Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/440030
17 AGGREGATES MANAGER January 2015 that from happening and will help save time and money when the machine is started for the fi rst time in spring. Be sure to fi ll the tank completely, as this will also help prevent any corrosion resulting from condensa- tion on the inside of the tank. Also, it's not enough to just fi ll the tank. You also need to run the engine long enough to be sure that the new fuel – with the additive in it – cycles through the engine and all of the fuel fi lters. This will ensure the entire fuel system is protected from harsh temperatures. 2. Other fl uids In addition to the fuel, there are other fl uids and sys- tems that require attention for cold weather storage. The fi rst is engine oil. Dirty engine oil can ab- sorb contaminants as it ages. Dirty, contaminated oil sitting for extended periods of time in the en- gine can cause components to fail and reduce the life of the engine. It's important to change the en- gine oil and all fuel fi lters prior to winter storage, replacing the existing oil with a cold-weather oil as recommended by the engine manufacturer. Hydraulic oil has a much longer life and does not pose the problems that engine oil does. All you need to do to prep for winter is top off the hydraulic oil. In all cases, be sure to consult the engine and machine manufacturers' maintenance manual for all fl uid recom- mendations, including oil, fuel, and hydraulic fl uid. Failure to follow manufacturer specifi cations may not only lead to engine damage, but may also void any warranties. 3. Batteries Batteries are especially vulnerable to extreme cold. Left for extended periods of time, they can lose their power and even cause damage and corrosion to the engine. So, it's important to disconnect and remove batteries from the excavator. This will not only preserve the batteries' life, but will also help prevent unauthorized use and theft of the excavator. Ideally, batteries should be stored inside to ensure they will still be usable in the spring. 4. Security During the winter, excavators – and other machines – are left unattended for three or more months. This can invite problems related to safety and security – from curious kids climbing and playing on the machines, to vandalism, to theft. So, it is crucial that machines be parked for the winter in a secure location. Winter operation Of course, one of the best ways to prevent the pun- ishment that comes from keeping an excavator idle for months on end in harsh winter temperatures is, of course, to not keep it idle. Excavators are made to work, even when the weather turns bad. Still, there are some precautions and preventive measures you should take to ensure your excava- tors continues to run smoothly through the winter: Cold temperatures affect fl uids more than anything else. Oil, fuel, hydraulic fl uid, and other fl uids become more viscous in the cold and can inhibit the operation of the engine or other systems, or even cause dam- age. Hydraulic oil is the most critical fl uid that needs to be kept fl owing freely. Cold, thick hydraulic oil can cause pumps, lines, and hydraulic coolers to fail. It is important to consult applicable manufacturer manu- als and specifi cations to determine the recommendations for cold-weather fl uids, then change all fl uids according to those guidelines. For extreme cold, it may be necessary to consider arctic weight oils. This is especially important in engine oil and fuel, as it can lead to the most problems with the engine. If the excavator will be operating in extremely cold tem- peratures, you may need to equip it with fuel-fi red heaters. These will help keep the coolant, engine oil, and hydraulic fl uid at a high enough temperature to prevent gelling and will keep the machine and all its systems running smoothly. Besides the fl uids, the machine itself can be affect- ed by the cold. Steel, when subjected to extremely low temperatures, can become very brittle. This can lead to cracks or even breaks in key components. So, if you're operating the machine in extremely frigid tempera- tures, be sure to operate the machine with care. Matthew Hendry is a hydraulic excavators product con- sultant with John Deere Construction & Forestry. EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT To prepare your excavator for winter storage, be sure to handle fluids according to manufacturer recommendation and remove batteries prior to storage.