© Jacek Dylag via Unsplash
Heavy machinery is the most expensive construction asset in terms of price tag and maintenance costs. Experts estimate that they carry hefty breakdown expenses of 3% of asset replacement costs per year. For a heavy equipment owner, there is a never-ending need to establish a cost-focused strategy of prolonging the lifespan of the machinery while limiting expenses accrued in maintenance.
Here are some tips to get you started.
1. Schedule regular maintenance checks
In the same way that you need an annual medical checkup, your equipment needs frequent visits to the mechanic. A routine checkup on the functionality of your machine keeps its performance on track with its expected lifespan. Regular inspections should be coupled with repairs which should be done as soon as issues occur.
According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 20% of industrial accidents are related to maintenance operations. As a result, it is advisable to have only experts handle the maintenance aspects of your machinery. In addition, ensure you only use genuine spare parts, which you can find on this HD part catalog.
2. Thoroughly train your operators
If your operators have precise knowledge on the capabilities and functionality of the equipment, they are less likely to misuse it or cause damage. They will also keep themselves safe and be more productive than untrained workers. Knowing the typical layout and functionality means that they can detect malfunctions early enough and take appropriate actions.
Knowledgeable operators have expertise beyond running the machines; they are acquainted with maintenance schedules, daily routines, and safety equipment storage. It would be best to keep clear communication with your operators on steps to be taken in case of accidents on or off construction sites.
3. Stick to the performance limits
A quick search online for ‘heavy machinery spins’ will give you dozens of results. However, heavy construction equipment is not developed to withstand high-speed movements and turns, and they can cause massive damages and fatalities.
Routine machinery operation is cumbersome and draining, which often pushes operators into overloading machinery in an attempt to clear work as quickly as possible. Such actions are not recommended as they violate the set load limits and accelerate the wear and tear of machine parts. It is advisable to stick to the set performance limits in terms of speed and load sizes.
4. Monitor fluid systems
Most construction machineries utilize fluid systems to facilitate the movements of different parts. It would help if you kept a keen eye on the fluid levels and quality. Low fluid levels will lower the pressure on the systems leading to breakage when handling standard-sized loads. On the other hand, contaminated oil increases friction between moving parts and reduces the density of the fluid affecting its overall performance.
5. Lubricate moving parts
Heavy machines come with the manufacturer’s recommendations on the type and amount of grease needed on different parts. Lubricant reduces friction on the moving parts, and it is wise to have them thoroughly oiled before setting out to work. The frequency of oiling depends on the type of construction materials that your machine interacts with on the site.
Endnote
Heavy machines carry a considerable cost of maintenance on top of a high price tag. Keeping the equipment at optimum condition is the only sure way of getting a good return on investment.
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Thanks for sharing such a maintenance guide. We are a construction equipment supplier company from Australia. I appreciate your guide.
This is an informative guide for Industry workers. We, at RP Comtrade, are a part of the Welding Industry. We manufacture, distribute, export, and import leather welding gloves. Check out our website to know more! https://rpcomtrade.com/
The maintenance system is a set of interconnected means, performers and documentation, designed to maintain and restore the serviceable or working condition of automotive equipment products. All types of machines are carried out in the scope established by the list of operations for each brand of machine in accordance with the factory instructions for the operation of the machine. After the inspection, the machine must be in good technical condition, filled with proper operating materials, adjusted. For example, software for field inspection. Preventive maintenance. Risk reduction.
To ensure that machinery performs at its best, routine chores must be scheduled as part of heavy equipment maintenance. Visual inspections, technological monitoring, and oil analysis are additional preventive maintenance methods that help identify issues early and resolve them before they worsen.
Thank you for such a great information.
Equipment maintenance is indeed a most important aspect to keep the machine running for a long time. I second your point that operator’s training plays a key role in this regard. An untrained operator will not be able to tackle the issue on spot. Thanks for lighting up these points.