Winter work asks more of every machine on the jobsite. But with a little planning, you can keep production steady even when temperatures drop. Use this winter uptime checklist for dozers, excavators, wheel loaders, motor graders, and forestry equipment. If you want help sourcing parts or scheduling preventive maintenance, Papé Machinery Construction & Forestry supports fleets across the West with equipment, parts, service, and rentals, no matter the season.
1. Baseline Inspection
Walk around with a flashlight and check these areas:
- Engine Bay: Belts, hoses, wiring, clamps, and coolant lines
- Hydraulics: Cylinder seals, hose routing, quick couplers, and fittings
- Undercarriage: Guards, rollers, idlers, sprockets, and packed debris
- Cab and Access Points: Steps, handholds, glass, wipers, and mirrors
- Safety Items: Backup alarm, work lights, beacons, and extinguisher mount
Keep a simple log with date, hour meter, and what you found. That record makes it easier to spot trends during the season.
Note: Cleaning is a critical maintenance step and should be completed before starting any inspection. A quick wash removes the layer that hides seepage, abrasion, and loose fasteners.
2. Match Fluids and Filters to Cold Weather
Since cold temperatures thicken oil and slow hydraulic response, it’s important to check fluid levels first thing in the morning so the level and clarity are easy to read. Focus on the following:
- Coolant: Confirm freeze protection and inspect hoses, clamps, and the radiator cap.
- Engine Oil: Verify the viscosity grade recommended for your temperature range and service interval.
- Hydraulic Oil and Filters: Watch for cloudiness that suggests water contamination and keep breathers in good condition.
- Fuel System: Drain water and replace fuel filters on schedule.
- DEF: Keep storage clean and follow the product label guidance for handling.
Oil sampling can add confidence here as well. A few samples early in winter can guide smart scheduling and reduce guesswork.
3. Make Cold Starts More Predictable
Cold temperatures also affect battery performance. A short electrical check helps you and your crew start on time:
- Load-test batteries and confirm the cold-cranking rating fits your application.
- Clean terminals and protect them with dielectric grease.
- Inspect cables for stiffness, cracked insulation, and solid grounds.
- Verify alternator output and belt condition.
- Confirm block heaters or intake heaters work as intended.
Strong starts also reduce starter wear, and they help operators avoid repeated crank cycles.
4. Warm Up Hydraulics and Protect Hoses
Hydraulic components appreciate a steady warmup. Start at the manufacturer’s recommended idle, cycle key functions slowly with light loads, and increase engine speed gradually as temperatures stabilize. Operators will notice a smoother response from boom, stick, bucket, and auxiliary circuits.
During the warmup window, inspect hose ends and routing. Look for abrasion points, rubbing clamps, and fittings that show fresh oil film. Add protective sleeving and reroute problem spots so your team spends more time moving material and less time cleaning up leaks.
5. Traction, Undercarriage Health, and Braking Confidence
Winter jobsites can deliver mud, ice, and sharp rock in the same week. Traction and braking deserve a deliberate check.
For tracked machines, confirm track tension per spec and inspect rollers, idlers, and sprockets. Clear packed material at shutdown so components start the next shift clean.
For wheeled machines, verify tire pressure at ambient temperature, inspect tread and sidewalls, and test braking response before traveling near ramps or traffic.
6. Keep the Cab Ready for Long, Dark Days
Operator comfort is uptime. A warm, clear cab keeps reaction times sharp and supports steady productivity. So, before winter ramps up, check that the following are completed:
- Test heaters, defrosters, and fan speeds.
- Replace wiper blades and top off washer fluid rated for cold conditions.
- Confirm work lights, beacons, mirrors, and cameras are clean and working properly.
- Stock spare fuses, a few bulbs, and a microfiber cloth in the cab.
7. Greasing and Attachment Readiness
Cold changes how grease flows and how pins carry loads. Review lubrication intervals and keep greasing consistent, especially on loader linkage, couplers, blade pivots, and high-motion forestry head points.
Attachments deserve their own mini-check. Inspect cutting edges, teeth, wear plates, and fasteners. A short list of planned replacements keeps the schedule on track when wear accelerates in frozen material.
8. Plan Parts and Service Support Ahead of Time
A winter plan gets stronger with the right inventory and the right support. Build a “winter spares” kit around your fleet: filters, fluids, common hoses, electrical consumables, and wear parts that have a history of seasonal demand.
Papé Machinery Construction & Forestry offers online parts search and ordering through the Papé Customer Portal, along with access to a large inventory that includes more than 15 million OEM and aftermarket parts. On the service side, Papé Machinery supports preventive maintenance and repairs in the shop or in the field to support higher uptime through winter.
End-of-Day Habits That Support Tomorrow’s Start
A few minutes at shutdown can buy a smoother morning. Park on a surface that drains well, clear packed snow or mud, and refuel to reduce condensation in the tank. Store grease guns and critical tools where they stay warm and ready.
Put this checklist into your weekly routine, and your equipment will be ready when the work window opens.
