Does Hydraulic Fluid Freeze? Winterization of Heavy Equipment

Table of Contents:

1. What are the effects of low temperatures on hydraulic system parts?
2. How to winterize your machines?
3. Other ways to protect your machine in winter months 

Any owner of a machine with a hydraulic system knows how important it is to appropriately take care of hydraulic fluids. They are what powers the machine so without them there is no chance it will work. One of the most troublesome areas around hydraulic system maintenance is the temperature. Although hydraulic oil is not overly sensitive to slight changes, extremes are where the problem lies.  

Hydraulic systems can face performance and efficiency issues if subjected to too low or too hot temperatures. Today's article is about investigating and addressing the effect of freezing weather on the hydraulic system of your machine. 

What are the effects of low temperatures on hydraulic system parts?

For a better understanding of how temperature affects your equipment, let us start with the analysis of the materials that form the hydraulic systems in our machines. 

Rubber 

Rubber forms many hydraulic equipment components, such as fittings, seals, mounts, and hoses. Unfortunately, it is sensitive to low temperatures. It means that if your equipment is exposed to the outside cold temperature, the rubber components can get damaged. Before you start any operation inspect the outside rubber parts for any signs of cracks or tears to avoid using equipment with broken components. 

Fluids - hydraulic fluid and oil 

The viscosity of the fluids is what low temperature affects the most. Cold temperature increases viscosity making hydraulic oil and fluid act thicker. If the viscosity is severely increased the fluid might not distribute evenly and not provide sufficient lubrication fast enough. It might lead to severe damage to the critical parts. Hydraulic fluids may even stop flowing, which can cause severe damage to expensive components of the hydraulic equipment, such as hydraulic pumps. 

Always check the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid, engine fluid, and transmission fluid before you start the operation. If the fluid does not drip off the end of the dipstick, it is too thick (too viscous), and the operation will most probably seriously damage your hydraulic system. Instead of starting to work right away, start the engine itself and warm up the machine first. It will decrease the viscosity and soon you can start working. 

It is also crucial to ensure you use fluids appropriate for the temperatures you operate in. You can find information on fluids appropriate for cold temperatures in the manufacturer's guidance. 

How to winterize your machines 

Winterizing is the process of preparing and safeguarding your outdoor equipment for a frosty winter. We have prepared a list of activities that will help you ensure your equipment remains healthy and functional throughout the entire year. 

Use appropriate lubricants and ensure sufficient fluid levels 

Increased viscosity has already been mentioned as it is the number one problem your machine can encounter during severe weather conditions. To aid it, make sure the fluid compartments of your machine are filled with lubricants of the appropriate viscosity. Every time before you start the engine check the oil tank, transmission, and hydraulic components. Perform a test with the use of the dipstick to check the lubrication level. Do not use oil with added kerosene. 

Check the hydraulic hoses 

Inspect rubber hoses for cracks, which are common if the machine is left in freezing condition. You can alleviate the risk of cracks and damage by conditioning the hoses. Simply start the engine to raise the hydraulic oil temperature to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue to run the machine for at least an hour. Using appropriate arctic hydraulic oil during cold wintertime. 

Maintain appropriate inflation of tires 

Low temperature also affects tires. They can lose air faster. However, well-inflated tires are needed to support the weight of a machine. Therefore, every time before the operation inspect the level of the tire inflation. If your tires need inflating, do it in an area with a heat supply. It is best to see dry nitrogen gas, which prevents the formation of ice crystals inside the tires. 

Keep equipment indoors 

It is no news that extreme temperatures damage the equipment not stored inside enclosed areas. It applies not only to the exterior parts but also to the internal components. You can easily see it in the case of snow. When it falls, you have problems with simply entering the machine and starting the operation.

You must first brush it from the body of your equipment and often even remove a few inches. After a snowstorm, you would need to brush the snow and ice from the body of an exposed snowplow just to run it across your driveway. What you cannot see is what happens inside. One of the most common effects is the freezing of the engine fluids. 

Storing the machine inside during the months of inactivity guarantees its protection from the wintertime elements. You should also store attachments separately and store fluids at room temperature. 

Inspect the machine 

Certain parts of your machine need to be inspected before every use. Special attention should be placed on checking the outer body, the engine parts, and the undercarriage of the outdoor equipment. All engine parts, such as wires and hoses should be clean, and without any cracks or wear. Tires and belts should not have any cracks either.

Sometimes it may be necessary to remove snow or dirt from the parts to inspect them properly. If you notice any irregularities replace the faulty parts immediately. It is also advisable to get the undercarriage inspected by a licensed specialist before the wintertime. By doing so you can ensure the best working conditions with your equipment. 

Warm the engine with the use of a block heater 

A block heater can be a major help in raising the temperatures of your machine's interiors, including the hydraulic fluid. What makes this even faster is blocking the flow of the engine fan from the radiator during such a warm-up. 

Warm up your machine 

As mentioned before, your machine needs to be warmed up before you start any operation. It is imperative as otherwise all you will achieve is damaging it. To bring the machine to the optimal operating temperature, start it up and leave the engine running until it reaches the desired temperature. You should also briefly activate the machine functions to ensure the appropriate distribution of oil inside it. 

Charge the batteries and keep them warm 

The batteries also lower their performance during freezing weather. As a result, they need twice as many cranking amps to power the equipment. Keeping batteries charged and warm should solve this problem. Remove them from the machine and store them at room temperature. 

Store starting fluid properly 

Starting fuel, as the name indicates, is a significant help in the startup of cold machines and their components. However, it also needs appropriate storage conditions to be efficient and safe. Room temperature is necessary. Additionally, ensure that you store the fluid away from combustible materials and appropriately isolate it. It is also crucial to use starting fluid on machines it is destined for. If unsure, contact us and we will advise on the best course of action. 

Control the level of fuel in the tank 

During chilly winter nights, the fuel tank may freeze when your machine is stored outdoors. To prevent that situation from happening, ensure you refill the tank after every use. Also, remember to clean and drain the water separator beforehand. It will protect the fuel tank from the leak-over of dirt, sediment, and water. A clean fuel system is the key to the machine's reliable performance in the cold season. 

Other ways to protect your machine in winter months 

The above ways to protect the hydraulic system are necessary to maintain the equipment in good condition. However, be advised that they might not be enough or effective if you use poor-quality equipment. Only high-quality equipment made of the best materials guarantees good condition and a long machine lifespan.  

Skidsteers.com carries a wide variety of durable hydraulic skid steer attachments which, with proper maintenance, will serve you for years regardless of the weather conditions. Visit our shop to choose the best quality parts at a reasonable price. There you can find not only attachments but also smaller components, such as hoses, seals, cylinders, motors, and other parts that will help your machine get untouched through any temperatures.  

If you have any questions regarding equipment or maintenance in low temperatures do not hesitate to get in touch. We will happily answer all your questions.