Masonry Magazine January 2003 Page. 25
will make any ice that accumulates easier to dislodge. Mixers should be periodically greased, pulleys and hardware checked for tightness, v-belts inspected for fraying, and wheels checked every six months or so for lubrication. Visual inspection of the tow pole and coupler for damage is logical regardless of the weather."
He also adds these tips for when the needle heads toward freezing, "Be sure to change the engine oil for a lower viscosity or a lower multiple viscosity such as 5W-20. It's important that the engine be thoroughly warmed at idle speed before engaging the drive system. Also, be sure that no ice or slush has accumulated in the drum that could obstruct the blades when they rotate. Check the air filter to be sure it is clean and clear and remove the spark plugs to check that they are properly gapped according to the engine specs. When not in use, don't store the equipment outside in the weather; store it inside a warm building. And under extreme conditions, start the engine and allow it to run at idle while the equipment is being transported to the jobsite."
Damian Lang, president of Lang Masonry Contractors, Waterford, Ohio, and coincidently the developer of EZ Grout equipment, cautions users of Grout Hogs to be sure all hydraulic oil in the system is warm before using the equipment on cold days. "All hydraulic equipment, not just the Grout Hog, should be thoroughly warmed up before use to prevent damage to the controls and lines. Cold hydro oil is thick and adds a lot of resistance to the system. Of course, you should warm up
When driving the forklift on an ice covered hill or road, make sure that there is adequate traction for steering and stopping.
any motor or engine before expecting it to work right in cold weather. When storing the Grout Hog in winter, set it in the dump position so ice build up in the hopper doesn't cause the paddles to break when they are engaged. It's also a good idea to use a cover if the gear is stored outdoors."
Getting a cold lift
THE SNOW IS FLYING but building material dealers must keep deliveries on schedule to keep their customer's projects going. Mason contractors can learn some cold weather tips from the way dealers prepare and work their truck-mounted forklifts. Here are some tips from Princeton Delivery Systems, Canal Winchester, Ohio, manufacturer of Piggy Back truck-mounted forklifts. Most of these will also work with jobsite forklifts and those used in material yards in the winter.
Princeton cautions that cold weather and frozen precipitation present special safety considerations for drivers. Considering the jobsite environment is often much rougher than a highway many of the same driving tips come into play for lift drivers.
Watch your traction is on the top of the list. When driving the forklift on an ice covered hill or road, make sure that there is adequate traction for steering and stopping. Drivers need to watch their personal traction, too. Carefully move on and off the forklift because ice buildup can occur during transport or site storage. Make sure they use the "three-point" rule: one foot and both hands must always be on the grips and steps.
Know the terrain. Snow is no obstacle to forklifts but snow can hide material that can damage the lift. Snow also can fill-in hazardous holes that can cause the load to be dumped or worse, cause the lift to tip. Drivers should take additional time to check that the driving path is clear and stable. Never drive across frozen water.
See where you are going. Snow can reduce visibility. Drivers should never guess where they are going. If there is any question about visibility, the driver should either stop or ask for help from a spotter on the ground.
Going up?
IF YOU USE ADJUSTABLE SCAFFOLDING, such as The Beast from Non-Stop Scaffolding, Shreveport, La, there are other items to consider in the winter. Justin Breithaupt, Jr. co-owner of Non-Stop, says bluntly, "When the block stops going up, the money stops coming in. You bought adjustable scaffolding to get the job done faster, without stopping. Now winter is here and you want to keep using it. Yes, it's a piece of cake to enclose frame scaffolding, just erect them and wrap them with poly. But how do you enclose a work platform that's always moving?"
The solution came from northern mason contractors who used to routinely enclose their frames, made the switch to adjustable scaffolding, and demanded they be able to keep using it in the winter. There are two basic ways to do it. Let's