Oct
Cold weather can take a serious toll on your machinery. From frozen hoses to sluggish engines, winter conditions increase the risk of breakdowns and costly downtime. The good news? With the right construction equipment winter maintenance, you can keep your fleet running smoothly throughout the colder months.
Here’s a practical step-by-step guide to help you protect your investment with smart preventative maintenance of construction equipment.
1. Check Fluids and Lubricants
Cold weather thickens fluids, making it harder for your equipment to start and run efficiently. Key checks include:
-
Engine oil: Use the correct viscosity for winter.
-
Hydraulic fluids: Make sure levels are topped up and clean.
-
Coolant/antifreeze: Essential to stop freezing and overheating.
By staying on top of fluid checks, you reduce wear and tear while ensuring your machines remain responsive.
2. Inspect and Protect Batteries
Batteries are one of the first components to struggle in low temperatures. To prevent downtime:
-
Test battery voltage regularly.
-
Clean terminals and check for corrosion.
-
Store spares in a warm, dry place if possible.
A weak battery in December can quickly halt progress on site. Proactive checks are much cheaper than emergency callouts.
Check out our range of consumables by clicking here.
3. Keep Fuel Systems Winter-Ready
Diesel engines are especially vulnerable in cold weather. Gelled fuel and clogged filters can stall a project instantly. To avoid this:
-
Use winter-grade diesel where possible.
-
Replace or clean filters regularly.
-
Drain water from separators to prevent freezing.
This small investment in construction equipment maintenance pays off by keeping your machinery reliable even in harsh conditions.
4. Inspect Tyres, Tracks, and Undercarriages
Frozen ground, snow, and ice put extra stress on moving parts. Look out for:
-
Cracks or wear in rubber tyres and tracks.
-
Damaged undercarriage components.
-
Correct inflation levels for tyres to improve grip.
Routine checks keep your machines safe and stable, no matter how tough the terrain becomes.
5. Protect Hoses and Hydraulics
Hydraulic hoses can become brittle in freezing weather, making them more prone to cracking. To avoid mid-job breakdowns:
-
Inspect for leaks or visible damage.
-
Store equipment under cover where possible.
-
Use protective sleeves to shield exposed hoses.
Preventative action here can save thousands in unexpected repair bills.
6. Clean and Store Equipment Properly
Salt, mud, and ice buildup cause corrosion over time. End-of-day cleaning and sheltered storage go a long way in extending machine lifespan. If full cover isn’t available, consider using tarps to protect sensitive components.
7. Schedule Professional Servicing
Finally, nothing beats a professional once-over. Having your fleet inspected before winter means:
-
Small issues are fixed before they escalate.
-
Machines are fully prepped with the right consumables.
-
You gain peace of mind that your business won’t grind to a halt.
At CES Hire, our service plans are designed to keep your equipment in peak condition all year round, minimising costly downtime and extending machine life.
Final Thoughts
Winter doesn’t have to slow your projects down. By taking a proactive approach to construction equipment maintenance and following these simple steps, you’ll reduce breakdowns, protect your investment, and keep your sites running on schedule.
👉 View Our Service Plans today to find out how CES Hire can help you prepare your machinery for the season ahead.
