Heavy-duty equipment is a costly investment. They are also expensive to replace upon damage. Yet, they are crucial for any company that deals with labor-intensive operations. It is therefore vital for such a company to ensure proper care and maintenance of this equipment. Failure to do so, the cost of repairs will be much higher than the initial buying cost. This would also affect your company’s return on investments. And that’s not what most managers would want to hear. To help you out, we have the following heavy equipment maintenance tips every mechanic should practice for durable operation.
Table of Contents
Inspect the equipment
This is a vital step in heavy equipment maintenance. These machines are designed to run for extended periods. This means that a lot of debris and garbage can be brought by the work it does. The worst-case scenario would be fire hazards caused by any mechanical failure or problem with the engine itself. Therefore, it is vital to inspect all moving parts. This includes the engines, hydraulics, and transmission systems. In addition to that, you should also check on the chassis and any exposed metal once in a while. You can do this with simple sandpaper or file to remove rust and corrosion buildup.
Keep records of repairs and services done
Aside from the original buying cost, you should also consider your company’s return on investment. This is where keeping records of repairs and services come in. For example, if you are looking for cranes for sale then you need to make sure your paperwork is all taken care of before proceeding.
This allows for proper budgeting of your expenses. Furthermore, you’ll have an idea about how much a particular machine is costing you over time. It also shows whether or not there is a need to have a major machine overhaul done.
Replace parts that are damaged or have already been used
You should also be replacing parts that show signs of damage. It is possible to find your huge trucks and caterpillars with hard materials or stones, which may cause great damage to different parts of the machine.
When carrying out maintenance, make sure you check the parts which might have been damaged. After that, make sure you replace them early enough to prevent any future damage.
Have proper training and certifications
At some point, any machine will require replacement or a major overhaul. This is especially true for heavy equipment where parts are larger and more complex.
As such, having the proper training to do this is crucial for your company’s overall productivity. Without it, you should seek assistance from professionals. You should also train your heavy-duty machine operators on the proper use of the equipment. This way, they will be less likely to cause any serious damage. This is also important for you as a company manager to maintain your goodwill with clients and business partners.
Regular cleaning and proper storage
Regular cleaning must be done on both the outside and inside components of such equipment. This ensures that debris and other contaminants are removed properly. In addition to that, you should also avoid using it in inappropriate weather conditions. For example, don’t use your heavy equipment when the roads are wet and slippery. If possible, keep your heavy-duty machine in a garage or some other covered area to prevent any damage coming from the elements of nature.
Have a preventive maintenance program
It is important to have a good heavy equipment maintenance program in place. This will help you and your team of mechanics to save money and time for other projects. You can implement such a task by creating regular checklists based on the age and type of machine. Using such a program will also help you to schedule when certain components need to be replaced. This way, you can avoid the cost of major repairs and save money that would otherwise be used for new machine purchases.
Follow what the manufacturer recommends
As much as possible, follow any guidelines provided by the equipment’s manufacturer. This helps to prevent unnecessary costs and inconvenience.
Create a checklist for better inspection and maintenance procedures
Checklists are necessary for any task, regardless of how big or small it may be. Inspect all the moving parts of heavy equipment and machinery properly before use.
Identify a Safe Working and Storage Environment for the Equipment
Every mechanic should know that exposing heavy-duty equipment to direct sunlight, rain, snow, etc., may threaten the machine. The parts will probably overheat when exposed to excess sunlight. As for water or moisture, your machine could get affected by rust. Therefore, keeping your heavy-duty machine in a clean, dust-free, and dry warehouse is essential. By doing this, you’ll extend your equipment’s lifespan and durability.
Check your equipment’s fluids
Keep checking your machine’s fluids to determine if they are of the right quality and correct quantity. Fluid levels might change when the machine is being used. If you assume the fluid, you may expose the machine to the risk of greater wearing of the equipment’s component. As a result, your heavy machine may eventually start working ineffectively. This is why you should check them regularly and make sure they are within the required range.
So, refill the fluids to the required specifications. That’s because overfilling your equipment with transmission fluid could cause it to overheat. Besides, make sure your machine’s movable parts are well lubricated with the correct fluids. In this case, check the lubricant recommendations provided by the manufacture of your machine. This will also help you use the correct amount of lubricant fluid – not too little fluid or too much.
Choose a Reputable Vendor for your Machine’s Parts and Services
As you strive to take good care of your heavy equipment, choose a trustworthy vendor for your equipment’s parts and services. You won’t wish to allow anyone to offer parts and maintenance advice to keep your machinery in good working condition. Please select a team with a good track record of rendering quality parts to their previous clients. Plus, go for a seller who’s in a great position to offer your staff any help whenever they need it the most.
With the above maintenance tips, you can rest assured that your heavy machine runs smoothly and efficiently. Therefore, you can reap benefits and enjoy an increased return on investment for an extended period.
