
Heavy-duty equipment such as bulldozers, backhoes, and forklifts are the bloodstream of the construction industry. It ensures the work goes on smoothly, efficiently, and timely.
Otherwise, the land developers & contractors would have to resort to hiring a boatload of workers. Despite that, the project completion would take years at the least.
Buying construction equipment is an immense financial investment, and there are factors you need to consider before purchasing. That’s why many contractors rent them instead.
However, they’re prone to breakdown, internal damage, and regular wear and tear, whether purchased or rented. You must pay attention to their maintenance to boost their efficiency and resilience.
Are you on the look out for maintenance tips for your heavy equipment?
The maintenance tips given below can assist you in keeping your heavy-duty construction equipment in tip-top shape.
So, without any further ado, let’s get started.
#1 Understand The Equipment Limits
Every machine is designed with a few considerations in mind. It may include weight load limits, overheating, and safety criteria.
If you adhere to these considerations, the machinery will work to the best of its ability, providing desired results.
However, if you neglect the equipment limitations, it’ll contribute to its wear and tear. Plus, it can pose a threat to the project and operators.
Now, the question is- How would you know about the equipment limits?
Well, every product or equipment comes with a user manual. So, give that a quick read to learn about the machine’s weight and the maximum load it can take.
You can further use the guide for basic repair and maintenance of the machine. It will ensure you are not overworking the machine and eliminate the possible functional damage.
Tip: If you notice overheating, turn off the machine for a few minutes. It’ll allow it to cool down and boost its safety.
#2 Keep Your Equipment Squeaky Clean
Construction machinery is frequently exposed to dirt, dust, mud, and stones. These natural substances can cause clogged filters and vents and damage the electrical components. Hence, maintenance is important in business.
In addition, it accelerates the process of general wear and tears, such as rusting, overheating, and airflow issues.
Luckily, these problems are preventable.
Create a schedule for machines and equipment cleanly and abide by it. Book an appointment with a trusted pressure washing in Seattle or near you to remove the grease buildup and hardened mud.
Aside from this, you can clean the dirty filters, vents, and engine. (If it seems necessary, you may as well replace the filter & vent).
Nevertheless, work under a mechanical engineer’s supervision to ensure that all the parts work properly. Agree or not, regular cleaning can prolong the equipment’s life and is cost-effective.
#3 Invest In Safe Storage
As construction machines are pretty expensive, storing them well is vital. It protects them from extreme heat, cold, sunlight, dust, corrosion, and rust. At the same time, properly stored equipment lowers the risk of theft and breakage.
In short, look for a clean, moist-free warehouse to keep your equipment.
It is also worth mentioning that machinery is inclined to rust, especially when not used. So, lubricate the necessary parts every once in a while to avoid potential issues.
#4 Be Proactive About Electronics And Wires
If construction occurs near water or in heavy rainfall areas, you must be vigilant about the wires and circuits. Ensure that all electrical equipment is protected from water, dust, and snow.
Otherwise, it may lead to short circuits and shorten the machinery’s lifespan. In the worst-case scenarios, it can even lead to fatality.
It would also be wise to inspect and test how the essential electrical parts start and perform. Look for the warning signs of damage, such as dimming lights, buzzing sound, loose connection, or excessive heat.
Consult the professionals for repair immediately to avoid any severity.
Note: When it comes to the electrical parts of heavy-duty machinery, the repair is often pocket-friendly than replacement.
#5 Install Wood Mats
The area around the construction projects is often underdeveloped and delicate. This may restrict the accessibility of common equipment such as forklifts, tractors, and crane stabilisation to the project location or for storage purposes.
This increases the exposure of machines to the natural environment- mud, water, and stones, leading to asset deterioration and depreciation.
Therefore, you should install wood mats for heavy equipment to enhance their safety. As an added benefit, it facilitates the construction project. For instance, if your forklift is positioned on wooden mats, it is less likely to shift or sway.
As a result, sensitive material placement, complex construction manoeuvres, and slope reinforcement will be accurate. It will protect the underlying terrain, creating a protective shield between the equipment and the ground.
#6 Inspect And Replace Tracks
You might agree that repairing a tire’s broken axle or blowout is no less than a hassle. In most cases, it contributes to the financial burden. Therefore, checking the wheels frequently and replacing them when required is recommended.
However, it is important to know that normal wear and tear is natural for tires. It would help if you were careful about thick mud, cuts, cracks, bulges, and tire pressure.
Examine these before you go out so that you are not stuck in the middle of anywhere.
It would be best if you carried extra tires to replace them and stay on track (literally!).
#7 Train The Operators
Last but most importantly, you should train the equipment operators in the proper techniques. To begin with, you should only hire qualified and certified operators.
They are generally well-versed with the latest equipment advancements. Thus, they can ensure that the construction goes on smoothly and safely.
Additionally, train your existing workers about the new developments. Use the user manual to guide them, or you can hire technicians/ engineers who can explain the work.
Doing so will ensure that employees know the SAFE use; thereby, the scenarios of construction accidents will also reduce.
You may also consider Alto Handling to ensure the correct material handling of your equipment.
To Sum It All Up
Heavy-duty equipment- regardless of the industry, is powerful and sturdy.
Still, they require repair and maintenance for uninterrupted performance & elevated lifespan. As an added benefit, it’ll provide you with high ROI.
So follow the tips this blog post shares and complete your project effortlessly.
I hope you find these maintenance tips for heavy equipment helpful.