Prepping Your Heavy Equipment for Spring


25 February 2020

Spring melt is around the corner, and for many companies, that means it’s time to prepare equipment and fleets for the warmer seasons.

From construction equipment sitting idle all winter to seasonal fleets that need to be converted for summer work, there’s much work that goes into ensuring you’re up and running properly. On top, there’s the regular seasonal maintenance to ensure you get the most out of your investments.

Here are some spring maintenance tips from our experts:


Make sure it starts

In many cases where trucks or equipment were not used much over the winter (for fleets that don’t do snow removal) getting the equipment started is important. It’s a great time to complete annual inspections to make sure you’re ready for the season. Check the fuel in the tanks to confirm condensation build-up hasn’t occurred.

Having issues with your machine and looking to get it serviced so it's ready to work? We've got you covered.


Check on Air Conditioning and Cooling Systems

Spring is the time to start looking at making certain your fleets A/C units are running. Don’t wait for the heat to arrive first, which makes for a long day in the cab.

While you’re checking your fleet’s A/C, make certain the cooling system on each truck is functioning properly. Ensure the radiator, hose connections and pipes are ready for the heat of the summer. Hot weather brings hot engines and when the heat is on the trucks need to be adequately cooled or they will be sitting on the side of the road.

When temperatures rise, we can help you keep your workplace cool with our reliable and efficient cooling solutions.


Test Hydraulics

Make certain hydraulic systems and Hydro Packs are cleaned and operating properly. Install new filters and ensure there are no blockages or restrictions. When the weather is cold, the Hydro Pak won’t need to work as efficiently, but when the ambient temperature rises so does the hydraulic oil temperatures.

We have a range of maintenance products and support that can truly deliver the lowest cost over the life of your equipment.


Convert your seasonal fleet

Spring for many construction companies is time to put their equipment to work, converting their units from snow removal to their summer jobs (typically dump trucks), removing the salter bodies and plows and getting them dirt hauling ready.

We have everything you need, whether you're adding to your fleet with compact or construction equipment, or changing up attachments to suit your upcoming projects.


Ensure you’re fuel ready

How and where are you fueling your fleet this spring, summer and fall? Ensure you’ve got a reliable fuel supplier like 4Refuel that will keep you going, no matter what. Don’t let seasonal and regional supply shortages make you scramble for a new supplier.




Finning is the world's largest Caterpillar dealer, selling, renting and providing parts and service for equipment and engines to customers across diverse industries, including mining, construction, petroleum, forestry and a wide range of power systems applications. We operate in Western Canada, South America, and UK and Ireland.