Subzero Winterization of Diesel-Engine Power Equipment

CONCERN about possible future military operations in arctic regions has led to the development of winterized hydraulic equipment which can be operated in subzero climates.

In this paper the authors present a diagnosis of complex arctic operations together with a record of typical accomplishemnts to date. The ultimate objective is to have all powered equipment capable of starting and operating in temperatures down to -25 F.

Primary technical problems center around the over-designing of all adjustable devices so that they can be handled by operators wearing heavy mittens. Under extreme cold conditions gloves cannot be removed for even an instant, nor can fingers be permitted to come into direct contact with cold metal.