The average temperature in the Midlands today was around -2°C. With wind chill it felt like -10°C (that’s the official estimate from the Weather Channel, not just me shivering!) We have had blizzard conditions here and I know it’s been a lot colder and snowier in other parts of the country – with more to come over the weekend.
So it’s a timely moment to pass on these freezing weather guidelines from HIAB. Freezing weather can play havoc with engines and machinery and can cause real damage to truck loading cranes, so please do take proper precautions when operating your crane during this cold snap.
This procedure should be followed every morning when temperatures are below freezing.
1) Engage your PTO and get your engine rpm as close as possible to 1000 rpm using cruise control.
2) Leave the crane alone for the first few minutes of operation. Don’t attempt to move or touch the levers.
3) When the machine is warm, switch the crane on, and then activate the padlock switch on dump valve 2. The green light should come on. Let the crane idle for another few minutes to get the oil warmed through.
4) Try operating one of your stabiliser legs by moving it up and down several times.
5) Test the inner boom by moving it up and down several times to get the warm oil flowing through the inner boom ram valve.
6) Switch the crane off and disengage PTO before travelling.
You may need to repeat this procedure after a long road journey or if the crane is inoperative for several hours in sub-zero temperatures during the day.
We are very busy with fault calls during weather like this, and many arise from users attempting to operate their crane without adequately warming it up. Following these guidelines will minimise the risk of cold damage, but if you suspect a fault, don’t continue to operate your HIAB. Please call us ASAP on 0330 999 0003 and we will get an engineer out to you as quickly as possible.