Tech Forum – Winterizing Jetter, Combination and Hydro Excavator Units
Winter can pose serious challenges for any jetter, combination truck or hydro excavator. With the right preparation, you can protect your equipment, prevent costly downtime and ensure peak performance.
Winterizing these machines is critical for operators, especially when cold temperatures threaten to compromise both efficiency and safety.
Why Winterizing Matters
Cold temperatures can damage hoses, pumps, and tanks, leading to operational failures. Winterizing prevents frozen water lines, which can cause cracks and leaks when water left in tanks, pumps, or hoses freeze. It also minimizes the risk of corrosion caused by salt and road chemicals, which can shorten the lifespan of metal components.
Finally, proactive winterization prevents productivity losses, as equipment breakdowns in winter conditions can delay critical projects. By winterizing your jetter, combination, and hydro excavators, you can ensure reliability, protect your investment, and keep crews safe.
Draining and Flushing the System
The first step in winterizing your equipment is draining and flushing the system. Water is the primary cause of freezing damage, so it is essential to remove all water from tanks, hoses, and pumps.
For jetter and combination trucks, you should completely drain water tanks, hoses, and pumps. It is also a good idea to use compressed air to blow any residual water out of the lines.
For hydro excavators, make sure that all water tanks, debris tanks, and slurry lines are emptied.
Additionally, you should open all valves to prevent trapped water from freezing. After draining, you should add antifreeze solutions specifically designed for heavy machinery to protect pumps and hoses.
Using Antifreeze Solutions
Antifreeze solutions are crucial for preventing residual water from freezing in critical components.
To winterize your equipment, fill the tanks, pumps, and lines with a biodegradable, non-toxic antifreeze that is designed for use in hydro equipment. Run the system briefly to circulate the antifreeze through all lines and valves.
Always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure you are using the correct type of antifreeze for your specific equipment.
Inspecting and Protecting Hoses and Fittings
Hoses and fittings are particularly vulnerable to freezing and cracking during the winter. Before temperatures drop, inspect all hoses for cracks, leaks, or weak spots, and replace any damaged parts.
To protect exposed hoses and fittings, use insulated covers or wraps. Whenever possible, store hoses and accessories in a heated environment to prevent freezing.
Maintaining Hydraulic Systems
Combination trucks and hydro excavators rely heavily on hydraulic systems, which can be affected by cold temperatures. To keep these systems functioning properly, you should use cold-weather hydraulic fluid that maintains its viscosity in low temperatures.
Additionally, inspect hydraulic lines for leaks or damage and replace any worn components. Cleaning filters regularly is important to prevent blockages caused by frozen contaminants.
Preparing Engines and Fuel Systems
Engines and fuel systems require special attention during the winter months. Standard diesel fuel can gel in cold temperatures, so it is important to either add fuel stabilizers or switch to a winter-grade diesel to prevent this issue.
Ensure that engine coolant levels are sufficient and consider using a blend with a lower freezing point to provide extra protection.
Cold weather also reduces battery efficiency, so it is a good idea to test battery strength and clean the terminals to maintain optimal performance.
Protecting Water Pumps and Vacuum Systems
Water pumps and vacuum systems are critical components for jetter, combination, and hydro excavator units. To protect these systems, you should run antifreeze through the water pumps and vacuum lines to prevent freezing.
Moving parts should be lubricated to avoid seizing in cold temperatures. When not in use, store vacuum hoses and nozzles indoors to protect them from harsh winter conditions.
Scheduling Preventative Maintenance
Winter is the perfect time to address any maintenance issues that could worsen during harsh conditions. Replace worn-out seals, gaskets, and hoses, and test the pressure gauges, pumps, and control systems to ensure they are functioning properly. Scheduling professional inspections can also help identify and address potential problems before they become serious.
Conclusion
Winterizing your jetter, combination, and hydro excavators is essential for maintaining productivity and protecting your equipment investment.
By draining systems, using antifreeze, inspecting hoses, maintaining engines, and scheduling preventative maintenance, you can ensure your fleet is ready to manage the challenges of winter.
Proactively caring for your equipment will keep it running smoothly, reduce costly downtime, and help you complete projects on time, no matter the weather.
Christopher Smith is the vice president of marketing at Vac-Con.