Getting Maximum Life & Efficiency Out of Heavy Equipment

Your investment in heavy equipment is significant, and getting the longest lifespan out of your machinery means not only long-term savings, but fewer breakdown costs and on-the-job slowdowns due to sidelined equipment. And let’s not forget the human factor; malfunctioning machinery can pose a safety risk to its operator. Typically, maintenance is cheaper than repairs, so let’s discuss what you can do to get the maximum performance and lifespan from your heavy machinery.

Watch for Signs of Wear

Catching wear issues in the earliest stages will significantly save you equipment repair costs and downtime. Operators that know the machine are usually sensitive to odd noises and new vibrations from tracks, belts and gears. Pay attention to gauges and monitor for increased temperatures caused by friction, leaks, poor lubrication and extended stress on engine internals. Even age plays a factor in wear, with aged or warped belts, worn gear noises, loosening of bolts causing rattles and more. If you discover wear and tear on moving parts, it’s best to get the issue serviced or the parts replaced as soon as possible to avoid expensive repair bills or safety issues.

Constantly Monitor Lubricant Levels

Friction creates heat, and excessive heat due to friction can cause major wear and tear on moving parts, which equals expensive breakdowns and heavy equipment failures. Proper lubrication extends the life of your machinery. Not only is maintaining the proper manufacturer-recommended lubricant viscosities vital, but also the levels of those fluids required to keep machinery humming. Fluid leaks, like excessive grease or oil, means seals are compromised and should be replaced before lubricants are leak onto the ground which is harmful to the machinery and the environment. Constant inspection of lubricant levels and equipment seals, as well as following manufacturer recommended service intervals, will keep your machinery working as it should for as long as possible.

Operator Training

Equipment operators who are constantly overstressing or are abusive to their machinery are expensive for businesses. They increase the chances of equipment breakdowns and failures and risk the safety of not only themselves but co-workers on a job site as well. Constant operator training is essential to ensure that expensive equipment is being monitored properly for performance and shut down before small problems become big problems. It should also be drilled into operators to check outer air filters and all fluid levels BEFORE beginning the days work.Equipment is built to take abuse infrequently, but if it’s the norm, that equipment will likely see early retirement or failure before its time.

Keeping Machinery and the Working Environment Clean

Keeping heavy machinery properly maintained not only involves internal fluids, but external cleanliness. Making sure working parts are clear of contamination promotes longer service life of those components. Keep seals inspected and filters changed regularly. Monitor equipment breathers to prevent contaminants from being sucked into the cab. And when storing equipment, keep it sheltered from weather and wind to prevent early rot, rust and deterioration.

On-Time Maintenance Schedules

Tracks, tires, fluids and electrical systems are all constantly in operation with your heavy machinery, and they all need to be inspected on a regular basis to get the longest service life possible. Neglect is the enemy here. Have a schedule in place based on operational working hours of the equipment, and always take the environmental conditions into account. Working in extreme cold, hot or dusty environments can easily shorten the effective life of lubricants and filters, and cause equipment to operate under higher stress and heat levels. Staying on top of keeping proper levels of fresh fluids in your rigs and paying attention to wear item maintenance schedules will keep your heavy equipment operational for the next job, and the next and the next.

But do keep in mind…equipment does wear out over the years, and it becomes a better option to replace than to repair. Wear and ageing are inevitable. Whether new or used, If you need to replace heavy equipment browse our website for the best deals in our extensive inventory of construction machinery available.