Winter maintenance tips for heavy plant machinery

The weather can be harsh at this time of year, especially up North. Frost, wind, snow, and rain might be part of the job, but they bring plenty of challenges. While many of us are used to working through the worst of winter, your heavy plant machinery benefits from being looked after in the cold, just like humans do! That’s why proper maintenance is essential; it keeps our equipment in top shape, which means fewer breakdowns and smoother projects.

When it comes to tackling winter projects, you need equipment you can rely on – and that’s where we come in at Smiths Hire. With over 50 years of experience, we offer a trusted range of plant hire and building tools designed to make your job easier, no matter the conditions.

From compact 0.8T micro diggers to powerful 5.0T models to dumper trucks, we’ve got everything you need for excavation and material handling. However, if you’re running your own equipment this winter, here are a few tips to make sure your machines stay in great shape through the colder months.

Storing equipment and machinery inside where possible

Storing equipment inside is always going to be the best option if it’s possible. Freezing temperatures can cause a lot of stress on your machinery, potentially leading to a variety of complications. So, if you have the facilities to do so, always store your plant equipment inside during winter. Keeping it out of the elements will help significantly reduce the risk of a machine breaking down or needing repairs due to the weather and temperature. Plus, it’s a lot easier to get your equipment ready for work when it’s stored in a safe, dry spot away from snow, rain, and freezing temperatures. That’s going to cut down set-up time, which on days with little sunlight is ideal.

Make sure your equipment doesn’t freeze over

If storing your equipment inside isn’t an option, regular checks for ice build-up and other winter-related issues are going to be essential. A full fuel tank (or close to it) helps reduce condensation, which in turn limits the air space where moisture can condense into water and, eventually, ice.

Using winter-specific oils can make a big difference, too. These oils are designed for winter temperatures, with a lower viscosity that ensures better flow in the cold. It’s also important to run your equipment periodically, even when it’s not in use, so that everything functions as it should. And don’t forget to maintain the batteries of your machines – keep terminals clean, ensure they’re fully charged, and replace any weak batteries to avoid unpleasant surprises when you need your equipment the most.

Keep on top of routine checks

When it comes to plant machinery, regular maintenance is the key to keeping everything running smoothly and avoiding unexpected breakdowns. A quick once-over of engines, hydraulics, and electrical systems can often catch wear and tear issues early, before they start to cause serious problems. Stick to your service schedule for things like oil changes, filter replacements, and coolant checks. Lubrication is another big one – make sure all moving parts are well-greased to reduce friction and extend their life.

If you spot worn-out parts like belts or hoses, make sure to replace them before they lead to bigger problems. Keep an eye on your fluids, too; checking them regularly helps prevent contamination. Lastly and perhaps most obviously, you’ll want to ensure your team has the necessary training to carry out this maintenance and spot early signs of trouble. All of that can help save you time, hassle, and money in the long run.

Let us handle it so you don’t have to!

If you’d rather skip the hassle of keeping on top of all your jobs, your site, and maintaining your equipment, you can always hire from us! We’ll deliver it right to where you need it, exactly when you need it. And once you’re done with the job, you can simply send it back – no fuss, no hassle! It’s the easiest way to keep your project on track without worrying about equipment maintenance or storage.

At Smiths Hire, we’ve been providing quality equipment and tool hire services to trade sectors for more than 50 years. We operate from our 18 tools hire depots across the North West and Yorkshire, including several in major cities like Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds, so we’re never too far away! If you’re not sure what machine you need for your tiling project, or you have any questions, feel free to give our team a call on 0333 323 2100. We’re always happy to help!