14. COLD WEATHER OPERATION 14.2 PRECAUTIONS AFTER COMPLETION OF WORK To prevent mud, water, or the undercarriage from freezing and making it impossible for the machine to move on the following morning, always observe the following precautions. Mud and water on the machine body should be completely removed. This is to prevent damage to the seal caused by water in mud or dirt getting inside the seal and freezing. Park the machine on hard, dry ground. If this is impossible, park the machine on wooden boards. The boards help protect the tracks from being frozen in the soil and the machine can start next morning. Bleed the air from the tank to prevent moisture from collecting inside the tank.
Open the drain valve and drain any water collected in the fuel system to prevent it from freezing. As the battery capacity drops markedly in low temperatures, cover the battery or remove it from the machine, keep it in a warm place, and install it again the next morning. If the battery electrolyte level is low, add distilled water before starting operations on the next morning. To prevent the electro- lyte from freezing at night, do not add distilled water after finishing operations. 14.3 AFTER COLD WEATHER When season changes and the weather becomes warmer, do as follows. Replace the fuel and oil for all parts with oil of the viscosity specified. For details, see “20.
USE OF FUEL, COOLANT AND LUBRICANTS ACCORDING TO AMBIENT TEMPERATURE”. If for any reason permanent antifreeze cannot be used, and an ethyl glycol base antifreeze (winter, one season type) is used instead, or if no antifreeze is used, drain the cooling system completely, then clean out the inside of the cooling system thoroughly, and fill with fresh water. As the APS (starting aid) system becomes useless (at 15°C or above), be sure to close the fuel valve for the APS. 2-101