Tips to Operate Heavy Equipment in the Snow
Though you may not experience snow in Texas, the temperature in the state can often dip to freezing levels, making it uncomfortable for you to carry on with your farming operations. However, as your work can’t stop, you’ll want to continue operating your machines while following a few safety tips when working outside.
Check out this guide, where our experts at J5 Tractors have highlighted a few safety measures you can take when operating your equipment during winter. If you have more questions, let our team address them for you. To connect with us, call us today or swing by one of our dealerships in Conroe, Navasota, Buna, or Normangee, Texas!
Dress Appropriately
You’ll want to keep yourself warm when working with your equipment during the colder months. Wear several layers of clothes and let the outermost one be a waterproof winter coat. Wearing layers makes it easier for you to remove a layer or two when you start to get too warm. Also, you’ll want to wear a warm hat, thick gloves, and snow boots before going outside.
Keep an Eye on the Forecast
Next, you’ll want to update yourself on the weather forecast by checking in with local meteorologists’ predictions to find out how cold it might get in your area or if there are any chances of precipitation or storm. It’ll be a good idea to have a weather app on your phone, where you can check the forecast anytime you want.
Inspect Your Machine
When operating heavy equipment in the winter months, you’ll want to make sure your machines are ready for your tasks. Start your day by examining your pieces of equipment, including the below:
The Battery
As you may know, the extreme temperature can drain your engine battery faster than you think. So, look for signs that suggest your battery is losing power, like a slow engine crank or electric gadgets not working.
Your Tires
The tires on your heavy equipment may become dry due to the cold and crack up. This can result in reduced traction and increase your chances of being in an accident. That’s why you’ll want to examine your tires regularly and adjust the psi levels according to your manufacturer’s recommendations.
Let Your Machine Warm-Up
Once you’ve inspected your machine, you’ll want to let it warm up before you get to work. This will prepare it for your chores and prevent system or hydraulic failure. However, remember not to grab frozen metal with bare hands, as it can lead to a cold burn.
More importantly, you’ll want to avoid high operating speeds when operating your heavy equipment during winter.
We hope these tips help you stay safe when operating your equipment at freezing temperatures. If you need more ideas or are still in the market for a new machine, visit J5 Tractors. We have an excellent inventory of heavy equipment for sale, and we can help you pick a model that suits your budget and requirements. To look at what we have available, swing by one of our dealerships. We're in Conroe, Navasota, Buna, and Normangee, Texas, so stop in today!