Masonry Magazine January 2003 Page. 27
Equipment Maintenance in Cold Weather
Equipment needs more attention when the weather turns cold. Cold weather changes how equipment performs and places additional stresses on certain systems. Periodic maintenance helps increase efficiency and reliability, which are key functions of any equipment.
The battery has been the winter sore spot for internal combustion engines since it replaced the crank on early cars and trucks. Technology has made that less of an issue with sealed units and environmentally improved cases. Many batteries don't even have any way to check, much less replace, the fluid. But they all have the connection points the posts where cables are attached to send the power to the engine. A simple test instrument applied once a month or once a week in severe climate-to check the output of the battery will help head off weak performance and non-starting conditions.
Some contractors still follow the tradition of removing the battery from stationary equipment (and even their trucks if they are stored outside in sub-zero temperatures) overnight and over weekends. That's probably not necessary with today's units but some extra caution might prove beneficial when the forecast is really looking down-temperature down, snow coming down, and battery power falling down.
Other Maintenance Tips
Truck-mounted and many other forklifts use diesel engines. Follow the machine's pre-start procedure to ensure the glow plugs have time to warm the engine for starting. Never use starting fluids that are sprayed into the intake manifold. Starting fluids can seriously damage the engine and will likely void the engine warranty.
Forklifts are designed to be quickly put into use. In cold weather, however, engine and hydraulic system performance will be improved if the unit can be allowed to warm-up for a few minutes.
Proper maintenance ensures that the lift is ready to work in the most challenging weather. As mentioned before, engine-driven equipment usually relies on a battery to get started and the battery relies on proper maintenance to be there when you need it. Check the battery and replace it if it is old or weak. Some manufacturers offer a dual battery option with external jumper terminals to ensure a lift is not stuck instead of going to work.
Anti-ice road chemicals are the enemy of all equipment. As often as possible, you should wash the salt and moisture trapping dirt and gravel off the machine and all the various components inside the frame. Perform regular lubrication. Make sure specified points are regularly greased. Pay special attention to the mast chains; most chains wear and kink because they are not regularly lubricated and they are fully exposed to moisture and road chemicals.
Special attention to the unique safety, operating and maintenance requirements of equipment in cold weather will help ensure that your forklift, mixers, scaffolding and workers will all perform as efficiently as the weather allows and keep your projects on schedule.
The Voice of the Mason Contractor
REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR MIGHTY MIXERS AND SCAFFOLDING
* Wiper Blades for Paddleshafts
* Paddleshafts/Seals/Bearings
* Paddleblade Assemblies
* Spur & Pinion Gears
* Chain Couplers
* Hydraulic Motors/Valves/Controls
* Engines/Electric Motors
* Casters for SPT-950/CT-950 Mortar Tubs
* Cables & Bronze Brushings for High Speed Scaffolding
ACCESS TO MANY OTHER MANUFACTURED PARTS UPON REQUEST
NOW YOU HAVE A SOURCE!
Volunteer Bearing & Supply
1-931-815-8391
Contact Doug Walston Today!
Same Day Shipping on Most Orders
We Gladly Accept:
CIRCLE 158 ON READER SERVICE CARD
GROUT PUMPS
* Ideal for grouting metal door frames in place
* Both hand operated & air powered models are available
* Output up to 11 gallons/minute
* Capable of 10 foot vertical lift
* 1.9 or 4.6 gallon hopper size
* Empty weight is 19 to 32 pounds
KENRICH PRODUCTS, INC.
6853 #Β Ν.Ε. 42nd Ave. Portland, OR 97218
Phone (503) 281-6190 Fax (503) 281-6227
www.kenrichproducts.com
CIRCLE 159 ON READER SERVICE CARD
January 2003
Masonry 23