Winter Operability: Equipment Problems and Their Remedies

Abstract

Automotive and construction equipment manufactured for the American market is designed for temperate conditions and is seldom suitable for use at low temperatures without modifications of the lubrication schedule and starting procedures and the addition of heating units. With increased construction activities in cold regions many remedies for low‐temperature problems have been developed, and active research on new methods and improvements of existing techniques continues. Most of the recent research in this area has been in the areas of lubricants, plastics and elastomers, and heaters for the engine and other components. The recent development of synthetic hydrocarbon and silicone lubricants has greatly alleviated many difficult problems in the cold, and the current proliferation of plastics, elastomers, and composites has yielded many useful or promising materials for low‐temperature use. Electric immersion heaters and fuel‐fired units are commonly used for engine heating; research in the area of engine and equipment heating has resulted in the development of sophisticated programmable units as well as new devices using thermoelectric technology and latent‐heat storage.