Winter Storage and Startup Guide for Tracked Dump Trucks

In winter, tracked dump trucks require additional attention when you want them to start easily in spring. Small problems that are caused by cold weather, moisture, and long idle time can later develop to become big repairs. Most operators leave their machines parked, at the end of the last job in late fall, and then believe that they can restart their machines several months later. But that regularly results in flat batteries, greased up fluids or clogged tracks. One of the contractors that I heard of in northern construction sites had to replace fuel lines simply because all the water sat in them all winter. Even a basic storage schedule can save time and money, as well as much stress, when the season is re-established.

How to Prevent Engine and Hydraulic System Damage in Cold Weather?

Cold weather places an additional burden on the engine and hydraulic system of tracked commercial dump truck . During low temperatures, oil becomes thick and it cannot flow easily. This implies that the engine will be forced to work more at the beginning. A nice practice is to allow the machine to warm up before loading the machine. Even 10-15 min idle can assist in the transfer of the oil through the engine parts. The type of engine oil is also important. There are operators that change to winter grade oil due to its ability to remain slick in the cold weather. Even such a minor modification can make cold starts easier and minimize wear on moving parts. It is also advisable to check coolant prior to the onset of winter. When it is too weak or has water added in incorrect proportions it can be frozen and can result in damage within the engine block. Hydraulic systems should be given as much attention. Cold hydraulic fluid is slower and this may cause the bucket or the bed to move jerkily. A contractor employed in a quarry told me that his dump bed did not pick evenly on a morning when it was freezing out due to the fact that the fluid was not yet warm. Then he would begin slow cycling of all hydraulic functions a few minutes before work commenced each day. The mere practice made things run easier. It is also useful in checking hoses and seals prior to storage or long cold periods. In low temperatures, rubber parts may become hard and tiny cracks might increase with time. Another important step is to maintain the absence of moisture in the hydraulic tank. Water in the system may freeze and clog the flow and this can cause abrupt failures at a time when the machine is most required. Regular habits of warming up, monitoring fluids and moving systems are mildly different. It is not about completing complex maintenance, simply little routines performed on a regular basis.

Step by Step Startup Checklist After Long Term Storage

The initial start is to be slow and cautious after prolonged storage. Hurrying this part is the starting point of most troubles, and it is best to adhere to a proper routine and do everything separately. Start with the battery. The cold storage tends to lose charge even when the machine is not running. Ensure that terminals are tight and clean. When the battery is not strong, it should be charged rather than starting it. One of the operators told me that his new dump truck would not turn over even after months of sitting in the same spot, and it was due to a loose terminal that, at first glance, appeared to be okay. Check next: engine oil and coolant. After protracted idleness, oil will settle or thicken. Pull the dipstick and examine it with regard to any odd color or feel. The coolant must be at the correct level, and must not contain any mixture of dirt and oil. When something appears, turn it off and fix it. Next is the fuel system. Old diesel may leave some moisture or algae in the tank. Empty the water separator a little. This is a little step that will prevent congested filters in the future. Before the startup, hydraulic fluid should be checked as well. Search hose, fittings and cylinder leaks. Seals can also be dried by cold storage and a minor crackage may turn into a leak as pressure accumulates. When all is well, switch on the key and idle the engine. Do not rev it right away. Allow time to run oil in the system. Slowly moving hydraulic controls such as lifting the bed and the tracks were made during this period. This is useful in heating the fluid homogeneously. Take another walk around the machine before it is put to work. Look at new leaks, unusual noises or warning lights. The early examination at this point usually averted failures later in the day. These measures can be slow, yet they will help the machine to wake up safely after several months of sleep.

Battery Fuel and Lubrication Maintenance Tips for Winter

Winter puts extra pressure on three key areas of a tracked dump truck: battery, fuel, and lubrication. Should one of them fail to be prepared, the entire machine will be hard to start or will not start at all, when you most need it. Start with the battery. Cold weather decreases the chemical activity within it and therefore it consumes less energy. It is not sufficient to have a full charged battery prior to storage. It aids in verifying it once more in winter when the machine might be placed outdoors. Clean terminals are more than a mere figment. It takes a coat of corrosion to prevent sufficient power to fire a start. One operator was convinced that his starter motor was faulty but it was only green deposits on the battery clamp. Fuel is another thing that needs attention. In low temperatures, diesel may settle and occasionally become crystalline like wax. This may clog filters and fuel lines. Having the tank full eliminates space on which moisture can be formed. The larger enemy is the moisture since it may freeze up at night and block the flow of fuel altogether. There are also some operators who empty the water separator periodically when using it in winter. Any water left inside may become a larger issue following a cold night. Lubrication is frequently the forgotten element in the maintenance routine. Heavy oil does not flow as freely, particularly immediately following startup. Utilizing proper winter weight oil will allow your engine to turn over more easily and decrease wear while the engine is running those first few minutes. Don't forget to grease those moving parts, like the joints and pins. Grease can thicken when cold, so lubricating these points prior to long idle periods will help prevent seizing. One quarry operator I know used to say his industrial dump truck felt sluggish every morning until he started using a thinner oil for winter and letting the engine run a bit beforehand. Easy fixes like these will allow you to start your day off smoothly. Maintaining these three systems will not take much of your time during the winter months, but will allow your machine to operate dependably when Mother Nature is throwing her worst at you.