Staying Safe in the Snow When Operating Heavy Equipment

In some ways, the snowfall has only just begun. It’s not uncommon to continue to experience cold weather through the end of March. But the weather’s never been a work deterrent for you and it’s not about to start.

As with any kind of extreme weather, you’ll need to take precautions to ensure you’re still taking care of yourself out in the fields. That’s why we here at Middletown Tractor Sales have provided some tips for staying warm and staying safe while you’re hard at work in the snow. You can also ask us about the features we’d recommend for your equipment to help maximize uptime, whether your fields are yellow, green, or white. You’ll find us conveniently located in Fairmont and Buckhannon, West Virginia, as well as Washington and Uniontown, Pennsylvania.

Dress for Success: Layer Up

The key to staying warm in the cold is to wear layers. Depending on just how cold it is outside, you may want to start with long underwear, followed by several other layers. This is not only better for insulation, but it also makes it easier to cool off if you start to get too warm under all those clothes. Don’t forget, the outermost layer should be waterproof, so make sure you have a good pair of snow pants and a waterproof winter coat.

You’ll also want to make sure your extremities are covered. This should include a warm hat, thick gloves, and snow boots. You may even want to consider wearing a couple layers of socks.

Finally, have a pair of sunglasses handy. If the sun comes out, the reflection of the sun’s rays on the snow requires the same kind of protection you’d need in the middle of the summer, so keep them handy, just in case.

Keep an Eye on the Forecast

The only way you’ll be able to properly prepare for the weather is to check in with local meteorologists’ forecasts. This will keep you informed on how cold it’s going to be, if there’s going to be precipitation, or if there’s a storm rolling through that you’ll want to head inside for. Consider downloading a weather app to your phone--if you don’t already have one--so you can check the forecast throughout the day as well.

Equipment Inspections

As usual, you’ll want to start your day by inspecting your equipment, but there are a couple of key areas we suggest taking a closer look at during cold weather:

Battery

Extreme cold can drain your engine battery. Consider testing the charge, or be on the lookout for key signs your battery is losing power, such as a slow engine crank or electric gadgets not working properly.

Tires

Winter weather is notorious for reducing tire pressure in all kinds of vehicles, including your farm equipment. You’ll want to measure psi levels and adjust them according to manufacturer recommendations. While you’re at it, check for signs of damage or wear and tear to ensure you’re getting full traction in slippery conditions. If you need to add chains to your tires, we carry them! Don’t hesitate to call us and see if we may have a set on hand available.

Work with a Warm Machine

As you’re getting started, make sure your equipment has time to warm up before you get to work. Brittle pipes and wires can be damaged if they’re overworked when they’re too cold. Also, never grab frozen metal with your bare skin, as it can lead to a cold burn and even tear your skin.

Make Sure You Have the Proper Equipment

In West Virginia and Pennsylvania, while some winters are not so bad, it’s usually not a question of IF we will get snow, but WHEN. While the instances you need the right equipment can sometimes be sparse, it’s always good to be prepared and make sure you have the blades, plows, salt spreaders, and other equipment you may need ahead of time, or you may not have it when you really need it. There are many attachments you can have on hand to help navigate snowy driveways, neighborhood roads, and more. From front and rear mount snow blowers, to simple snow blades, rotary brooms, and snow pushers, Middletown Tractor carries a wide variety of snow removal implements to help you prepare for all seasons.

In addition to the right attachments and implements, it may be a good idea to consider adding a cab to your tractor. Not only does it help control climate in the summer when it’s hot and you’re spending a lot of time outside, it’s especially handy in snowy weather when you might be outside for 2+ hours removing snow from your or your neighbor’s properties. If you know you’ll be outside in extreme temperatures, a cab can make a huge difference in your job efficiency and comfort!

Take it Slow

Conditions will be more dangerous, so make sure you’re slowing down and operating each piece of equipment carefully. It’s better to add a little bit of time to a job you would normally do faster than to find yourself in a dangerous situation caused by a careless accident.

Know When to Quit

There will be certain days or certain weather patterns that simply won’t be safe to operate in. Know where your limits are. Know when to stop work until things get better. Trying to push through a storm can only lead to disaster. Not to mention, you probably have plenty of paperwork waiting for you at your desk.

We want all our patrons to efficiently and safely manage their farming operations throughout the winter, so make sure you’re taking the right amount of precautions, both for you and your fellow workers. If you need equipment that’s better prepared for inclement weather, check out our online inventory, or stop by Middletown Tractor Sales for a safe and informative shopping experience with our friendly sales associates. We proudly serve those from Morgantown, Fairmont, and Buckhannon, WV, as well as Pittsburgh, Washington, and Uniontown, PA