From frozen ground to blustery winter weather conditions, excavating in the winter can be challenging and uncomfortable for workers--and rough on their equipment. However, work must happen year-round, so excavation and construction projects must continue across the seasons. Here at Ditch Witch West, we’re here to help you navigate the winter weather during your next excavation or construction project.
Let’s take a look at some of the challenges that cold weather conditions present when digging, along with tips for how to navigate these challenges with ease.
Can You Dig in the Winter?
Yes, digging in the winter is absolutely possible with the right equipment. However, you need to be prepared for longer labor times and the need for specialty equipment to help improve efficiency.
Frozen Ground
When the ground is frozen or iced over, it’s much more difficult to break through. Plus, it puts more strain and pressure on your excavation equipment. However, here at Ditch Witch West, we’re here to help you find the right techniques and equipment to make winter excavation possible.
Winterize Equipment
Be sure your equipment is prepared for blustery conditions. Improve uptime efficiency and reduce possible equipment damage or downtime by winterizing your equipment. Keep an eye on your diesel exhaust fluid and use seasonally appropriate fuel, oils, greases, and fluids. Don’t let your equipment sit idle for too long, and be sure to start the engine periodically. Make sure your equipment has been serviced regularly so it can sustain more grueling working conditions.
The Right Equipment
In order to help you navigate winter weather conditions and avoid putting too much strain on your equipment, you’ll need the right type of equipment for winter excavation. Usually, that means new attachments and more powerful machinery.
Larger Equipment
If you’re dealing with freezing weather conditions,, you’ll need larger and more powerful equipment to help break through the ground. In this case, size really does matter, and the larger your excavation equipment, the more efficiently you can dig through tough ground without putting too much strain on your machine.
The Right Attachments
Use attachments that are designed to help navitage cold weather and denser ground. Talk to us at Ditch Witch West to explore the type of attachments and chains you’ll need for icy conditions. Cold weather can damage rubber components, so be sure you have spare seals and rubber mounts available for cold weather digs.
Be Prepared
Don’t let winter weather conditions put your business on ice. Service your equipment throughout the year, and:
- Keep fresh teeth on hand
- Check chain tension, and be sure cold weather hasn’t weakened chain tension
- Keep your machine greased and monitor coolant and fluid levels
- Maintain the battery and never charge a frozen battery
- Warm up your machine before using it–and start it up periodically while it’s getting less usage
- Be patient, and know that labor times may be longer than desired; don’t push your machine past its limit
Talk to Us
Here at Ditch Witch West, we’re ready to pair you with the equipment that meets your needs--whatever season it may be. Reach out to us to talk to us about your project so we can pair you with the equipment that best fits your excavation needs. Happy holidays!
