Prepping and Maintaining Your Equipment for Harsh Winter Work Andrew Dargatz - CASE| 19th Annual Symposium
19th Annual Snow & Ice Symposium June 22-24, 2016 | Providence, RI
Increasing Role of Construction Equipment Responsiveness Labor Efficiency Fuel Savings Wear & Tear Liability Visibility
1
6/21/2016
Types of Equipment
Key Takeaways for Winter Success Outfitting Equipment Attachments & Other Considerations Winter Maintenance Practices
2
6/21/2016
Outfitting Equipment for Winter Success Key features to consider when buying equipment • Match hydraulic flow to attachment needs • Proper tires/tracks • Cold Weather Packages ‒ 2 batteries, proper fluids, possibly more flexible hoses, block heaters ‒ Heated seats ‒ Heated mirrors ‒ Backup cameras ‒ LED lights, beacons, strobes ‒ Remote jump starts/jump posts
Attachments/Options and Other Considerations Attachment flexibility • Pushes, blowers, brushes, etc. • Right sizing • Quick coupler
3
6/21/2016
Attachments/Options and Other Considerations Cont. •
What are the right attachments for you? Buckets
• Piling • Loading
Blades
• Versatility
Blowers
• Space Limitations
Pushers
• Large Area
Sweepers
• Gentle
Attachments/Options and Other Considerations Cont. Ride Control • Roading & carrying
• • • •
Telematics Machine utilization Maintenance schedule Billing and liability Machine security
4
6/21/2016
Best Winter Maintenance Practices What we’ll cover Fluids Electrical system Operator environment Controlling cab systems Operator safety Golden Rule: When in doubt, always consult a machine’s operator’s manual or contact your local dealer
Engine Oil for Cold Temperatures Use the right oil for your winter temperatures • Low temps require a synthetic or blend • Thick oil may take 5-10 mins. to get to top of engine
• Wrong oil = hard starts/hard on battery • Winter oil can run year round
“I’ve seen O rings blown off of oil filters due to cold weather and wrong oil” Product Support Manager
5
6/21/2016
Hydraulic Oil for Extreme Cold
Hydraulic Oil Selection Hydraulic Operation
• Lower 48: no significant issues • Canada: requires consideration • CYCLE BEFORE OPERATING!!
Murphy’s Law: “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong”
• Cold fluid = thicker and more pressure • Cold hoses = more brittle
Winter Fuel Fuel notes for Winter Use • Winter fuel prevents gelling • #1 or Blended #2 • Focus on high fuel turnover • Keep equipment fueling point clean • Fill tank at end of each snow • Drain water from fuel pre-filter & tank
6
6/21/2016
Diesel Exhaust Fluid Excellent Shelf Life Freezes at 12o F Avoid contamination Replace filters accordingly Allow pumps to evacuate DEF Lines
Tier 4 systems Increased engine protection Extended service life Compatible with older engine technologies • MUST FLUSH SYSTEM • Do not mix coolant types • Mixing may lead to gelling & other problems
Do not mix OAT w/conventional coolant!!
7
6/21/2016
Electrical System Maintenance Electrical systems pushed to the limit in plowing applications: • • • •
Check alternator & alternator belt Test batteries Check for clean and tight connections Add a second battery •
(cold weather package)
• Wait (~2 mins.) before disconnecting battery (DEF lines)
See your local dealer for a pre-season checkup!
Cab and Operator Environment Check all doors, panels, and associated seals Clean/replace cab air filter HVAC system Replace wiper blades Inspect exhaust system
8
6/21/2016
Maintenance for Safety Preseason Checklist: Check tire inflation Replace damaged glass Check and replace all work lights Check rotating beacon/light Check all flashers, signals and brake lights Ensure backup alarm is working Test/clean backup camera If required, make sure “slow moving vehicle” signs are present and secure Ensure method of cleaning LED lights
Maintenance for Safety Best Practices continued: Daily pre- & post-inspection checks critical to machine health/safety
Check fluid levels & for leaks Auxiliary connections Belts Hoses (cracks) Possible Damage (structural/tires/tracks) Attachment connections Set mirrors Familiarize with controls/attachment controls Review console/indicator warnings Clear rear view camera