What are the most common causes of summer equipment breakdowns?
At Contractor’s Machinery we know that summer is the busiest season for construction, but it’s also the toughest on your heavy duty equipment. Between high temperatures, relentless exposure to the sun and the elements, and increased workload, it’s the perfect storm for machinery breakdowns. Understanding the main causes of summer equipment failures can help you plan to keep your fleet of hard-working equipment working smoothly and avoid expensive repairs and project delays.
Here are the key takeaways from today’s blog that we’ll be covering.
- Summer heat puts significant strain on construction equipment.
- Overworking machines or ignoring recommended maintenance can quickly result in costly breakdowns and project delays.
- Preventative measures are essential to minimize downtime and keep equipment operational during the hottest months.
Thermal Failures: The Heat is On
High ambient temperatures can cause engines and electrical components to overheat, leading to breakdowns and even catastrophic engine damage. Overheating strains cooling systems, including coolant levels and the hoses which carry it, which can fail if not properly maintained.
Electrical components are especially vulnerable to heat, as excess temperatures can cause wiring and connectors to degrade or fail, along with cooling fans running at maximum capacity for hours.
Fluid Degradation: The Hidden Threat
Heat accelerates the breakdown of essential fluids such as engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and coolant. As these fluids degrade, the chemical compounds and additive packages that make up their protective qualities diminish, thereby increasing the risk of accelerated component wear and failure. More frequent fluid checks and changes are necessary in summer, along with regular filter replacements to maintain performance.
Hydraulic System Issues: Under Pressure
Excessive heat can cause hydraulic fluid to thin, altering its viscosity and reducing its effectiveness, which increases the risk of leaks and hose damage. Hydraulic systems under heat stress may suffer from reduced performance or even complete catastrophic failure if not properly monitored.
Cooling System Problems: Keeping It Cool
Coolant systems are the frontline defense against overheating, but they can fail due to leaks, damaged hoses or clogged radiators. The job of coolant is to circulate and pull heat out of an engine, while the radiator’s job is to pull heat out of the coolant before it circulates back into the engine.
One simple way to keep your coolant from boiling is to have the correct pressure cap on your cooling system.
Dust and debris, common on summer job sites, can accumulate on radiators and cooling fans, impeding airflow and causing temperatures to elevate. Regular exterior radiator cleaning and inspection are critical to prevent these issues. Also making sure a coolant’s boiling point is maximized for the summer months with a proper mixture is critical.
Tire and Track Problems: Hot Underfoot
Summer heat and ozone exposure causes tires to wear out faster and crack, both of which increase the risk of blowouts, especially for equipment in constant use. Hot pavement and heavy loads compound these risks, making regular tire inspections and pressure checks essential.
Sun Damage: More Than Skin Deep
Prolonged sun exposure can fade paint, crack plastic, and degrade hoses and seals, leading to premature failure of exterior components. Storing equipment in the shade or under covers when not in use can significantly extend its service life as well as appearance.
Grease Issues: Lubrication Breakdown
Extreme heat can cause grease to thin and “squeeze out” from bearings and joints, reducing lubrication and increasing wear. Regular re-greasing and use of heavy duty heat-resistant lubricants helps maintain protection for moving parts. Synthetics are always a great option for any kind of lubricant.
Overloading: Pushing Limits
Overworking machines by exceeding lifting limitations, redlining engines, or failing to allow proper cool-down periods can quickly lead to overheating and damage to engines, transmissions, cooling systems, and even air conditioning components. Always operate within the manufacturer’s recommended parameters and heed dashboard warnings or alerts. It only takes a short time before you brick an engine, bringing a job to a halt quickly and ruining your day.
Preventing Summer Breakdowns: Best Practices
- Inspect cooling systems daily: Check fans, hoses, and radiators for debris or damage, and clean regularly.
- Monitor and maintain fluid levels: Top off coolant, hydraulic fluid, and oil, and change them more frequently in hot weather. Consider synthetics if your budgets allow.
- Check tires and tracks: Inspect for wear, maintain correct tire pressure, and replace aging or damaged tires as needed.
- Store equipment out of direct sun: Use shade, tarps, or shelters to protect machines when not in use. Garages are even better.
- Use A/C systems correctly: Avoid running A/C with windows open, which strains the system and reduces efficiency.
- Schedule regular maintenance: Preventative care is your best defense against costly summer breakdowns. Most equipment comes with regular or extreme service schedules. Summertime is the extreme service schedule.
- Worker Education: Ensure your work team is educated about watching for signs that equipment is not functioning correctly and are frequently inspecting the key points of potential problem areas daily. They’re not only your first line of defense, but often the last line in assuring proper equipment operation.
Let’s face it…summer heat is tough on construction equipment, but proactive maintenance and awareness of common failure points can keep your heavy machines running strong and working long all season. By understanding how thermal stress, fluid degradation, and sun exposure affect your fleet, you can take steps to minimize downtime, reduce repair costs, and keep your projects on track. Contractor’s Machinery can help you keep your machines working at maximum capacity for you. Schedule repairs or seasonal maintenance now. Contact us.
