Best Practices
Heavy Equipment Storage Tips
Whether you're storing equipment for a season or just for a few months while you're not using it, there are several important measures you should take to prevent damage. Follow these six steps for proper equipment storage.
1. Get your storage area ready
The most important part of equipment storage is your storage area. We recommend that you keep your heavy equipment in a fully enclosed structure, like a garage, barn, or warehouse. The facility should be insulated, clean, dry, and free of any pests and animals. You also want to use a protective floor mat, so that your tracked construction equipment doesn't damage the flooring.
You should also use a high quality tarp to cover your equipment, even if it is stored indoors. That will help keep moisture from accumulating and causing rust.
2. Always clean your equipment first
You don't want to take your machines out of storage and have them covered in dirt and grime. Give your interior and exterior a deep clean before storing. Remove dirt and debris from moving parts, then add grease, so they're ready to go when you power up the engine again. Check your owner's manual for more specific instructions on lubricating your equipment's moving parts.
3. Top off your fuel and oil tanks
Filling up your fuel and oil during equipment storage will help prevent condensation forming in your tanks which could lead to costly problems down the road. We also recommend adding fuel stabilizer to your fuel tank, so the fuel doesn't degrade over time.
4. Inspect your tires
When storing machines, it's important to check your tires for any signs of damage or leaks. Read your owner's manual to find out the right tire pressure, but keep in mind that it might be a good idea to slightly over inflate the tires during storage to prevent flat spots from forming, especially if the equipment will be sitting on concrete.
5. Complete repairs before storage
Always handle repairs and maintenance before equipment storage. Small issues can become worse and transform into major problems after you let your machine sit for months unattended. By having them inspected, then completing any service before storage, you can avoid costly repair bills down the road.
6. Secure your equipment to prevent theft
Equipment theft can occur if you don't take the proper measures. We recommend locking your equipment and your storage space. Plus, invest in theft prevention devices like surveillance cameras, alarms, and telematics systems.
Contact our team with any questions about equipment storage!