Some do’s and don’ts to prepare for old man winter

By Jeff Winke

An old-fashioned tradition – originally intended as a status symbol for new members of the upper and middle classes in the late 19th and early 20th century – was to never be caught wearing white after Labor Day. The thinking was that white is a summer color and Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. Unfortunately, Mother Nature never learned the rule and we may frown upon her choice to wear an early season cloak of white, but it happens. Winter has a way of sneaking up, so the winterizing of construction equipment can commence when the fashion-conscience stash their Saturday night fever white suits and white belts away.

Chris Smith, technical training lead with Astec Industries, Chattanooga, Tennessee, offered the key steps they recommend contractors should take when preparing to store a machine for the winter:

• Inspect the machine for any needed repairs and order parts
• Fill the fuel and DEF tanks to prevent condensation
• If storing the machine for an extended time, drain and clean the DEF tank with warm distilled water
• Clean the machine as best as possible
• With the components moving, grease all the bearings
• If the machine has a water system, the tanks should be drained, and the system flushed with a suitable antifreeze (RV antifreeze)

“We also recommend that if the machine has tracks to park the machine on wooden blocks,” Smith said. “Make sure to set the cutter housing or screed on wooden blocks as well. And cover all consoles and the exhaust outlet.”

The idea behind winterizing paving and construction equipment is to avoid damage, costly repairs, and lost time in the spring. Equipment manufacturers are good about providing instructions specific to the machine and the geographic region. If the instructions are lost, do not cowboy it. Ask for another set. Equipment is a significant investment as well as a valued producer of income.

Brian Hall, territory manager with LeeBoy, Lincoln County, North Carolina, provided a comprehensive procedural guide for “Winterizing for Storage” which details storing machines in dry, protected area, thoroughly inspecting to repair worn or damaged parts, lubricating all grease points, checking/filling engine and hydraulic oil, draining the water tank and purging the pump and filter to prevent freezing, as well as other details about the battery, steering control, exhaust/intake filter, and the thorough cleaning of the machine, including the undercarriage.
Hall’s LeeBoy document is likely similar to what other equipment manufacturers provide, but there will clearly be specifics included for their equipment models.

Paving sealcoating equipment require similar cleaning, lubricating, purging, and storage in a clean, dry area. When the sealcoating season ends, it is recommended to make sure to save leftover sealer and place it into tightly sealed drums or totes. Consider using a biocide or bleach to help keep the sealer free of bacteria that could ruin it. Storing leftover sealer saves money by giving an opportunity to use the sealer next season. Note: Sealer must be kept above freezing temperatures. Once frozen, it is no longer useable.

“When winterizing your line striper for the winter, you need to consider two things – the paint system and the engine,” stated Mike Vangstad, global manager for pavement marking and maintenance at Graco, Minneapolis, Minnesota. “There are different winterizing procedures to follow if you are using water-base versus oil-base paints.

“If using water-base paints:

• Remove spray tip and guard. Wash these by hand.
• Flush the system thoroughly with water. Warm water can help speed this process.
• Pull gun filters after initial flush (maybe after 1-2 gallons) and continue to flush without filters until water is mostly clear (5 gallons or so). Wash filters by hand. Replace filters.
• Finally, flush with Pump Armor or similar storage fluid to prevent damage from corrosion or freezing.
• Replace spray tip and guard (this way you won’t lose them).
• DO NOT leave water in the pump. Water is corrosive and will cause rust. Also, water can freeze and damage the pump and other components.
• DO NOT simply pump dry and leave it like this. You will never completely get all the water out and so you are left with an air/water mix. This will very likely result in rust/corrosion.

“If using oil-base paints:

• Remove spray tip and guard. Wash these by hand.
• Flush the system thoroughly with appropriate solvent (see paint manufacturer’s recommendation on the paint can).
• Pull gun filters after initial flush (maybe after 1-2 gallons) and continue to flush without filters until flushing fluid is mostly clear (5 gallons or so). Wash filters by hand. Replace filters.
• Finally, flush with mineral spirits to prevent damage from corrosion or freezing.
• Replace spray tip and guard (this way you won’t lose them).
• DO NOT leave a HOT SOLVENT such at paint thinner in the pump as this could cause premature deterioration of seals in the system.

Vangstad also offered winterizing suggestions for the line striper systems engine.

“My best advice is to follow the engine manufacturer’s recommendations,” Vangstad said. “I would also advise adding a stabilizer to your gas. Make sure to run the engine for a minute to ensure that the gas with stabilizer makes its way into the engine. Shut the fuel valve on the engine while it is running and leave running until the engine stops. This will evacuate the fuel from the carburetor and stop additional fuel from entering while moving the equipment (and flooding the carburetor).”

With the season ending and winter’s faster than expected approach, it is advised by the experts that contractors invest the time and effort in winterizing their equipment investment.

Jeff Winke is a business and construction writer based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He can be reached through jeff_winke@yahoo.com