How to Cool Down Yourself and Your Heavy Equipment During the Summer
The summer sun can be a brutal opponent, especially when trying to work in it all day. Construction equipment generates a lot of heat; if you’re not careful, that heat can damage the equipment or even cause injury.
Here are a few tips for cooling down your construction equipment during the summer heat:
Keep an Eye On the Gauges
Heavy equipment can be susceptible to overheating, especially during hot summer months. If the temperature gauges start to climb into the red zone, it’s crucial to shut down the equipment and give it a chance to cool off. This will help prevent damage to the engine and other components. Cooling the equipment down as soon as possible is essential, so always keep an eye on the gauges.
Work Early
To avoid heat stroke, work in the early morning or late evening when it is cooler and there’s less direct sunlight. You’ll still need a lot of water, but your equipment won’t overheat as quickly!
Look For Manual Cooling
Nowadays, heavy equipment comes equipped with an excellent automatic cooling system. But take advantage of any cooling fans or water sprayers available. A slight manual cooling can go a long way in preventing overheating.
Take Breaks
If you need a break, then so does your equipment. During your breaks, shut off your equipment and stay hydrated. The heat can sap your strength and cause dehydration, so taking care of yourself and your equipment is essential.
Follow these tips, and your equipment should run smoothly all year long. We hope you find this helpful! If you’d like to read more of our blogs, click HERE.