5 Critical Tips for Running Equipment in Ontario’s Extreme Cold

When winter tightens its grip, your jobsite doesn’t stop, and neither should your equipment.

But with the extreme temperatures we’ve been seeing this month, even the best-maintained machines can be pushed to their limits.

Cold weather affects everything: batteries lose power, hydraulic oil thickens, engines struggle to start, and small oversights can quickly lead to costly downtime.

At Bercon Rentals, we’ve been getting more calls about cold-weather equipment issues, and that’s exactly why we’re sharing these tips. A few smart habits can make the difference between a smooth morning startup and a frozen machine that won’t budge.

Here are five essential cold-weather operating tips to help protect your equipment, your schedule, and your bottom line.

1. Treat Electric Equipment Like It’s Sensitive, Because It Is

Electric-powered equipment is especially vulnerable to cold.

Best practice:
Always store electric equipment indoors and plugged in when not in use. Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency, shorten battery life, and can prevent equipment from operating at all.

Keeping electric units warm and charged ensures:

• Faster startup
• Longer battery lifespan
• Consistent performance when you need it most
  

Cold storage equals cold problems, simple as that.

2. Plug In Diesel Equipment Every Time It’s Parked

Modern diesel equipment is built for tough conditions, but it still needs help when temperatures drop.

Most diesel-powered machines are equipped with:

• Engine block heaters
• Engine oil pan heaters
• Battery blanket warmers
  

These systems must be plugged in when the machine is not in use.

Why it matters:

• Warmer oil flows properly
• Batteries deliver full starting power
• Engines experience less wear during startup
  

Cold starts are one of the hardest things an engine can endure. Plugging in is not optional—it’s preventive maintenance.

3. Keep Hydraulic Oil Warm to Avoid System Errors

Hydraulics don’t like the cold, and thick, cold oil is one of the fastest ways to trigger performance issues or error codes.

Many machines are equipped with:

• In-tank hydraulic heaters
• External hydraulic tank heaters
  

These heaters should be plugged in whenever the equipment is parked.

Benefits include:

• Proper oil viscosity at startup
• Reduced strain on pumps and seals
• Lower risk of system faults and shutdowns
  

Warm oil = smoother operation, faster response, and fewer headaches.

4. Know Your Operating Temperature Limits

Every piece of equipment has a temperature comfort zone—and it’s not a guess.

Manufacturers clearly define minimum and maximum operating temperatures in their service and operator manuals.

Ignoring these limits can lead to:

• Premature wear
• System failures
• Voided warranties
  

Before working in extreme cold (or heat), take a few minutes to confirm:

• Startup temperature requirements
• Warm-up procedures
• Load limitations in cold conditions
  

Knowledge here isn’t just power, it’s protection.

5. Use Glow Plugs and Air Intake Heaters the Right Way

Heavy-duty diesel engines are built with cold starts in mind—but only if their systems are used correctly.

Glow plugs and air intake heaters are designed to:

• Preheat combustion chambers
• Improve fuel ignition
• Reduce strain during startup
  

Always allow these systems to complete their full heating cycle before trying to start the engine. Rushing the process leads to harder starts, incomplete combustion, and long-term engine stress.

Patience pays off, especially at sub-zero temperatures.

Cold Weather Is Inevitable. Downtime Is Not.

Extreme cold doesn’t mean your equipment has to suffer.

With proper storage, smart plug-in habits, and a solid understanding of how your machines behave in winter conditions, you can keep productivity high—even when temperatures are brutally low.

If you have questions about cold-weather operation, need equipment designed for winter conditions, or want guidance on proper use, Bercon Rentals is here to help. Our team knows these machines inside and out, because we run them in the same conditions you do.

Stay warm. Stay productive. And keep your equipment ready for anything winter throws your way.

Cold Weather Equipment FAQs

Do I really need to plug in equipment every night, even if it’s only slightly below freezing?
Yes. Even mildly low temperatures affect batteries, oil viscosity, and startup performance. Plugging in heaters consistently prevents cumulative wear and reduces the risk of a no-start situation in the morning.

What happens if I try to start diesel equipment without using block heaters?
Cold starts without heaters put extreme stress on the engine. Thick oil doesn’t circulate properly, batteries drain faster, and internal components experience accelerated wear, leading to higher maintenance costs over time.

How cold is too cold to run hydraulic equipment?
This depends on the manufacturer and the specific hydraulic oil being used. Always check the operator manual for minimum operating temperatures. Running hydraulics below recommended limits can cause sluggish response, pressure faults, and seal damage.

Can I leave hydraulic heaters plugged in continuously?
Yes. Hydraulic tank heaters are designed for continuous use while the equipment is parked. They maintain oil at a safe operating temperature and help prevent system errors during startup.

Why does equipment feel slow or unresponsive in cold weather?
Cold temperatures thicken oils and reduce battery output. Until systems reach proper operating temperature, machines may respond slower, throw fault codes, or limit performance as a protective measure.

How long should I let Bercon equipment warm up before putting it to work?
Warm-up times vary by machine, but in extreme cold, allow extra time for engines, hydraulics, and electronics to reach operating temperature. Never rush heavy loads immediately after startup.

Are glow plugs and air intake heaters automatic?
Some systems are automatic, while others require operator input. Always follow the startup procedure outlined in the operator manual and allow glow plugs or intake heaters to complete their full cycle before cranking the engine.

Can cold weather permanently damage equipment?
Yes. Repeated cold starts without proper preparation can shorten engine life, damage batteries, strain hydraulic components, and increase the likelihood of breakdowns, especially over long winter seasons.

Is electric equipment safe to store outside in winter?
Electric equipment should always be stored indoors when possible. Exposure to cold can severely reduce battery capacity and performance, and may lead to charging or electronic failures.

Who should I contact if my rental equipment won’t start in cold weather?
Contact Bercon Rentals immediately. Our team can help troubleshoot the issue, provide operating guidance, or arrange support to get you back up and running as quickly as possible.