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Beat the Heat Protect Your Fleet

May 27, 2025
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Getting through a busy summer season is a bit like running a marathon. Like an athlete, you operate your equipment hard to stay on schedule. At the same time, smart competitors stay on constant alert for emerging conditions that could take them out of the race.

Summer heat and heavy utilization are a one-two punch that can place enormous stress on your equipment and your operators. In this tough environment, little problems can escalate very quickly, and if not addressed in a timely fashion, they can lead to costly breakdowns, substandard performance, and compromised operator safety.

To help you out, we’ve consolidated some tips from our SMS Equipment experts to create the following four-point awareness plan to get you to the finish line.

Point 1: Keep Cool

As the summer heat picks up in July and August, cooling systems become a vital lifeline for your equipment Awareness of their condition before the heat rises and constant awareness as the season progresses is essential for avoiding failures and ensuring optimum performance.

The following should be checked regularly:

  • Radiator and Fan: Check frequently for obstructions, dust and dirt, insects and damaged fins, and clean on a regular basis with compressed air or water. Ensure that the fan is operating correctly and that there is no damage to the fan blades.
  • Hoses and Belts: These easily damaged consumable components are often the first defences to fall in what can lead to catastrophic failure. To make sure you don’t get caught, check cooling fan belts for cracks, deterioration, or loosening. Ensure that hoses are free of cracks, swelling, or leaks. Immediately replace any part that you don’t have 100% confidence in.
  • Water Pump: In the heat of the summer, pumps are vital. To ensure integrity, check for leaks around the pump seals frequently and listen for any noises that could indicate a bearing failure or other malfunction.

Point 2: Check your Fluids

Just as marathon runners frequently stop to hydrate in hot weather, equipment operators should check all fluids frequently and top them up or replace them as necessary. It’s good practice to run through a pre-operation inspection, checking fluids to ensure the machine is ready for work.

Here are the key areas to watch:

  • Coolant: Ensure that coolant always remains at the proper levels. Replace as indicated in the equipment manual – fluid that is contaminated or has passed its reasonable lifespan can significantly compromise the cooling function.
  • Engine Fluids: Keeping your engine and transmission oil at the manufacturer-specified level is essential to avoiding harmful heat buildup. But it’s not just about levels – check the condition of the oil as well for signs of contamination that could be indicative of internal wear problems.
  • Hydraulics: In the heat of the summer, hydraulic fluids can thin, reducing the efficiency of shovels and blades and accelerating wear on cylinders and pumps. Once again, maintaining correct levels is critical. As with cooling systems, leaks in hoses and fittings can increase the risk of major component failure.
  • Greasing: Heat can cause grease to thin, leading to faster wear on parts like bushings and bearings. In summer, it’s especially important to grease machines regularly. Most equipment uses grease that handles high temperatures, but skipping service can lead to overheating and damage

Point 3: Look after your operators

Operator health and safety are essential to maintaining high-productivity jobsites throughout the season. Remember that humans, as well as machines, are subject to the stresses of working long shifts in summer heat.

Ensure that you are constantly monitoring the following:

  • Cab Environment: Workers will spend long hours here, so even minor defects will have an impact over time. Air conditioning systems should be checked regularly to ensure proper functionality, and filters should be cleaned or replaced as required. If there is no A/C, ensure that windows are functional, that there is proper airflow through the cab, and that all fans are functioning properly.
  • Sun Protection: A number of measures will reduce the impact of direct sunlight. For the cab, tinted glass and sunshades can reduce exposure over time. Sunglasses, hats, and breathable clothing protect operators in and out of the cab.
  • Adequate Breaks: Even in ideal working conditions, workers need time to chill. Ensure that breaks are included in their schedule, and that the break area includes shaded areas and lots of cold water or sports drinks.
  • Communication: Keep close contact with your operators, and make sure everybody is aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion. Operators should know that the company cares about their well-being.

Point 4: Fortify your Support Systems

During a busy season, your focus is on getting the job done. That’s why it’s critical to have a trusted partner who can help fill the gaps in your equipment maintenance programs.

With over 40 support locations across Canada and Alaska, SMS Equipment is ready to help you prevent and respond to heat-related issues—before they impact productivity.

Our support includes:

  • Comprehensive maintenance programs with timely replacement of consumable parts, remote monitoring, and assurance that systems are operating to manufacturer specifications.
  • Expert assistance in planning a proactive maintenance strategy tailored to seasonal demands.
  • Trusted advice to help ensure your equipment is summer-ready and running at its best.

Support that goes beyond the machine

Getting through a busy summer season isn’t just about machines – it’s about attending to your schedule AND the people and machines you depend on. As your collaborative growth partner, we’ve built our business by helping you do that. When it comes to reaching the finish line, your season is our season.

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