Spec’ing and Maintaining Tracked ATUVs for Winter Reliability
Keep crews safe and projects moving during even the most demanding winter conditions.
When wintry weather arrives, utility crews in colder climates often rely on tracked all-terrain utility vehicles (ATUVs) to reach places that conventional trucks and equipment can’t. Proper spec’ing, preventive maintenance and operator preparation all play a role in keeping these machines moving.
Ideally, fleet professionals will spec ATUVs for their intended application, which is critical to equipment uptime, outage response efficiency and operator safety in frigid conditions.
“Too much weight for the available track area can increase ground pressure and reduce flotation,” explained Tavis Renglich, sales manager for UTV International (www.utvint.com). “An improperly matched payload or attachment can compromise mobility or stability. A machine that is too large may become difficult to transport, while one that is too small may simply not have the capacity for the job.”
Kim Timber, UTV International’s product and sales support manager, advised fleets to fully consider the operating environment as well: “The vehicle should be spec’d around the terrain, temperature, payload and work being performed, not simply the boom or attachment.”
Here’s a breakdown of essential ATUV spec’ing considerations for utility fleets:
- Payload and towing needs. Tracks add weight and change how the vehicle carries loads.
- Ground pressure. Wider and longer tracks distribute weight over a larger surface area, improving flotation on deep snow and soft terrain.
- Traction and gradeability. Both help operators traverse challenging right-of-way conditions.
- Fording capability. Spec a machine that can maintain operability through snowmelt, standing water and flooded areas.
- Stability. This is a must when operating an aerial or a digger derrick on uneven, snow-covered terrain.
- Cold-weather reliability. Some ATUV configurations are designed for cold starts down to approximately -40 degrees Celsius.
Of course, not all ATUVs are designed especially for winter applications. Aaron Cox, rental and business development manager for Terramac (https://terramac.com), said fleets can resolve this issue with cold-weather packages that include grid, block, hydraulic and fuel tank heaters, as well as bolt-on ice cleats.
“If ATUVs aren’t spec’d for cold weather, they’re not going to make it,” he warned.
Cox also suggested investing in an ATUV that provides easy fuel filter access. “Changing fuel filters frequently saves more machines than people realize.”
What can fleet professionals do to ensure operator safety in freezing temperatures? Per Brady Lafrinere, product manager for Polaris Commercial (www.polaris.com/en-us/commercial/), “Cab components – such as an added roof, doors, windshields, rear panels, and heat and defrost kits – are critical. Together, these features help improve comfort, visibility and efficient navigation regardless of weather or terrain. Power steering further eases operation in winter conditions by providing a lighter steering effort while increasing driver confidence.”
Autumn Prep, Winter Operations
Remote winter operations can heighten equipment issues. To help prevent downtime, fully service ATUVs before cold weather arrives. This includes changing the oil; replacing air, oil and hydraulic filters; and lubricating and inspecting the suspension and frame. Use fluids rated for cold weather. Test batteries, starters and alternators.
Fuel systems deserve special attention because water can accumulate and freeze inside them, potentially restricting fuel flow and damaging components. Keep fresh filters on hand and replace them as needed.
Cox recommended replacing well-used batteries, starters and alternators: “Cold weather really takes the life out of older components.”
Pay attention to tracks and undercarriages, too. Inspect each track for cuts, cracks and excessive wear, and verify that track tension aligns with manufacturer guidance. Check undercarriages for worn and damaged components. Confirm that heaters are functioning properly.
Once an ATUV begins operating in wintry conditions, conduct daily inspections, which provide another opportunity to monitor track tension and condition. Examine drive sprockets, idler and bogey wheels, bearings, suspension components and hydraulic hoses. Remove all snow, ice and mud from the undercarriage; packed-in matter can freeze around components, accelerating wear and potentially causing damage. Lastly, train operators to recognize and investigate unusual noises, vibrations, warning lights, fluid leaks, steering difficulties and changes in hydraulic performance.
Operator Safety > Machine Recovery
“Operator safety should come before machine recovery” when an ATUV breaks down in the field, Timber advised. “The crew should communicate its location immediately, follow the fleet’s emergency procedures, and avoid improvising repairs or recoveries that put personnel at risk.”
Before work begins, establish communication and check-in procedures for crews assigned to remote areas, particularly where unreliable cellular coverage exists. Provide operators with access to radio or satellite communication, GPS or other location equipment, and approved recovery equipment.
Stock ATUVs with cold-weather survival gear, which includes insulated clothing, boots and gloves; blankets; water; high-calorie food; flashlights and extra batteries; first aid supplies; and basic tool kits. Shovels, traction equipment and other recovery instruments can also prove valuable.
“The first priority is always operator safety over the equipment,” Lafrinere explained. “Fleets should have clear protocols for operators to follow, including staying with the vehicle when possible since it offers shelter.”
Conclusion
By spec’ing ATUVs for their intended application, developing and sticking to appropriate preventive maintenance plans, and training operators on safe machine use, utility fleet professionals can keep crews safe and projects moving during even the most demanding winter conditions.
About the Author: Shelley Mika is the owner of Mika Ink, an Omaha, Nebraska-based branding and marketing communications agency. She has been writing about the fleet industry since 2006.