Winter Work and Workshop Dreams in the Off-Seaso

[MikePhua]

Machines in Hibernation or Still on the Move
January brings a mixed bag for equipment owners across North America. While some regions are buried under snow, others are experiencing mild conditions that allow work to continue. In the Pacific Northwest, operators are still running compact excavators and prepping for drainage jobs despite persistent rain. In Minnesota, machines sit idle under snowbanks, with graders and trucks outfitted for plowing. Across the Northeast, contractors are cautiously watching frost depth, ready to resume work if the ground stays soft.
Terminology annotation:

• Frost depth: The depth to which the ground freezes, affecting excavation feasibility.
  
• CTL (Compact Track Loader): A tracked machine used for grading, digging, and material handling.
  
• Drainage work: Excavation and installation of systems to manage surface and subsurface water.
  

Winter Maintenance and Repairs in Makeshift Shops
For many, January is the time to catch up on deferred maintenance. Mini excavators, skid steers, and trucks are pulled into garages, quonsets, or pole barns for repairs. Some operators are replacing engines, welding new bucket hooks, or chasing nagging hydraulic leaks. Others are simply greasing pins, changing fluids, and inspecting undercarriages for wear.
A common theme is the lack of ideal workspace. Heated garages are a luxury, and many rely on propane heaters in uninsulated sheds. One operator in Alberta works out of a concrete-floored quonset, grateful for shelter but dreaming of a proper shop. Another in Washington is installing a new engine in a mini skid steer inside a two-car garage—much to his wife’s dismay.
The Pole Barn Debate and Shop Planning
The off-season also fuels long-standing dreams of building the perfect shop. Operators are comparing notes on size, layout, and cost. Some envision 40x60 structures with 16-foot eaves and scissor trusses for loft space. Others want 60x80 buildings with 14-foot doors to accommodate larger equipment. Heated floors, insulation, and high-strength concrete are frequently mentioned.
Cost remains a barrier. Pre-COVID estimates for a fully insulated shop with doors and windows hovered around $45,000. Today, prices have surged, and many are reevaluating their plans. Some are clearing land and removing stumps in preparation, while others are stuck waiting for spring thaw and dry ground.
Recommendations for shop planning:

• Include multiple access doors for equipment flow
  
• Design for future expansion or loft storage
  
• Use 14–16 ft door heights for versatility
  
• Consider radiant floor heating for winter comfort
  
• Balance size with zoning and budget constraints
  

Keeping Tracks from Freezing and Equipment Ready
In snowy regions, frozen tracks are a recurring issue. Operators in Minnesota shovel out their CTLs before parking and use hammers to break ice when necessary. Snow is easier to manage than mud, but sticky clay can freeze overnight and immobilize machines. Preventive measures include:

• Parking on gravel or wood pads
  
• Cleaning undercarriages daily
  
• Using de-icing sprays or heated garages
  

Even when machines are idle, readiness matters. One rancher in Texas had to dig a hole for a deceased antelope and discovered his excavator was blocked in by garage clutter. After clearing space and attaching a bucket, he completed the task—only to find his dogs had already discovered the carcass.
Balancing Equipment Storage with Personal Space
Many operators store machines in garages that double as personal workshops. Woodworking tools, vehicle lifts, and hobby projects compete for space with excavators and loaders. One user regrets installing only 8-foot doors, which prevent his mini from fitting inside. Another has a 30x50 shop packed with tools, barely leaving room for his truck.
This tension between work and personal space leads to creative solutions:

• Building secondary sheds for seasonal equipment
  
• Renting commercial bays for short-term repairs
  
• Sharing shop space with other contractors
  

Conclusion
January is a time of reflection, repair, and planning for equipment owners. Whether working through rain in Washington, snow in Minnesota, or mild conditions in Connecticut, operators are preparing for spring while dreaming of better infrastructure. The machines may be parked, but the minds behind them are busy—welding, wrenching, and sketching out blueprints for the next big upgrade. Winter may slow the pace, but it never stops the momentum of those who build, dig, and move the earth.