Cold Weather Operations

By Marty Shuman

If you’ re planning any cold weather crane operations, it’ s smart to know what adjustments you need to make to keep things running and everyone safe.

Fuel and Lubricants

Cold temperatures can impact fluids, leading to slower response times and potential equipment reliability issues. Here’ s a quick rundown of what to focus on:

• Fluid Choice: Switch to hydraulic oils specifically designed for cold conditions after checking their compatibility with your crane’ s seals. Opting for lower-viscosity hydraulic oil is the key to maintaining performance when temperatures dip below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Switch to a winter-grade engine oil as well.

• Filter Replacement: Make it a habit to replace fuel and hydraulic filters at least once a month during the winter months.

• Fuel Tank Management: Keep fuel tanks as full as possible. This helps cut down on condensation forming inside the tank.

• Moving Parts: Apply synthetic grease

that’ s rated for cold weather to all joints and pivot points. You’ ll also want to do daily checks on lubrication points and pay close attention to valves and seals as these are prime spots for ice-related damage.

Warming Up

Always run the engine through its warm-up cycles. This helps protect hydraulic parts before they’ re put under load. Letting the engine run allows oils to circulate and reach operating temperature

Cold weather can also impact how much weight your crane can safely handle. Steel gets more brittle when it’ s freezing, reducing its ability to absorb shocks. Because of this, you often need to reduce the amount you’ re lifting compared to warmer months. It’ s also a good idea to check your manufacturer’ s guidelines, but when in doubt, lift less.

Wind is always a factor in crane operations, but in winter, it can be even more

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September 2026 • www. cranehotline. com