Winter weather is something that some people love and others dread. If you use a hydraulic hammer, you’re probably one of those who dread it. Colder temperatures impact the functioning of hydraulic tools. Instead of just being stuck with a hydraulic hammer that isn’t working well, there are steps you can take to keep the winter impact to a minimum! Follow these steps to prepare your hydraulic hammer for winter and keep it working through the season.

3-Step Winter Hydraulic Hammer Checklist

Let Your Hammer Warm-Up

Similarly, to how we let our cars warm up in the winter, set aside time to let your hydraulic hammer warm up too. This may make a job take longer, but it’s better than not being able to use the hydraulic hammer at all. Trying to use a hydraulic hammer before it’s warm puts unnecessary strain on the engine. All you need to do is warm the carrier system on your hammer before you use it. This will also give the oil in the hammer time to warm up.

Check the Oil

Speaking of oil, another important aspect of your hydraulic breaker comes from making sure there’s enough oil in the engine. Before starting the engine, remove the dipstick to see if the oil is visible. If you can see oil dripping from the dipstick, you should be good to start the hydraulic breaker. If your hydraulic hammer is low on oil or you need assistance, contact a hydraulic hammer repair specialist. Checking the oil in your hydraulic hammer is just as important as checking the oil in your car. Without enough oil, the transmission and engine won’t run smoothly and can cause damage to the hydraulic breaker itself.

Inspect Parts Regularly

Inspect the parts of your hydraulic hammer regularly to look for signs of wear or parts that need to be replaced. It’s always best to take your hydraulic hammer to a professional for any repairs or part replacements that need to be done. You can also opt for renting a hydraulic hammer, so that replacement parts can be purchased by the company you’re renting from. If you notice that your hydraulic hammer isn’t working as efficiently or struggles to turn one, a part may need to be replaced.

There’s no doubt that the winter brings a unique set of challenges to everyone who uses hydraulic tools. Luckily, this checklist should be all you need to keep your hydraulic hammer working great all year round! If you have any questions about anything regarding hydraulic hammers, be sure to contact Gorilla Hammers today!