When temperatures drop and snow blankets the landscape, industrial operations don’t hibernate. Outdoor facilities, especially in agriculture and grain handling, face unique challenges in winter. From freezing winds to bright winter sunlight, components are pushed to their limits.
Ensuring equipment is built to withstand these harsh conditions is critical to minimizing downtime and keeping productivity on track. Read on to learn how to protect your facility.
1. Bearings That Beat the Freeze
Bearings are the lifeblood of many industrial systems, and the cold can wreak havoc on their performance. Low temperatures thicken lubricants, stiffen seals, and increase the risk of corrosion.
- Solution: Bearings equipped with low-temperature lubricants maintain their performance even in sub-zero environments. Special seals, such as nitrile or silicone, retain flexibility and prevent leaks.
- Real-World Example: Grain conveyors use these cold-resistant bearings to keep systems running smoothly, even when snow piles up.
2. Gearboxes Made for the Cold
In grain handling facilities, gearboxes power everything from bucket elevators to augers. Winter temperatures can make standard lubricants too thick, causing wear and inefficiency.
- Solution: Synthetic lubricants are designed to resist thickening, ensuring gearboxes stay operational in freezing conditions.
- Bonus Feature: Corrosion-resistant coatings or housings protect against moisture from melting snow or ice.
3. Cold-Resistant Conveyor Belts
Outdoor conveyor belt systems are particularly vulnerable to cracking and hardening in low temperatures. Extreme cold reduces the elasticity of traditional belts, leading to costly failures.
- Solution: Specialized rubber compounds in cold-resistant conveyor belts maintain flexibility even in freezing conditions. These belts are essential for grain elevators and other agricultural operations that run year-round.
4. Wing Pulleys for Winter Durability
Pulleys, especially wing pulleys, are critical for conveyor systems operating in harsh environments. Winter snow, ice, and debris can clog traditional pulleys, causing stoppages.
- Solution: Wing pulleys feature self-cleaning capabilities, ejecting debris to keep systems running smoothly. They also resist cracking and wear, even in sub-zero temperatures.
- IBT Pro Tip: Look for pulleys with durable finishes to withstand bright winter sunlight and prevent UV degradation.
5. Winter-Proof Chains and Sprockets
Chains and sprockets face both corrosion and increased wear in icy conditions. Cold metal becomes more brittle, making traditional setups prone to failure.
- IBT Pro Tip: Chains treated with anti-corrosion coatings and sprockets designed for winter use offer increased longevity and reliability.
6. Why Material Matters
The materials used in industrial components determine their ability to withstand winter challenges. For example, stainless steel resists rust and corrosion caused by snow and ice. High-performance polymers retain flexibility in freezing conditions, ideal for seals and housings.
- IBT Pro Tip: UV-resistant coatings protect exposed components from bright winter sun, which can cause fading or cracking over time.
7. Maintenance is Key
Even the most cold-resistant components need care to perform at their best. Regular inspections and proper maintenance can make a world of difference:
- Inspect for Cracks: Cold temperatures increase the likelihood of material fatigue.
- Check Lubricants: Ensure oils and greases are suitable for low temperatures to prevent thickening or freezing.
- Protect from Moisture: Ice and snow can introduce moisture that corrodes metal components, so keeping systems dry is critical.
8. Don’t Forget to Protect Yourself!
When working outdoors in freezing temperatures, your safety comes first. Prolonged exposure to cold conditions puts you at risk for frostbite, hypothermia, and reduced dexterity, which can compromise both your well-being and productivity. Investing in proper cold-weather gear is essential.
- Start with insulated gloves designed specifically for tough winter jobs. Gloves that are meant for working in the cold, like these Radians brand cold-weather gloves, provide excellent protection against low temperatures while maintaining grip and flexibility.
- Pair these with face shields or balaclavas to block wind chill and protect exposed skin, and don’t forget thermal socks and steel-toe boots with insulation for complete coverage.
- It’s also a good idea to layer your clothing: moisture-wicking base layers, insulated mid-layers, a warm hat, and waterproof outer shells will help trap body heat while keeping you dry. Heated jackets are also an option.
IBT Knows Cold Weather Working Essentials
Cold-resistant industrial components are the backbone of winter operations. From bearings and gearboxes to wing pulleys and conveyor belts, the right equipment keeps outdoor facilities running smoothly. Whether you’re handling grain or moving materials in freezing temperatures, choosing components designed for the cold is essential to long-term success.
IBT has decades of experience in helping you find the right products for the job. We can help you determine what components could benefit from extra protection from the cold. You can always reach out to our experts, whether you need safety supplies, conveying equipment, power transmission components, bearings… or just a little advice.
Looking for more in-depth troubleshooting? Contact your local sales representative, or get in touch with our maintenance experts here.
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