The idea that the climate in Peoria is it , for test purpose , phooey !
Why not ship the grader or components to Fort Greely , in Alaska for COLD WEATHER Testing ?? The Military does !
I've seen videos and DVD's of the Climate controlled labratories , what is wrong with them in finding the operational parameters ?
I have been more or less involved in military testing for the last 10 years.
I can assure you that the degree of testing is variable between the different produsers.
Many is so pressed on the competition they cant take the time needed to test their products enough before series production.
Then much of the testing is also done as computer simulations...
If your competitor is launching a new modell that is far bether than your present, you got to have a new one equal before your customers is planning to change their old modell.
The M's was a year delied before customers got them over here, customers was checking out other brands delivery time.
If the M was 3-6 months further delied, customers would have cancelled their contracts.
This puts a tremendous press on the test and verification departement. Adds and comercial programs makes it even harder to delay the start of the serial production.
Adds about a "total" redesign of the product, should make all of us suspitious... the more you change on the product, the bigger is the risk for problems.
Small changes is easier to handle and test enough before production.
Regarding military, its a total different situation. We put challenging demands to the products inside our contracts. Bet that all of them is testable...
And you are in big trouble if you promise stuff you cant hold. Contracts is waterproof and many has found it out the hard way.
Its sad that you owners/firms dont have such contracts with the produsers. It would have made the day much bether for most of us.
Cold/hot testing is a peace of cake, just put the stuff inside the chamber and run it for a day or two. When temp in your fuel and oil is as spec'd, just get in your cold climate dress and fire it up. Test all the functions under observation and make a report.
Then its ready for the fieldtesting....
But remember that we pay for it too. Mil spec equipment is not cheep.