What’s Your Fluid Game Plan?

When pulling equipment back from storage, pay special attention to hydraulic oil, transmission fluid and grease.

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If you don't work in a warm climate where you stay on the job most of the year, then you've stored your equipment while you waited out the snow and cold. Anytime machines have been sidelined – whether for the winter or on a used equipment lot – putting them back in service takes more than turning the ignition key.

Ideally, equipment should be stored in a dry, dust-free place. But "ideal" is the operative word – machines often sit outdoors, exposed to the elements. A few simple steps can make a big difference in the way your equipment operates when you put it back to work, and in your cost of ownership, according to Gary Bryan, national warranty manager and preventive maintenance expert for Takeuchi U.S.

Startup checklist

"The first order of business is to inspect the machine for any dirt, dust or debris that may have been missed during the last cleanup," says Bryan. "Then, remove any anti-corrosion protective coatings that may have been applied before going into storage." You'll also need to remove covers, such as on air intake hoses and the muffler, that should have been applied before storage. The rest of Bryan's recommended startup list is probably familiar:

Test the battery and recharge it if necessary.

Check all belts, including the air conditioner belt, for proper tension and adjust as necessary.

Check the radiator and hydraulic cooler for dirt and debris, using compressed air to clean lines.

Check tire pressure or track tension.

Inspect the undercarriage for damage or debris.

Choosing lubricants

Without question, some of the most important startup steps have to do with lubricants and with selecting the right ones to maximize equipment life and minimize downtime.

Bryan advises consulting the owner's manual for the manufacturer's guidelines when getting an engine ready to operate.

Choosing the right hydraulic fluid helps ensure smoother operation and protects hydraulic systems. Two components to look for when selecting hydraulic fluid are water emulsifiers and zinc. Emulsifiers disperse water that separates from the oil and help reduce the water damage in the hydraulic system. Products that claim to shed, separate or reduce water will provide less protection, if they work at all.

Zinc helps reduce component wear. Always choose a product with at least 300 to 500 parts per million (ppm) of zinc; premium hydraulic fluids contain as much as 1,200 ppm.

Before adding hydraulic fluid, experts at Midwest equipment distributor Miller-Bradford & Risberg advises filtering the fluid first, even if brand new, to avoid contamination.

Transmission fluid tips

In selecting transmission oil, the most important consideration is climate. When equipment will be used in varied temperatures and weather, always choose a multi-season transmission fluid. It will improve operation at temperature extremes and help you avoid seasonal fluid changes.

As always, take every precaution to avoid contamination. This includes hosing off the transmission tank before removing the cap, draining the old fluid as quickly as possible, keeping filter packages sealed until ready for installation, and handling filters carefully during installation.

Keeping it greased

Next, make sure all the machine's grease points are taking grease and are properly lubricated. Miller-Bradford & Risberg recommends using grease that meets or exceeds the owner's manual requirements – that helps increase parts life and performance.

It's also important to purge the old grease when changing grease in any part of the machine from one type to another – the old and new grease may not be compatible. Once the machine is back in service, always keep a grease gun handy and lubricate as often as the manufacturer recommends.

Once you complete all startup and maintenance processes and checks, it's time to turn the ignition key. Let the engine warm up for about 15 minutes, then slowly engage all hydraulic and drive functions to make sure they function properly.

Last but not least, walk around the machine and do a visual inspection, checking for damaged or missing items and for leaks. Engage the drive train and test the brakes to make sure they work properly, too.

Don't sell short the value of listening to the machine as it starts up and runs. Experienced operators can probably detect when something just doesn't sound right and needs attention before the machine heads for the job site to make you money.

"The bottom line is your productivity and your repair costs and how they impact your cost of ownership," says Bryan. "Well-maintained equipment operates more smoothly and efficiently, breaks down less often, and helps reduce costly repairs."



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