If you haven't noticed yet, there's a definite chill in the air. That can only mean one thing; winter is coming. Now that it is, you need to make sure that your hydraulic equipment survives the freezing temperatures that are sure to come your way. Winter can wreak havoc on hydraulic equipment, especially if you're not prepared for the additional care your equipment will need this winter. Here are some vital steps you can take to prevent winter damage to your hydraulic equipment.

Don't Neglect Your Vital Fluids

If you can't remember the last time you checked the fluids on your hydraulic equipment, you could be putting yourself at risk for disaster. Hydraulic equipment depends on fluid to keep running properly. Without sufficient hydraulic fluid, your equipment will overheat and stop working, which will spell disaster for your business. Avoid production problems by never neglecting your vital hydraulic fluids.

Spend Time with Your Fittings

If temperatures dip below freezing in your neck of the woods, you've got to spend some extra time with your hose fittings; all those little components that that people tend to forget about. Cold weather can make your belts and hoses get brittle, which can lead to breakage. Cold weather can also loosen the fittings on your hydraulic equipment, which can lead to leaks and system failure. To make sure you're not looking at an accident waiting to happen, be sure to spend some time with your fittings each day. Check the belts, hoses and hoses fittings to make sure everything is in good condition.

Avoid Cold Starts

If you're like most people, you probably know that you shouldn't start your car and take right off during the winter. Doing that can destroy your car. What you might not know is that those cold starts can destroy your hydraulic equipment too. During the winter, all the components of your hydraulic equipment have a chance to get cold overnight. This is particularly true when it comes to the fluids and the belts. When you don't give your equipment enough time to warm up, the belts won't move properly, and neither will the fluid. You can avoid winter damage by letting your equipment warm up a bit before you start working.

Call for Service when a Problem Arises

It can be easy to get busy and postpone minor repairs on your hydraulic equipment. However, that's the worst thing you can do. Postponing repairs on your hydraulic equipment this winter can cause catastrophic breakdowns. It can also lead to serious work-related injuries. To prevent these types of issues this winter, call for service as soon as a problem arises.