Tips for Protecting Construction Equipment From the Summer Heat
Category: Equipment and Solutions
When you’re working on a construction site, you want to ensure that your equipment is in the best shape possible. During the summer, the hot weather and sunlight can affect your machines. Protecting your construction equipment in the heat will make it last longer and stay reliable.
Check out the following tips to help create a construction equipment summer maintenance plan.
6 Tips for Protecting Your Construction Equipment This Summer
Here are our recommended methods for safeguarding your heavy equipment during the summer.
1. Prepare Your Equipment Before Summer
Taking preventive measures will help your equipment last and continue to perform during the hottest part of the year. You should check over your machine thoroughly to make sure everything is in working order, being sure to perform these steps:
- Inspect fluid levels
- Check the tire pressure for the correct inflation
- Make sure there is no damage or corrosion to the cooling system
- Grease all necessary parts
- Perform any regular maintenance before the weather gets too hot
Taking advanced precautions can save you from experiencing downtime for maintenance or repairs when summer hits.
2. Limit Sun Exposure
The best way to protect your equipment is to stay out of the sun as much as possible. If you can, pause work during peak hours (usually around the middle of the day) to avoid the most potent rays of sunshine. Storing your equipment out of the sun is another way to limit exposure.
3. Give the Machine Time to Cool Down
Before you shut your machine down completely, let the engine idle for a few minutes — if you have access to shade, perform this cooldown out of the sun. Since excess heat will cause your machine to work harder, idling will allow the engine systems to shut down slowly. A phased shutdown can prevent damage to the engine, specifically the turbocharger.
4. Clean and Inspect Your Cooling System
Taking care of your coolant system will help prevent overheating. There are a few essential steps to take when maintaining your cooling system:
- Keep your radiator clean using pressurized air. This practice will help prevent engine overheating.
- Flush and replace your coolant once a year.
- Perform annual pressure tests on your coolant system. You may need to do this more frequently depending on how often you use the machine.
- Check hoses for cracking and damage.
A working air conditioner and cooling system are vital for keeping construction equipment cool.
5. Pay Attention to Displays
With the increasing temperatures, you should pay careful attention to your machinery’s displays. If your system shows any signs of the machine needing a break, head to the shade or take a rest from hard work. Try to avoid pushing your equipment too hard when there are clear warnings.
6. Take Care of Yourself
Your machine can’t function without you. During heatwaves and long hours, remember to drink plenty of fluids and take breaks from sitting in the cab. You will stay safe and perform better throughout the day if you take the appropriate steps to manage your own health as well as that of your equipment.
Contact NMC Cat for More Information
Preventive measures can ensure that your Cat® equipment lasts for years. If you want to learn more about caring for your construction equipment during the summer, contact NMC Cat to talk to a representative. We can answer questions about maintenance, purchases and more.
