By Seb von Teichmeister, owner of Mobihose.
When temperatures drop, your machinery doesn’t just slow down, it can seize up completely. For anyone running hydraulic systems on construction sites, in agricultural yards, or across the haulage fleet, winter brings a real risk: ice inside your hydraulics.
We’ve seen it cause major breakdowns, expensive repairs, and unnecessary downtime – all of which can be avoided with a bit of prep.
Here are our top tips to keep your hydraulics ice-free and running smoothly this winter.
- Use the Right Hydraulic Oil
Not all oils are built for winter. Using a low-temperature hydraulic oil prevents thickening and helps avoid freezing. Always check manufacturer specs and consider switching to a winter-grade fluid if you haven’t already.
- Keep Water Out
Ice forms when there’s water in your system.
Moisture gets in through condensation, poor seals, or open fill points. Keep caps tightly sealed and check for signs of water contamination (milky or cloudy fluid is a red flag).
- Drain and Replace Contaminated Fluid
If you suspect water has got into your system, flush and refill with clean, dry hydraulic oil. Don’t wait for a breakdown to confirm your suspicions.
- Warm It Up
Let your machinery warm up before heavy use. A gentle start helps circulate oil and reduce stress on pumps, rams, and seals, especially when it’s near freezing.
- Store Smart
Where possible, store machines under cover or in a shed. Cold-soaked machinery is more prone to icing issues, especially overnight.
- Book a Pre-Winter Service
A full service now can flag:
- Water contamination
- Cracked hoses
- Worn seals
- Weak spots before they fail
Mobihose offers on-site servicing to catch and fix problems before they become costly.
- Check Breathers and Caps
Damaged or missing breathers and filler caps can let moisture in especially in wet and frosty conditions. A simple replacement could save your entire system.
Don’t let ice grind you to a halt
Winter downtime costs more than just time, it knocks schedules, delays projects, and hits your bottom line.
At Mobihose, we’re here to help you keep moving:
- Emergency call-outs
- Hydraulic servicing
- Trade counter support
- Fast access to parts and fittings
We operate across the South East and are available 24/7/365, so call whenever you need us – or better yet, before you do!
Mobihose. Keeping You Working. Even When It’s Freezing.
