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Winter doesn’t have to bring your site to a standstill. With the right kit, the cold season becomes just another part of the job once you’re fully equipped to handle it. At Smiths Hire, we specialise in providing the tool hire, machinery and welfare solutions that let your team work confidently and comfortably, even when temperatures drop, and the snow starts to settle.
Of course, nature will always have the final say. When conditions become truly extreme, every site, no matter how well equipped, needs to hit pause. But with the right winter-ready plant in place, you’ll be able to keep operations running smoothly for far longer, and restart quickly once the weather settles.
So with that in mind, here’s some of the equipment that makes all the difference!
Avant 220 compact loader
The Avant 220 is one of the most helpful machines you can have on a winter site. Its compact frame and excellent manoeuvrability make it ideal for working in tight or awkward areas. Many teams use it first thing in the morning when snow or frost has settled overnight. It can clear pathways, tidy up around welfare units and create safe access routes long before larger equipment can even reach those areas.
One of the main advantages of the Avant is its range of attachments. A snow bucket, blade, or brush can be fitted quickly, making it easy to adapt to whatever the day brings. This flexibility is particularly useful on sites where conditions change through the day, and you need a machine that can switch tasks without slowing everyone down.
We often get comments on how steady the Avant feels in winter as long as the surface has been reasonably treated. Its balanced design and good visibility create confidence, even in early morning cold. For most sites, it becomes a reliable helper that keeps things moving when the weather turns.
Manitou MT 733 telehandler
The MT 733 is trusted on winter sites because it combines power with very steady handling. Its compact frame, three steering modes, and full-time Four Wheel Drive give operators strong control even on mixed terrain. Winter surfaces are rarely consistent, and this machine is built to cope with that reality.
The gearbox delivers power smoothly and predictably, which is especially helpful when you are working on frozen or partially thawed areas. The JSM joystick also allows precise operation, and it works well even when you are wearing thicker gloves. These small details make everyday winter tasks safer and far more comfortable.
The MT 733 performs well in a range of winter scenarios. It can unload deliveries on cold mornings when the ground has not fully thawed. It can move materials across areas where snow has settled lightly. It also supports installation work that demands careful movements. While no machine can overcome proper ice, the MT 733 handles the vast majority of winter conditions with confidence.
Anti-vandal accommodation units
A winter site operates much better when the team has a warm, dry place to step into during breaks. Anti-vandal accommodation units provide exactly that. They are insulated, secure and designed to stay comfortable even when the temperature outside drops sharply.
A proper welfare space has a real impact on productivity. When workers can take a moment to warm up, dry their gloves and gather themselves, they return to the job refreshed and far more focused. These units work well as canteens, offices, or drying rooms, depending on your site’s needs. They also help reduce fatigue, which is particularly important on long winter days.
A drying room is excellent for bringing PPE back to a usable state between tasks during wet or sleety weather. It’s also just nice for morale to have a place to sit down and relax out of the cold. It sounds simple, but it can transform the pace of the day.
PPE and winter workwear
Most people on site already know the value of dressing properly for winter, but it is still worth highlighting because the proper clothing affects safety and comfort. Warm gloves, insulated high-visibility jackets, moisture-wicking layers, and winter-rated boots help your team work smoothly, rather than battling cold hands or poor grip.
There is also a legal obligation behind this. Under the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992, employers must provide suitable PPE when conditions require it, and that includes winter gear for anyone working outdoors. A proper risk assessment should guide what is needed, but it will usually involve insulated boots, waterproof outerwear and thermal gloves.
Good winter clothing makes a noticeable difference in how efficient your team will be. Strong tread on boots improves confidence on frosty or wet ground, and layered clothing keeps people warm without restricting movement. As an employer, you should also support workers with warm breaks, access to hot drinks, and sensible scheduling during very cold periods.
If you ever have any questions about our on-site equipment, just give us a shout. Our tool hire team is always happy to chat things through and help you find exactly what you need. You are welcome to order online or pay us a visit at any of our 18 depots across the North, including Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds. We are easy to reach whenever you need us, even if something crops up at short notice!
And if you would rather we bring the kit straight to you, our speedy delivery service has you covered. Whenever you are ready, you can get in touch with the team on 0333 323 2100, and we will be more than happy to help!
