6 hours ago
Why Fogging Happens in Compact Equipment
Window fogging in skid steers and compact equipment is a persistent issue during cold-weather operation, especially when aftermarket enclosures are added to open-cab machines. Fogging occurs when warm, moist air inside the cab contacts cold glass surfaces, causing condensation. In uninsulated or poorly ventilated enclosures, this moisture has nowhere to escape, leading to visibility problems and operator discomfort.
The problem is compounded in machines like the Case 1845C, which were originally designed with open cabs and minimal airflow management. When enclosed, these machines lack the ducting, insulation, and defrost systems found in factory-sealed cabs. Without intervention, fogging can become a safety hazard, particularly during snow removal or low-light operations.
Cab Enclosures and Their Limitations
Aftermarket enclosures vary widely in quality and design. Some use rigid panels with plexiglass windows, while others rely on soft vinyl and zipper systems. Most lack integrated HVAC systems, relying instead on small heaters placed near the operator’s feet or rear window.
Key limitations include:
Heater Options and Airflow Strategies
Operators have experimented with various heating solutions to combat fogging:
Insulation and Sealing Techniques
Insulating the cab is essential for retaining heat and reducing condensation. Recommended methods include:
Lessons from Field Experience
In Kansas, a mechanic retrofitted his 1835C with a larger heater mounted near the rear window and added a fan from a local auto parts store. This setup eliminated fogging except during heavy snowstorms, when snow buildup on the door required manual clearing.
In Michigan, a Bobcat operator fabricated plexiglass panels and used a small eBay heater. Though the cab never got truly warm, the combination of airflow and enclosure kept snow out and visibility acceptable.
A retired radar engineer in Illinois installed a Chinese diesel heater rated at 8 kW, though the unit arrived mislabeled as 3 kW. After verifying airflow and mounting options, he planned to route ducts through the headliner and floor, balancing heat distribution. He also considered donating the heater to a cattle farmer if it didn’t meet expectations—highlighting the adaptability of these systems.
Manufacturer Background and Equipment Context
Case Corporation, founded in 1842 and later merged into CNH Industrial, produced the 1845C skid steer from the late 1980s through the early 2000s. It became one of the most popular skid steers in North America, known for its mechanical simplicity and reliability. While exact sales figures are proprietary, the 1845C remains widely used in agriculture, construction, and snow removal.
The machine’s open cab design was suited for warm climates and short-duration tasks. Enclosing it for winter use introduces challenges that modern skid steers with factory HVAC systems do not face. Retrofitting these older machines requires creativity and a willingness to experiment.
Recommendations for Effective Defogging
To minimize fogging in enclosed skid steer cabs:
Conclusion
Window fogging in enclosed skid steers is a solvable problem with the right combination of heat, airflow, and insulation. While older machines like the Case 1845C weren’t built for sealed cab operation, field ingenuity and modern heater technology allow operators to retrofit effective solutions. Whether using diesel-fired units, coolant heaters, or creative ducting, the goal remains the same: clear visibility, warm feet, and safe operation in winter’s harshest conditions.
Window fogging in skid steers and compact equipment is a persistent issue during cold-weather operation, especially when aftermarket enclosures are added to open-cab machines. Fogging occurs when warm, moist air inside the cab contacts cold glass surfaces, causing condensation. In uninsulated or poorly ventilated enclosures, this moisture has nowhere to escape, leading to visibility problems and operator discomfort.
The problem is compounded in machines like the Case 1845C, which were originally designed with open cabs and minimal airflow management. When enclosed, these machines lack the ducting, insulation, and defrost systems found in factory-sealed cabs. Without intervention, fogging can become a safety hazard, particularly during snow removal or low-light operations.
Cab Enclosures and Their Limitations
Aftermarket enclosures vary widely in quality and design. Some use rigid panels with plexiglass windows, while others rely on soft vinyl and zipper systems. Most lack integrated HVAC systems, relying instead on small heaters placed near the operator’s feet or rear window.
Key limitations include:
- No insulation in roof or side panels
- No ducted airflow to windows
- Poor sealing around doors and window frames
- Limited space for mounting heaters or fans
Heater Options and Airflow Strategies
Operators have experimented with various heating solutions to combat fogging:
- 12V Electric Heaters: Compact and easy to install, but often underpowered. Useful for spot heating but insufficient for full cab defrosting.
- Diesel-Fired Air Heaters: Units like Webasto or Chinese clones rated at 3–8 kW offer significant heat output and can be ducted to multiple locations. These heaters include fuel tanks, pumps, and control units, making them self-contained.
- Engine Coolant Heaters: Use the machine’s coolant to warm a heater core, similar to automotive systems. Requires plumbing and space for installation but offers consistent heat once the engine is warm.
- Fans and Circulators: Small 12V fans mounted on magnetic bases can direct warm air toward windows. While not elegant, they improve airflow and reduce localized fogging.
Insulation and Sealing Techniques
Insulating the cab is essential for retaining heat and reducing condensation. Recommended methods include:
- Foam insulation panels behind side walls and under the seat
- Replacing deteriorated headliners with rigid, insulated boards
- Sealing gaps around windows and doors with automotive-grade weatherstripping
- Using reflective foil insulation in roof cavities to reduce radiant heat loss
Lessons from Field Experience
In Kansas, a mechanic retrofitted his 1835C with a larger heater mounted near the rear window and added a fan from a local auto parts store. This setup eliminated fogging except during heavy snowstorms, when snow buildup on the door required manual clearing.
In Michigan, a Bobcat operator fabricated plexiglass panels and used a small eBay heater. Though the cab never got truly warm, the combination of airflow and enclosure kept snow out and visibility acceptable.
A retired radar engineer in Illinois installed a Chinese diesel heater rated at 8 kW, though the unit arrived mislabeled as 3 kW. After verifying airflow and mounting options, he planned to route ducts through the headliner and floor, balancing heat distribution. He also considered donating the heater to a cattle farmer if it didn’t meet expectations—highlighting the adaptability of these systems.
Manufacturer Background and Equipment Context
Case Corporation, founded in 1842 and later merged into CNH Industrial, produced the 1845C skid steer from the late 1980s through the early 2000s. It became one of the most popular skid steers in North America, known for its mechanical simplicity and reliability. While exact sales figures are proprietary, the 1845C remains widely used in agriculture, construction, and snow removal.
The machine’s open cab design was suited for warm climates and short-duration tasks. Enclosing it for winter use introduces challenges that modern skid steers with factory HVAC systems do not face. Retrofitting these older machines requires creativity and a willingness to experiment.
Recommendations for Effective Defogging
To minimize fogging in enclosed skid steer cabs:
- Use a heater with ducted airflow directed at windows
- Combine upper and lower discharge points to balance heat
- Insulate cab panels and replace deteriorated headliners
- Seal air gaps around doors and windows
- Pre-warm the cab before operation to reduce moisture buildup
- Consider elevated breathers or venting systems to reduce humidity
Conclusion
Window fogging in enclosed skid steers is a solvable problem with the right combination of heat, airflow, and insulation. While older machines like the Case 1845C weren’t built for sealed cab operation, field ingenuity and modern heater technology allow operators to retrofit effective solutions. Whether using diesel-fired units, coolant heaters, or creative ducting, the goal remains the same: clear visibility, warm feet, and safe operation in winter’s harshest conditions.
