Today, companies that use heavy equipment typically spend significant amounts of money to acquire these vital assets. Maintaining the fleet and keeping the equiment in good condition helps protect the substantial financial investment they represent. We should know since we’re one of the leading commercial construction companies in the nation; that means we also know all about maintaining heavy construction equipment to increase productivity and extend the lifetime.
Maintaining Heavy Construction Equipment
Consider implementing these eight steps to assist the operation of heavy job site equipment:
Step One: Maintain Operational Records
Possibly the most helpful step owners take in performing regular maintenance of heavy equipment concerns keeping complete, accurate records and servicing checklists. By outlining the protocols involved in servicing each piece of machinery used for construction services, and tracking inspections and repairs, companies help preserve the useful working life of vehicles in heavy equipment fleets. If personnel changes occur, new employees will know which items require maintenance.
Step Two: Perform Regular Cleaning
Another important step a company takes to preserve and maintain heavy equipment in good working order involves scheduling a regular cleaning routine. During field operations, heavy construction equipment faces adverse environmental conditions. From pounding rain to muddy terrain to dust storms, the forces of nature will batter machinery. Scheduling frequent cleaning of the equipment helps maintenance personnel keep track of the condition of different items much better. Additionally, this process contributes to the appearance of heavy equipment at work sites.
Step Three: Record Fluid Levels
Some experts recommend establishing written guidelines for keeping fluids filled. Although not all items of heavy equipment use fluids extensively (antifreeze, windshield wiper fluids, etc.) some do. Documenting periodic refills enable maintenance personnel to detect potential operational problems at an early point, sometimes.
Step Four: Perform Regular Lubrication
Just as automobile engines benefit from regular greasing and oiling, engines and motors in equipment used for heavy construction projects usually also require periodic maintenance. Following manufacturer guidelines in this area helps to preserve the equipment and will extend their lifetime. Maintaining documentation detailing maintenance issues is critical to keeping heavy construction equipment up and running.
Step Five: Protect Electrical Wiring
Experts recommend paying particular attention to protecting any electrical wiring on heavy equipment from exposure to the elements. For instance, it may make sense to cover machinery with a secure protective tarp, or to shelter the equipment under a covering to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the electrical components. Rainwater, melting ice, and snow can leak inside the machinery during years of field operations, and without proper protection, exposure to the elements will drastically shorten the productivity and lifetime of the equipment.
Step Six: Check Tire And Axle Condition
Usually, manufacturers produce very durable mobility mechanisms for heavy equipment, yet it still makes sense to inspect the parts of the machinery in contact with the ground at periodic intervals. Chunks of debris, such as loose gravel or mud, may lodge in out-of-the-way locations, and removing this material assists the operation of the machinery. Additionally, checking the tread and general condition of the dump truck, trailer tires, and axles helps avoid problems in the field.
Step Seven: Inspect For Leaks
It makes sense to take a few minutes to check for visible signs of oil leakage during regularly scheduled heavy equipment cleaning sessions. Most sources recommend establishing written protocols for this type of inspection. By paying attention to possibly leaky valves, owners of this expensive equipment can obtain necessary repairs much faster, assisting the operation of the machinery.
Step Eight: Inspect For Misalignment
The rough terrains in which heavy equipment routinely operates may impose burdens on vehicle alignment in some situations. Although this type of machinery withstands adverse conditions much better than many other vehicles, assuring proper alignment in some cases remains essential. Scheduling regular inspections to review this issue helps extend the working life of some items of construction equipment.
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Equipment maintenance is essential for many construction and industrial businesses. As you mentioned, this equipment can be a significant investment for a company. Having operation and maintenance records can help to ensure that you track the condition of your equipment while ensuring that things like cleaning, fluid levels, lubrication, and checking for leaks are done on a regular basis. Thanks for your post.
My brother in law works on construction for a living, and he says that he tries his best to keep his equipment in running condition. I had no idea that you should record fluid levels. I will have to talk to my brother to see if he keeps track of that. Thanks.
I wouldn’t have thought of regular cleaning as one of the most important items for the maintenance of heavy construction equipment, but you made a good point about how the forces of nature can batter machinery. I guess it makes sense that removing caked on mud and grime would prevent wear and tear over time. I would also think it could be helpful to rent equipment from time to time while you have yours taken in for a professional inspection.
That’s a good tip to perform regular cleaning. That way dirt and debris would build up and cause issues with your machines. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
One of the simplest solutions for taking care of your heavy construction equipment also happens to be one of the most important: keep your equipment squeaky clean! Set your schedule for pressure washing your equipment to remove hardened mud and grease buildup; create a separate schedule for additional cleaning procedures like replacing filters and cleaning your engine.
I like the idea to keep a regular schedule for having your heavy construction equipment cleaned. It seems like a great way to keep all of the machinery in excellent condition. There was recently an unfortunate accident at a construction site near my home just this past week. I wonder what plans they have in order to recover and continue with the project.
I liked that you pointed out the importance of protecting any electrical wiring on heavy equipment from exposure to the elements. The thing is that my brother is starting constructing his office in the downtown soon, and as the winter is coming, there will be rainwater, melting ice, and snow which can leak inside the machinery, and without proper protection, exposure to the elements will shorten the productivity and lifetime of the equipment. I will make sure to advise him sheltering the equipment under a covering to prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the electrical components, especially considering the fact that he wants to rent this equipment.
I appreciate that you talked about how scheduling a regular cleaning routine helps preserve and maintain a good working condition. My uncle is looking to buy some construction equipment so he can build a bike track for his son in their backyard. I’ll be sure to talk to him about keeping up with a regular cleaning routine.
My brother was telling me about getting into a new project that would involve scrapers. He has been trying to research more into this subject to ensure his equipment stays in good condition. I will be sure to let him know that inspection for misalignment will certainly help.
I like that you mentioned checking visible signs for oil leakages during a regular equipment cleaning session. I’ll make sure to keep that in mind since a lot of our inspectors are missing that aspect. Also, I’ll recommend outsourcing an equipment maintenance service because they have high-grade materials to ensure smooth flow of cleaning.
A great article literally. It is really a challenging job of selection of heavy equipment rentals companies and rates. This article will help me so far. Thanks!!
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