10 Cold Weather Maintenance Tips to Keep You Running This Winter

Winter doesn’t have to mean downtime. Many of our customers still have stockpiles to build. The era of shutting down for four months to overhaul equipment and ride out the harsh Canadian winters seems to be fading. Whether it’s to meet production commitments or to get a head start on next year’s inventory, more crushing operations are pushing through the plummeting temperatures to keep production going.

The secret to winter production? Simple: keep those belts moving! Easier said than done, of course. But with a few adjustments, you can keep operations running smoothly, even in the toughest conditions. Here’s a list of the top ten products that plant operators can use to keep production up during the winter:

  1. Heat Tape
    Wrap critical hydraulic lines (like the accumulator line) to prevent freezing.
  2. Rubber Lining
    When temperatures drop, nothing flows cleanly. Rubber-lined chutes resist material buildup far better than mild steel or AR plates, helping keep your screening process efficient without excess weight from buildup.
  3. Belt Scrapers
    Clean belts lead to well-tracked belts and longer component life. Ever tried splicing a belt at -40°C? Trust us, it’s not fun.
  4. Flashing
    Keeping belts moving is great, but it’s pointless if you’re losing product off the sides.
  5. Synthetic Oil
    Because it handles cold temperatures far better than standard oils.
  6. Heat Tubes
    Essential when tiger torches and propane heaters are needed to keep critical areas thawed.
  7. Tank Heaters
    These don’t have to be complex. Simple, glue-on tank heaters can run on a secondary generator during shutdowns when your main generator isn’t running.
  8. Self-Cleaning Screens
    A clean screen is a happy screen – and a productive one.
  9. Pre-Heat Systems
    Arrive on-site early and pre-heat equipment to prevent any freezing surprises.
  10. Shovels
    Sometimes, despite all preventative measures, nothing beats walking around the plant, shovelling up any accumulation, and spotting potential issues that could disrupt production.

Winter is inevitable, but by following a few simple steps, you can keep operations running smoothly and avoid those bone-chilling interruptions. Embrace the season, and keep those belts turning!