temperatures are colder, overheating is still an issue. It's important to inspect your coolant reservoir and hoses. That way, you can spot signs of leakage early and get them repaired. Coolant helps prevent corrosion, helps with lubrication, and helps inhibit cavitation. The ideal amount of liquid is filled to the cap.

Your engine oil also plays an important role to prevent overheating and ensure lubrication. Check your tractor's oil (much like you do with your car engine). It should have the right color and viscosity. If it isn't right, it may be time to replace your construction equipment's oil and filter.

Battery

If you're going to be storing your heavy equipment, you'll want to remove your battery. Then connect it to a battery tender or trickle charge. It'll ensure that your battery is ready to go when the weather gets nicer. Just be sure to store it somewhere dry and warm.

For all your heavy equipment, construction equipment, and tractor needs, visit Magnum Power. If you are looking to buy, we offer a range of products for all needs and budgets. If you need some maintenance on your equipment before storing it, take advantage of our service and parts departments. We proudly serve those in Clay County, Missouri near Kearney, Liberty, Gladstone, and Kansas City. Stop by today!