How to Get Your Truck Ready for Winter: 5 Parts You Need

When the temperatures outside are dropping, but your workload is not, make sure to order all the parts needed to keep your unit running efficiently at the job site this winter. Altec recommends keeping these five parts on hand during cold weather months to maximize your productivity—and warmth.

PN: 750-40039 – Tailshelf Tool Circuit Mounted Warming Kit

This orifice style warming kit features a non-conductive hose, allowing for platform usage. This kit recirculates oil to help it reach optimal viscosity so you can operate quicker more quickly in the cold.

 PN: 900090084 – “Glacial Blue” Hydraulic Oil

When hydraulic oil thickens in cold weather, boom operation can be slower and pumps have to work harder. This lower viscosity hydraulic oil is designed to operate in cold weather climates and can replace traditional fluid for the winter.

PN: 099-00016 – “Aircraft” Hydraulic Fluid

Aircraft hydraulic fluid can go into traditional oil for better operation in extreme cold climates.

 PN 970045643 – Peel and Stick Temperature Gauge

This peel and stick temperature gauge can be applied directly to the reservoir and gives a quick color-coded indication of the temperature of the oil in the reservoir. These gauges are cost effective and easy to use.

PN: 704-90289 350W – 110V Platform Heater Kit

Stay warm in the platform of any non-insulating unit with 110VAC at the boom tip. This easy-to-mount heater kit includes mounting hardware and instructions.

About Altec Parts

Altec Parts is ready and able to serve your new and replacement parts needs. As the only authorized dealer of genuine Altec replacement parts, you can be assured that you will receive parts that meet the required Altec Quality and Engineering standards. All of these items can be ordered through an experienced parts representative at 1-877-GO ALTEC. Altec’s parts team answers the phone on an average of 10 seconds and is your go-to source for the parts you need to get the job done. Many parts will ship the same day from one of our regional warehouses, so you get the parts you need quickly. For registered users, parts can also be ordered online 24/7 through Altec Connect.

Safety is Cool: Tips for Being Prepared and Safe During Winter Weather

Winter season will be here before you know it, but are you ready for the tough storms and bitter cold? Winter can be an especially challenging time for our customers in utility, telecommunications and tree care, and its unique challenges often require special attention to safety and security on the job. What’s more, power outages are happening twice as often in serious weather disasters, putting an even greater strain on utility workers across the country.

So what can you do to stay safe while working outdoors in winter? We have a few suggestions:

Proper equipment and clothing

Dressing with thicker, warmer layers is obvious enough, but what many don’t consider is the importance of staying dry and free of perspiration which reduces your internal body temperature as it evaporates. Having pants, jackets, and shirts with moisture-wicking can make a big difference.

In the same vein, having specialized PPE equipment for winter is essential for staying safe on the job. Whether it’s anti-fog safety glasses or insulated jackets with high-visibility colors, being easily seen and seeing easily helps prevent accidents.

Safe driving

Driving from work site to work site means a lot of hours on the road, and winter weather usually presents some of the most dangerous road conditions imaginable. While safe driving is always a focus for our customers, icy roads are a particular concern at this time of year. Driving at reasonable speeds is important as always but having work trucks equipped with helpful accessories like exterior vehicle lights, bucket covers, or backup cameras sometimes gets overlooked.

Learn the signs of cold weather health risks

Freezing, windy weather also brings specific health risks to workers spending extended hours in the elements like frostbite or hypothermia. These conditions have common tell-tale signs to look out for as a warning that your crew should address right away. For example, feelings of numbness, muscle stiffness, and discolored skin are some of the symptoms you should expect from frostbite.

One more way you can improve your working crew’s safety is by participating in our winter safety kit giveaway coming soon on Altec’s Facebook and Instagram. We’ll randomly select a winner in mid-December 2023, so be on the lookout for a notification if you’re chosen.

On behalf of Altec Supply, we encourage all our customers and families to stay safe during the winter season and to promote safety on the job at all times of the year. If you need new safety or winter preparedness equipment for your crews visit our online Supply store, contact your local account manager, or call 1-877-GO-ALTEC.

Need Help? Please contact us at 1-877-GO ALTEC, option 1.

Copyright © 2026 Altec Industries. All Rights Reserved. "Altec" is a registered trademark of Altec Industries, Inc.

Altec Inc.

210 Inverness Center Drive
Birmingham, AL 35242-4834
Phone (205) 991-7733
Fax (205) 408-8601

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