What do dairy farms, snowy streets and fertilizer co-ops all have in common? Corrosive environments that are NOT friendly to your machines. Don’t worry, we’re not here to be the bearer of bad news. We caught up with Ben Rice, Cat® skid steer and compact track loader expert, to highlight some tips and product solutions to help you prevent rust, as well as protect your machines and their resale value.

Why is machine protection especially important in farming or snow and ice management? 

This was actually a big topic of conversation when members of our product team attended the Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA) tradeshow in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this summer—concerns about machine corrosion and rust in applications involving salt, brine and manure and preventive techniques to avoid this type of damage.

When it comes to rust, it’s less about the hours on the machine and more about the time exposed to the elements in that application. Whether you’re operating on a dairy farm or clearing snow and ice in the winter months, your machine is being exposed to corrosive substances. Manure, fertilizer and brine from the streets can build up on the interior and exterior of your equipment, ultimately causing premature rust damage. 

How can you protect your machine against rust damage?

There are several solutions on the market today that provide an extra layer of protection against corrosive environments. Some can be retroactively applied on your machine; however, it’s recommended to have this layer applied at the factory to prevent rust damage from the start and keep costs down. 

Caterpillar recently started offering a product called EquipCoat™, a corrosion inhibiting coating that’s available for all skid steer and compact track loaders produced in the Sanford, North Carolina, plant. Applied at the factory, it encapsulates all surfaces, providing a sealed barrier from corrosive substances. Solutions like EquipCoat not only protect against rust, but also oxidation and fading paint. 

We also recommend washing your equipment as often as possible to rinse off any residue that may have built up on components during operation. However, when time is limited, products like EquipCoat can help prevent corrosive damage until the next wash. It’s also durable enough to withstand pressure washing.