The cold winds are not just harmful to us but to our heavy equipment fleet too. As soon as the temperature drops down, there’s one hero who appears like a blue oon to war up equipment’s engine i.e. block heater. This device helps in optimizing the engine performance by boosting the internal engine mechanics.
But to make the most out of a block heater you need to understand the dynamics behind it.
Continue reading as we are about to unveil the perks, mechanisms, and real-time applications of block heaters for boosting the engine’s efficiency.
What Is The Mechanism Of The Block Heater?
A block heater is an electrical device that is specially designed to warm heavy construction equipment’s engine. It assists in warming the engine in cold climatic conditions.
These devices are linked to the engine’s internal heating duct through which it transfers heat to engine oil.
Why Do You Need Block Heaters?
Outdoor construction projects require immense strength and durability within the heavy equipment used.
It becomes challenging during unpredictable climatic conditions as the engine starts to freeze at certain locations.
Before investing in a block heater you must know why it is important for the engine’s health and how it eases construction operations in winter;
A Quick And Easier Start
The engine oil gets thicker in winter and it begins to hinder the engine’s internal algorithms. This becomes a problem for contractors with a fleet of used construction equipment.
In such cases, a block heater helps decrease the engine’s fluid viscosity so that the equipment can take charge earlier.
It helps in cold regions of the U.S. where the temperature drops to minus and starts badly impacting the heavy equipment’s performance by turning it into a time-consuming task for operators.
Minimization Of Internal Damage
If you are forcing the engine to start in cold climates the machinery is most likely to experience an unpredictable downtime due to internal wear and tear.
The cold oil is insufficient to lubricate the internal engine part which creates extra pressure on the components.
Block heater in such cases helps in producing apt oil consistency that minimizes internal damage by extending its lifespan.
Higher Fuel Efficiency Rate
The efficiency of any construction project is directly proportional to the fuel efficiency rate its heavy construction equipment offers during the process. Logically, warm engines perform better than cold ones.
Through block heater, contractors can pre-warm the engine which makes fluid temperature optimization quicker and so the commencement of tasks.
The optimal fuel temperature resonated after the integration of blo hearts not only improves the fuel efficacy rate but also minimizes hazardous emissions.
Increased Onsite Safety
As a top contractor, you need to prioritize the safety and comfort of your operator onsite. With a block heater, the operator’s cabin also gets heated up at a faster rate.
It indicates that the operator can experience a warm cabin room with defogged widows which increases visibility and promotes safer equipment driving conditions.
How To Maximize The Performance Of Block Heaters?
By now we know that you have understood the value of block heater for improving the performance of heavy construction equipment in the unfavorable winter climate. But do you know how can you maximize the block heater’s functions?
Mentioned below is the three-step guide to increasing the productivity of your newly installed block heater;
Early Plugin
To make sure you get the engine heated earlier you need to plug in the block heater 2 to 4 hours before the construction operation’s execution.
This time is typically night to get the right amount of engine warmth.
Setting Up Timer
The modern age construction compliance abides contractors to opt for energy-efficient techniques.
To oblige the energy saving compliance you can set a timer for turning on the block heater a few hours before the equipment’s required to work. This way you can save electricity and get the work done timely.
Block Heater’s Maintenance
Similar to heavy construction equipment, a block heater is another electrical instrument that can wear out easily if not taken care of. You need to regularly check the coils and wiring of the heater before using it.
In case of abrupt operations try replacing the internal components at its earliest to prevent safety and financial losses at a bigger level.
Takeaway
At first block heaters may appear as minute additions to your heavy construction fleet winter toolkit but the outcome is effectively noticeable.
From heating the engine to making it optimal for use in rough and cold outdoor climates, block heater untangles day-to-day construction operations.
Parallely, helps in extending the heavy equipment’s lifespan and boosts its productivity to 50% by maintaining engine fluid viscosity.
As the winter season is in its full glory, we suggest you equip your heavy machinery with a block heater and beat winter hindrances at its earliest.