Working in the construction industry means handling a great deal of heavy-duty equipment. Normal wear and tear can be expected in this type of work environment however, it is important to perform routine maintenance to prevent any serious damage. Spending the money upfront to take proper care of the equipment can end up saving your company from having to incur the hefty prices associated with a serious malfunction. The following are a few tips to help make sure that your equipment is functioning properly for years to come.
Perform Routine Maintenance
As previously stated, it is a good idea to perform routine maintenance and inspections on your equipment. Establishing a regular routine for servicing the equipment is the first step in ensuring proper care and preventing machine failure. Each piece of equipment should be checked daily to watch for any issues regarding fluid levels, proper tire inflation, leaks, cracks, etc. Service such as oil changes, brake checks and tire maintenance should be performed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Planning maintenance ahead of time helps ensure that it is not forgotten about and helps avoid any loss of productivity.
Properly Train Employees in Proper Machine Operation
The next step in expanding the lifetime of any machine is to educate and properly train the individuals who will be operating the equipment. Not only will this substantially improve the longevity of your equipment, but it will also help to ensure a safe working environment. Well-trained operators cause less wear on the equipment, know the machine’s limitations and can identify when there is an issue before it becomes too serious.
Clean the Equipment
During work, dust, dirt, mud and sometimes gravel can stick to parts of the machine. If ignored, this dirt and grime can build-up overtime and cause serious damage to any of the machine’s moving parts. It’s a good idea to thoroughly wash the equipment after use to keep it clean and free of any debris. This can substantially extend the life of the machinery and prevent any further damage such as corrosion.
Storing Equipment
Invest in a safe a secure storage for heavy-duty equipment. Most machines are not meant to be exposed to the elements for prolonged periods of time. Intense sunlight can cause parts to overheat while water starts to form rust on exposed parts overtime. Keeping the equipment in a secured warehouse helps keep the equipment clean and dry and also makes theft less likely.
By following these tips, your firm can increase the lifespan, productivity and efficiency of heavy-duty machinery. These tips will also help to both indirectly and directly reduce operating costs and improve the safety of your workers. No matter which way you look at it, the benefits of properly maintaining heavy-duty machinery greatly outweigh the costs associated.