SECTION III - BASIC MACHINE OPERATION
3.15 MACHINE OPERATION IN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITION A. OPERATION IN EXTREME COLD
CAUTION When the temperature is extremely low, oil flow is reduced due to increased viscosity, making start-up difficult. Coolant may freeze damaging radiator and/ or engine.
1. FUEL AND OIL Use fuel and oil of high quality and low viscosity for each system. See section IV, “LUBRICANT, FUEL & COOLANT SPECIFICATIONS” for details. 2. COOLANT • When operating or storing the machine in cold regions, the ratio of mixing antifreeze into the cooling system should conform with the lowest predicted ambient temperature. If coolant freezes, the radiator, crankcase and cylinder head may be damaged. • When shipped from the factory, the machine contains coolant mixed with allseason-type LONG LIFE COOLANT. • When operating or storing the machine in extreme cold, inspect the coolant to maintain proper concentration.
NOTE: In extremely frigid climates, covering the radiator is a method to aid the machine warm up. If necessary to maintain temperatures, cover the outer edges of the radiator, leaving an opening in the center part of the cover; thus, avoiding fan oveloading. Keep a close watch on the cluster gauge for warning icons during operation. It may be necessary to use coolant heater, fuel heater, engine heater jacket, and/or additional battery power to aid engine starting. Likewise, mix coolant to a protection temperature of 5 °C (9°F) lower than the machine will experience during operation, storage or transport.
3. BATTERY When the ambient temperature lowers, the charging performance goes down or the battery may freeze. Keep the charging rate as close as possible to 100%. Cover the battery with insulation material. Perform test on the battery. We recommend the test be performed at romm temperature for best results. Use a hydrometer to check the specific gravity of each cell and compare the readings with the table provided below. Temp. of battery fluid
-10°C
0°C
20°C
(14°F)
(32°F)
(68°F)
100%
1.28
1.27
1.26
90%
1.26
1.25
1.24
80%
1.24
1.23
1.22
75%
1.23
1.22
1.21
Charging rate
Do not measure the specific gravity of battery fluid just after operation.
NOTE: Keep battery terminals free of ice and snow to avoid short circuits. Check the battery electrolyte (acid) level frequently and fill as needed with distilled water. In extremely cold climates, remove the battery and store it overnight at room temperature.
4. AFTER OPERATION Mud and water adhering to the machine may freeze interfering with proper machine operation. Use the following general guidelines as reference to prevent malfunctions: • Remove mud and water adhering to the machine. Remove water adhering to the travel system thoroughly and park on dry ground to prevent the travel system from freezing. • Retract the cylinder rods to minimum length to reduce exposed area of the rods. This will prevent mud or water on the rod faces from damaging the seal.
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