Maintaining heavy construction equipment may seem laborious and daunting for most people. However, it’s a necessity you shouldn’t ignore, especially if you want to make sure everything works optimally and your operators are safe while using them. Below are some tips for establishing and managing a heavy equipment maintenance program.
Of course, the very first step in servicing equipment is to maintain it regularly. It is not advisable to perform equipment maintenance only when something is malfunctioning. Many of the common equipment problems can easily be avoided by just having your heavy equipment inspected and serviced regularly.
Performing preventative maintenance involves regular cleaning and replacing parts before reaching the end of their life span. It is also important to check for signs of wear and tear on your equipment to ensure your equipment is consistently performing well and to avoid any unexpected problems.
In most cases, it is not the equipment or the manufacturer’s fault when a machine malfunctions. This is most likely caused by improper use and operation of the equipment. To avoid malfunction, prioritize training and educating your operators on proper equipment handling and how to know its limitations. Once they are through the training process, make sure educational materials about maintaining construction machinery are always available for reference.
Pushing your equipment past its limits or using it other than its intended use often leads to equipment damage. However, in the hands of a trained operator, that same piece of equipment will rarely break down as long as it is well maintained.
Most pieces of heavy equipment have some form of liquid on them, either as fuel or for lubricating purposes. These fluids keep the equipment’s components running smoothly, among other things. Keeping these fluids at the right quality and correct level is crucial to maintaining construction machinery. Ignoring these substances will only result in machine malfunction or even accidents in the workplace. As a tip, make sure to have replacement fluids in stock in case you need to service your equipment or grease its components.
Changing temperature, humidity, and weather conditions are out of a person’s control. What you can control, however, is your equipment storage. Weather elements like mud, snow and fluctuating temperatures are a machine’s number one enemy. Using your equipment in extreme environmental conditions puts more stress on the equipment’s components, which could affect its performance. Always take the necessary precautions to protect construction machinery, especially when operating in an environment unsuitable for sensitive equipment.
At the end of the day, maintaining heavy-duty equipment is about understanding the machine in-depth. This includes its limitations, strongest suits, and weaknesses. Knowing that and using the tips listed here will help save money on repairs and keep your equipment working correctly for a longer period.
Groff Tractor & Equipment is Pennsylvania’s premier provider and authorized dealer of new and used construction equipment. We carry units from some of the leading manufacturers in the industry. If you need reliable heavy construction equipment and good condition, our team is always here to help. Contact us today to view our inventory of new and pre-owned construction machinery and parts.
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