I’m not out here trying to be a climate denier, but I’m also not going to deny that these past few winters and springs have been absolute trash. There’s been too much cold, too much snow, and too much rain. Yes, yes, I’ve heard that places like the Southwest have been extraordinarily hot on occasion, and I thank the fluid power gods that it was so during the CONEXPO show. But there’s a solid chance that at least half of you readers keep a snow brush in your car from October to April, and this article is for you.
An outlier is not a statistically significant representation of the mean, so climate scientists always remind people that weather is not climate. Okay, so how many years in a row do we need to have of this crappy weather before we admit we have a crappy climate? Well, according to the internet, that period is thirty years. For what it’s worth, this 51-year-old spends an increasing amount of time researching warm “climates” in which to retire, so don’t expect me to wait around until 2056 to see if Ontario winters are still brutal — snowbird life, here I come.
And because I’m a 51-year-old, I spend enough time watching the Weather Channel that I’ve heard the excuses that the Latino siblings of the Pacific sea-currents are to blame. Apparently, it’s La Niña contributing to my requirement for sweaters in early May, despite being a Canadian who’s known to wear shorts in the winter. So, with this latest spell of cold “weather” running well into the spring, what’s a fluid power professional to do about their machinery in progressively cold and wet conditions?
It sounds obvious, but purchase new machinery. If you’re unwilling to rid yourself of that ’68 Deere tractor, then don’t complain when you’re clearing ice or condensation off your inside windows like you’re driving a ’68 Beetle. New machinery is just so damn good. The cabs are warm and cozy, with heated seats and window defrosters all around. They have great stereos, cup holders, and Apple CarPlay.
The benefits of new machinery go well beyond comfort, of course, or you’d be reading this article in Applied Ergonomics magazine. New machines withstand harsh weather by employing advanced technology, materials, and construction. Machines are optimized for high-viscosity index fluids, which prevent cold-start issues and make pumping easier, offering a “get in and go” level of productivity. The days of firing up your excavator and letting it run until you’ve finished your Dunkin or Tim’s coffee are long gone.
New machines offer superior protection of the hydraulic fluid and all the components it circulates through. Sealed reservoirs, advanced seal technology, and weatherproof electronics all contribute to hydraulic reliability on par with any new car built for life in the North. Machinery isn’t as “get in and drive for 8000 miles” level of maintenance-free, but centralized lubrication, electronic sensors, and condition monitoring will keep you working through even the rainiest of spring weather without getting drenched greasing, filling, or inspecting.
Just like new cars, new hydraulic machinery is eye-wateringly expensive — remember when a $100,000 vehicle was only made in Italy and came with a V12? I can’t tell you how to run your business, so only you can decide if you’ve got half-a-mil’ of financing capacity, and if it increases your productivity enough to make sense. If you can’t swing it, you always have the option of selling the farm and moving to Del Boca Vista.
Filed Under: Fluid Power World Magazine Articles, Maintenance, Trending
