DIY - Preparing Your Bobcat Equipment for Winter

With summer behind us, we no longer have the luxury of fair weather. With winter comes freezing temperatures and less than ideal working conditions, meaning your equipment needs to be ready for the worst.

Thankfully, there are some simple steps you can take to prepare your Bobcat machine for winter:

• Check the condition of the battery.
  • Ensure the battery is fully charged and topped of with distilled water (if it’s not maintenance free).
  • Make sure the battery terminal connections are clean. The posts and cable ends develop a dark coating of corrosive film. The cables should be pulled off and the posts and insides of the battery terminals should be scraped clean of the film. They should be shiny. After cleaning, apply a spray terminal protector to slow the development of corrosion.
  • Check the condition of the battery cables as well. The insulation can crack, allowing for corrosion which makes it difficult for the cable to conduct the necessary voltage to start the unit.
• Use treated fuel for the diesel fuel system.
  • This is important when your equipment will be used in below freezing temperatures. At low temperatures, fuel will gel and plug. Treated fuel can be purchased, but when temperatures are extremely cold, it is recommended to add an additional treatment to the fuel.
• Use correct engine and hydraulic oils.
  • Using correct engine and hydraulic oils is essential. Both come in different viscosities. By using the correct oil for your climate, you can greatly improve your equipment’s performance in cold weather. 

By properly winterizing your Bobcat equipment, you can keep your productivity at its highest all season long. And if anything comes up along the way, Best Line is here to help. Give our service department a call for your Bobcat service needs.

View our Bobcat showroom here. 

View available pre-owned Bobcat equipment here.