Wake up the fleet: A checklist to prepare the fleet for Spring

Winter is brutal on heavy iron. After months of sub-20°F temperatures and heavy snow, your machines are reacting to the elements while they’re waiting to go back to work. 

Thermal contraction, moisture buildup, and fluid degradation can turn a standard startup into a costly repair job. Before you send your fleet back into the dirt this Spring, follow this essential checklist to protect your investment and ensure your equipment is ready to work.

Spring Prep Checklist

• Fluid & Filter Check: Inspect for “milky” hydraulic oil or water in fuel tanks caused by condensation.
• Battery & Electrical: Test voltage and clean terminals; cold weather drains batteries and cracks wire insulation.
• Seals & Hoses: Inspect for leaks or “weeping” where rubber components hardened or shrank during the freeze.
• Fuel Treatment: Drain water separators and refresh fuel that may have gelled or degraded.
• Grease Points: Purge all pins and bushings with fresh grease to push out trapped winter moisture.
• Undercarriage: Check rollers and tracks for ice-related cracks or seized components.
• Coolant Health: Use a test strip to check the freeze point and pH. If the coolant is rusty or the freeze point is too high, flush and replace it.
• Tire Pressure: Correct significant pressure drops and inspect for flat spots or sidewall damage.
• Belts & Intakes: Check for cracked belts and clear out any rodent nests from air boxes.
• Cylinder Rods: Clean rust or debris off exposed chrome rods to prevent seal damage upon retraction.

Taking the time for these inspections now can prevent catastrophic failures once the season hits full speed. A morning spent in the yard today is worth weeks of uptime tomorrow.

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