Tips To Keep Your Equipment Up & Running In The Heat

For equipment owners, warmer temperatures require summer equipment maintenance routines. Here are some tips for keeping equipment operational amid sweltering temperatures!

Check your engines

When it’s warm outside, your engine has to work harder to stay cool. It’s essential that engines have the correct coolant and oil levels. To prevent damage to your radiator and engine, make sure to regularly check that water, coolant and oil remain at manufacturer-recommended levels.

Check for leaks

Leaks can happen any time, but extreme temperature fluctuations can exacerbate existing problems. Remember to regularly check for hydraulic/oil leaks around seals and bolts.  

Check your brakes

It’s especially important to check your brakes in the warmer months. Brake friction is less reliable when it’s hot outside because brakes are adjusting to the additional heat. Make sure to check your brakes often: you may prevent a disaster!

Properly store your equipment

It’s important to give equipment reprieve from direct sunlight. Because the heat can have negative effects on some equipment components, consider storing your equipment outside of direct sunlight or, at the very least, under tarps for sun protection.

Check your coolant

It’s essential to use the correct concentration of coolant in the summer. Operators are typically advised to use a 50/50 concentration of coolant to water. Too much water can lead to decay, a lower boiling point, and further damage.

Check your belts

If you’re concerned about overheating, check for discolored hoses and loose belts. These are often early indicators of an overheated machine. Regularly checking for signs can keep you out of a pickle.

Remember to grease

To keep your engines up and running, don’t forget to properly grease. Check the machine’s manual to confirm you’re using the appropriate grease as often as advised. Since dirt and grime can mix with grease and speed up wear and tear on equipment, it’s important to regularly clean machines before re-greasing.

Cool your jets

During the summer heat, it’s especially important to ensure your cooling system is operating effectively. Regularly inspect your machine for debris. It’s advised to habitually clean cooling systems with compressed air and to check radiators, inlets, and outlets for grime and debris. Cleaning the cooling systems optimizes air flow. 

Check your tires

Hot weather adds extra stress on tires. Tire pressure can increase with the temperature, so it’s essential to regularly check that tires aren’t over-inflated.

Continue regular preventive maintenance

In addition to these extra steps, don’t forget to continue all standard preventive maintenance procedures. Consult machine’s manuals to confirm your maintenance routine covers all the bases!

Does your equipment need preventative or emergency maintenance? We can help! Contact our service team today!

 

Prepare your equipment, jobsites, and employees for warmer temperatures to help avoid injuries and downtime from work. Visit our blog to learn more summer safety tips!

 

Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in July 2021. We updated it for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness in January 2023.

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