Top Winter Service Issues We See in Cranes —and How to Avoid Downtime

Top Winter Service Issues We See in Cranes —and How to Avoid Downtime

Winter in the Midwest is tough on equipment. Freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and road salt all take a toll on cranes and bucket trucks, and every January we see the same service issues show up across fleets. The good news? Most winter-related downtime is preventable with a little planning and attention.

Here are the most common winter service problems we see—and what you can do now to keep your equipment working when you need it most.

1. Frozen or Sluggish Hydraulic Systems

The issue:
Cold temperatures thicken hydraulic oil, causing slow or jerky boom movement, delayed responses, and increased system pressure. In extreme cases, seals and hoses can fail.

How to avoid it:

• Use manufacturer-approved cold-weather hydraulic oil
• Allow proper warm-up time before operating booms or winches
• Cycle hydraulics slowly to bring oil up to temperature
• Check hoses and fittings for early signs of cracking

2. Electrical Failures and Sensor Faults

The issue:
Moisture intrusion, corrosion from road salt, and temperature swings can cause electrical gremlins—especially in outrigger sensors, boom angle sensors, and PTO controls.

How to avoid it:

• Inspect wiring harnesses and connectors for corrosion
• Apply dielectric grease to exposed connections
• Keep control panels dry and free of snow or ice buildup
• Address intermittent warning lights early before they become shutdowns

3. Outrigger Problems on Frozen or Thawing Ground

The issue:
Frozen ground can appear stable but shift as it thaws, leading to outrigger settling or instability. Snow and ice also reduce footing and can affect level sensors.

How to avoid it:

• Always use appropriate outrigger pads or cribbing
• Clear snow and ice before deploying outriggers
• Recheck level during long lifts as temperatures change
• Train operators to recognize early signs of settling

4. Battery and Starting System Failures

The issue:
Cold weather reduces battery capacity, and weak batteries often fail on the coldest mornings—right when crews are trying to get to work.

How to avoid it:

• Load test batteries before peak winter usage
• Clean terminals and ensure tight connections
• Check alternator output
• Consider battery warmers or higher-capacity batteries for winter fleets

5. PTO and Transmission Issues

The issue:
Cold, thick fluids can strain PTO systems, leading to engagement issues, noise, or premature wear.

How to avoid it:

• Verify correct cold-weather transmission and PTO fluids
• Allow adequate warm-up before engaging PTOs
• Address unusual noises or delayed engagement immediately

6. Corrosion from Salt and De-Icing Chemicals

The issue:
Road salt accelerates corrosion on frames, outriggers, electrical components, and fasteners—especially on trucks that see frequent winter road use.

How to avoid it:

• Wash equipment regularly, including undercarriage and outriggers
• Inspect for early corrosion and touch up exposed metal
• Apply protective coatings where recommended

A Little Prevention Goes a Long Way

Winter downtime is expensive and often avoidable. January is the perfect time to catch small issues before they turn into major repairs during the busy season.

If your crane or bucket truck hasn’t had a recent winter service check, now is the time. A proactive inspection can help ensure your equipment is ready to work safely and reliably through the rest of the winter.

Need help or have questions about winter performance?
Our service team works on cranes and bucket trucks in Chicago conditions every day. We’re here to help keep your fleet moving. Call us today at 708-447-3169 to schedule an appointment