Protection against extreme weather conditions
With temperatures dropping across the Northern hemisphere, Terex Trucks’ top tips will ensure trucks beat the chill this winter (Fig. 1). Winter is the time of the year when the relationship between man and machine is put to the ultimate test. From frostbite to fatigue failures, operating in extremely low temperatures where downtime is not an option is always a challenge. But here to help, and a veteran of temperatures of minus 30° C during winter in Siberia, Terex Trucks’ regional customer support manager, John Hunter (Fig. 2) has provided some key practices to aid safe operation, and prevent damage to off-highway haulers in the cutting cold.
Reduce the risks
To avoid machine downtime or expensive repairs, operators must not neglect air filtration, fuel, and lubrication. Hunter explains: “It’s important to drain sediment in the fuel daily as it’s one of the greatest causes of fuel injection system failures. In addition to cleaning the fuel tank and making sure it’s functioning correctly, the tanks must be full to reduce moisture condensation. It’s also good practice to keep a spare filter handy.” As diesel fuel is prone to gelling or waxing in cold weather, Hunter also recommends only using arctic oils that meet API specifications, fuel with the maximum cloud and points of 6° C or 10° F, and winter protection kits that make idling a thing of the past.
Terex Trucks has released two extreme cold weather protection kits for its rigid haulers. The first of the two Webasto-supplied kits, labeled Winter Kit, defends trucks working for prolonged periods where temperatures fall to -25° C, while a second, Arctic Kit, enables safe operating up to a deep freezing -40° C. Thanks to the truck-mounted Thermo-Heater, non-productive fuel consumption, engine wear-and-tear and prolonged downtime are significantly reduced, thus putting an ice pick through operating costs. The new technology makes use of an environment-friendly start-stop system, with just a very small amount of diesel consumed. The Thermo-Heater is powered once the engine is shut down, it then draws the coolant from the engine and circulates around critical components. The engine-independent heater has the ability to keep the machine’s vital organs at a pre-determined temperature for hours after the motor is switched off, ensuring a fuss-free restart even after prolonged exposure.
Keep cool and charged up
Hunter also recommends that cooling systems should be inspected weekly, in particular, the coolant reservoir and hoses. Throughout winter, a close eye should be kept on the coolant as it does so much more than simply stop the cooling system from freezing – it also increases the boiling point temperature, confines cavitation, averts corrosion and lubricates shaft seals. Hunter adds: “Make sure that the cooling system is adequately protected from the climatic conditions and that coolant in the radiator is filled to the cap. Also, in extreme climates, the ratio of ethylene glycol antifreeze to water should be 60 to 40, to eliminate the possibility of the water freezing and creating stress in the engine.”
It’s essential to make sure batteries are properly charged throughout winter if machines are to be put to work, as attempting to charge a frozen battery will often cause the battery to explode! This is why maintenance of the battery should begin in autumn, operators must ensure the electrolyte is topped up to the indicated level and flowing over the plates. Another key step to facilitate consistent current supply from the batteries to the machine is by cleaning any debris and rust from the top of the battery. If planning to store trucks away for the winter season, Hunter advises: “In very cold or hot climates, store the batteries where they will be protected from temperature extremes. Coat the battery terminals and cable ends with acid resistant petroleum jelly.”
Treading a fine line
Throughout winter the inflation pressure of tires should be checked at least once every two weeks (Fig. 3). To minimize wear, remove debris, grease or oil from the tires and regularly inspect for any cracking and chunking. Hunter adds: “When extended storage is anticipated, trucks should be blocked up so that weight does not rest entirely on the tires. Ideally it’s better if machines are stored under cover; otherwise, tires need to be protected from the elements by an opaque waterproof covering.”
Finally, operators must also be adequately prepared to work in extreme conditions. Hunter says: “Wear as many layers of clothing as possible, which allow for comfortable movement. One thick layer of clothing is not as effective in insulating the body against the cold the way several layers can. It’s important to protect head, ears, nose, hands, and feet. More than 40 % of body heat can be lost from the head if left uncovered, hence why wearing warm hats with ear covers is crucial when working in the cold. Likewise, it’s important to be aware of the medical conditions, which can result from cold weather exposure, such as cold stress, for example, frostbite and hypothermia.”
Hunter reiterates that the first layer of clothing needs to be synthetic as opposed to cotton – synthetic materials take sweat away from the body while cotton absorbs it. The second layer should preferably be wool, the third should be weather-proof with good down insulation, and footwear must be waterproof and insulated. Operators can also keep the cold out with frequent drinks of warm liquids such as decaffeinated coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or broth. “Avoid caffeine when working in the cold, as it hinders the body’s heat-producing mechanisms, and causes the body’s core temperature to drop,” concludes Hunter.
