Winter Defence from Finning UK

We may have been experiencing the mildest winter for over 350 years, but the cold weather is set for a swift and particularly harsh return throughout the UK.  In preparation for the cold winter months ahead here is some advice from Finning experts detailing the things you can do to defend your machine against the elements. Alternatively you can arrange for a certified Finning Engineer to perform a Winter Defence Inspection for just £95.

Winter Defence Best Practice

1. Cover up - If you can move plant undercover when not in use this will help reduce the impact of freezing temperatures
2. Get equipped – Having the right tools for winter operation is very important
   
   1. Anti-freeze
   2. Windscreen wash
   3. Warm clothing – Just in case of breakdown
   4. Torch to locate a problem in the dark
3. Daily walk round – In winter it is even more important to perform daily checks on all the key areas.
   
   1. Fluid pipes – leaks can lead to ice damage and pipe cracking
   2. Tyres or Tracks damage
   3. Glass damage  – chips and cracks can lead to complete failure
   4. Heater operation – it can get cold out there!
   
   All the areas you should cover in your daily checks are detailed in your operator manual located in your cab.
4. Warm up even when not working – If you are unable to work due to frozen ground for example try to run your plant for 10-15 minutes every few days to prevent ice damage.
5. Remember to wait – Before going into full operation wait an extra 3 minutes than you normally would, so that the engine and hydraulic systems have time to warm up.
6. Keep the battery healthy – If your plant is working for small amounts of time in the winter months using headlights, heaters and other electronic devices, if you don’t leave enough time for the battery to charge properly it can get degraded.
7. Use the right work tools – What is right for summer may not work well in winter! For example a simple change of bucket tips could make a real difference to productivity in the winter.
8. Don’t be afraid to ask – If you have a problem or are not sure how to get the best out of your equipment in the winter months, contact one of our specialists at Finning for advice.

And if you don’t have the time, or your machine is miles from base, one of our Finning engineers will perform a ‘Winter Defence Inspection’ for you for just £95, including a written report. For more information or to book a Winter Defence Inspection click here