During the off-season or heavy winters when projects are limited, you must place your construction equipment in long-term storage. A lot goes into how you store these machines for long periods to ensure they will work again once you begin projects in the springtime. Keep reading to learn more about the best practices for keeping your machines in long-term storage.
Ensure Access to These Machines
When storing your heavy-duty construction machinery, ensure you’re putting them in an accessible location once you’re ready to begin work again. While the storage space should be an enclosed area that is free from the elements, you still need to be able to access the equipment for fast and easy removal when you’re ready to use it again. This is vital for preventing damage upon removing the machines from the facility.
Prepare the Machines for Storage
You cannot drive the equipment into the storage facility, park it, turn it off, and walk away. You must prepare many different components on the machine to keep it from failing and breaking down once you’re ready to use it again. First, you need to inspect your equipment and perform any necessary repairs. This ensures everything is in top condition for spring.
Second, you must clean the machine and top off the fuel tanks. Cleaning the equipment will remove any foreign materials or debris that could cause rust or other complications in long-term storage. Topping off the fuel will limit the amount of condensation that can accumulate in the tank; if there is too much condensation, the fuel, especially diesel, will freeze and minimize the efficiency of the gas after it comes out of storage.
Disconnect the Batteries
If you live in a climate that experiences the turbulence of winter weather, it’s best to disconnect the batteries from your construction equipment during long-term storage. If you were to leave the battery connected, their power would drain. We recommend completely removing the battery from the machine and keeping it in a warmer storage area for the time being. This will reduce the chance of the battery failing in the spring.
Lock Up the Storage
Don’t defeat the purpose of construction equipment storage by leaving a way for critters and rodents to explore. Lock the machines and the storage facility to prevent damage from rodents and theft from trespassers. Consider installing cameras and alarm systems to deter the pests—human and all—from your quality machinery.
Once the harsh weather dies down and spring arrives, remember to start your equipment slowly. Hastily using the equipment before inspecting and topping off fluids could potentially damage the machinery. Take the proper precautions for long-term storage so the quality of your equipment remains intact for another season of construction.