How Can You Keep Cranes Safe in Cold Weather

Why Crane Safety Matters More in Cold Weather

Operating cranes in sub-zero temperatures is never “just another day at work.” Cold weather creates unique risks for machines and people. Steel becomes brittle. Hydraulic oil thickens like honey left in the fridge. Add ice on booms, cables, and ground mats, and suddenly what was a routine lift can turn into a serious incident.

We’ve all seen those winter jobsites—half-frozen ground, visibility dropping with the snow, and operators working double shifts to hit deadlines. It’s no surprise that winter is when accidents spike. A stalled crane in January can cost thousands in downtime, not to mention the safety concerns for crew and equipment. Contractors in Canada, Northern Europe, or Russia know this too well.

At YILU, many of our clients work in precisely these conditions. From spider cranes in Germany to scissor lifts in Canada, our machines are expected to perform when temperatures dive below freezing. Over the years, we’ve gathered experience (and a few frozen fingers) that shaped how we design and recommend crane safety for cold climates.

Common Cold Weather Hazards for Cranes

Ice and snow buildup – Snow adds extra weight to booms and cables, while ice changes the whole balance of a lift. Operators need to factor in the extra load and always clear equipment before starting.

Hydraulic system troubles – Low temperatures thicken oil, slowing down cylinders. A boom that usually responds in seconds might crawl in the cold, creating unexpected timing issues. Using the right grade of hydraulic oil is not optional; it’s essential.

Reduced visibility and winds – A gust at 30 km/h might be manageable in summer. But in winter, when visibility is already low, the same gust can swing a load in ways no one planned for.

Metal brittleness – Steel parts are tested for strength, but prolonged exposure to freezing weather makes metal less forgiving. Micro-cracks that might hold fine in summer can suddenly expand.

Preparing Cranes for Winter Work

Pre-operation inspections. Winter demands more attention than a quick walk-around. Hydraulic hoses, seals, and wire ropes need a closer look for stiffness or hidden cracks. A crane that’s “fine” in October might not be fine in January.

Hydraulic oil and fuel. Always use winter-grade hydraulic fluids and anti-gel additives for diesel. Batteries also suffer in low temperatures; a half-charged battery in summer is dead weight in winter.

Storage and de-icing. Machines left in the open overnight may need heated covers or indoor storage. At YILU, some of our clients in Scandinavia store spider cranes in compact site containers with heaters just to keep them ready for the next morning. It’s an extra step, but downtime costs more.

Operator Safety in Freezing Conditions

Even the best crane can’t compensate for an exhausted operator. Cold stress is real. Gloves, insulated boots, and layered clothing aren’t just recommendations; they’re survival tools.

On icy platforms or roofs, operators should always use harnesses and stable anchoring points. YILU’s spider cranes, for instance, use hydraulic outriggers that adapt to uneven, frozen ground, giving operators more stability when setting up on ice-covered sites.

Training also changes in winter. Crews need to recognize early signs of frostbite or hypothermia. A short break inside a heated trailer can make the difference between finishing a shift or ending it in a hospital.

Adjusting Crane Load Capacity in Cold Weather

Manufacturers often recommend derating cranes by 1% for every degree below freezing. That means a crane rated at 10 tons may safely handle only 9 tons at -10°C. It feels conservative until you consider the brittleness of steel and slower hydraulic response.

Compact equipment can help in these situations. For example, YILU’s 3-ton spider crane can maneuver inside factories or rooftops where larger cranes can’t even enter. In one project in Eastern Europe, a contractor used a spider crane indoors to replace roof beams instead of risking a mobile crane on icy pavement outside. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was safe and on schedule.

Technology and Equipment That Improve Safety

Remote controls and torque displays. Many of YILU’s cranes are equipped with remote systems that let operators monitor load torque in real time. If an overload risk appears, alarms kick in before it becomes a problem.

Compact spider cranes. With crawler tracks and hydraulic outriggers, spider cranes remain stable even on frozen or uneven terrain. Their small footprint means they can be moved into tight corners or indoors, avoiding the wind exposure that plagues outdoor lifts.

Vacuum lifters and suction cups. Handling glass panels or steel sheets in winter with ropes is asking for trouble. Vacuum lifters reduce manual handling and minimize slip risks. YILU’s vacuum systems, with dual circuits, are designed to hold even if one pump fails—a big relief when you’re 20 meters up in the cold.

Case experience. Our equipment has been shipped to more than 100 countries, including Russia and Canada. Clients often tell us how the reliability of the hydraulic system and protective coatings keeps machines running where others struggle. The details matter—using Q345 steel with good low-temperature performance, or anti-corrosion paint that survives salted winter roads.

Best Practices for Contractors and Site Managers

• Schedule around storms.No lift is worth pushing through a blizzard. Delays are cheaper than accidents.
• Communicate constantly.Radios or headsets may need heated covers, but clear communication is a must when visibility drops.
• Prepare the site.Use crane mats, salt, or sand to stabilize the ground. Check that access roads are cleared of snow.
• Emergency shelters.Heated trailers or tents give crews a place to warm up and recharge. It sounds obvious, but on some sites, it’s the difference between steady productivity and a team that burns out by noon.

Conclusion

Keeping cranes safe in cold weather isn’t about a single checklist. It’s about mindset, preparation, and the right tools. From selecting winter-grade fluids to adjusting load capacities, from training operators to investing in equipment built for harsh climates—every step adds up.

At YILU, we’ve seen how the right equipment changes outcomes. Spider cranes working on rooftops in snow, scissor lifts used safely in icy warehouses, or vacuum lifters handling glass panels when gloves make ropes impossible. Cold weather will always bring challenges, but with the right approach, projects can stay safe and productive.

If your next project faces freezing temperatures, ask yourself: is my crane ready for winter, or am I just hoping it is?

Preguntas frecuentes

Q1. Can YILU cranes be used in freezing weather without changes?
A: Yes, but it is better to use winter-grade oils, check batteries often, and protect the crane with covers if possible. Many clients in Canada and Russia use them all year with these simple steps.

Q2. Why are spider cranes helpful in winter compared to big cranes?
A: Spider cranes are smaller but very stable. Their outriggers spread weight across icy or uneven ground. They can even go indoors where large cranes cannot, so the risk from snow and wind is lower.

Q3. What maintenance is most important for cranes in winter?
A: Check hoses, seals, ropes, and batteries every day. Always clear ice and snow before use. Use anti-gel diesel fuel. Keep a log of inspections so nothing is missed.