Heavy equipment & machinery is a highly valuable asset for every company who has/use it, these kind of asset requires constant maintenance to keep it in good working order. However, the only problem with these equipments is the cost – it is huge and sometimes makes quite a big hole in the pocket. Therefore, the owners must take a thorough care of the equipments and repair it properly, so that they do not have to get rid of the equipment at once or that they can use and utilize them for a long time.
Here are some tips to keep your heavy equipment always on top condition :
- Lubricate your heavy equipment frequently and keep it clean
Working heavy equipment requires daily maintenance. Some components, especially moving parts in engines and power trains, demand frequent lubrication. Other components, such as hydraulic lifts and bearings, must be monitored and lubricated at the first sign of need.
Contamination can lead to machinery breakdown. Water is a major source of corrosion. Lubrication prevents corrosion. Maintaining seals and replacing filters will help keep lubricants free of contaminants. - Have a maintenance and repair schedule, and keep good records
Fluids, tires, tracks and electrical systems are among the components that have to be checked regularly for preventive maintenance. Know what needs to be inspected and when. Here are some examples.- Power transmissions have many moving parts that need to be maintained in top condition. Gearboxes need to be checked for lubrication, vibration and damage to parts.
- Friction materials, seals, gaskets and bearings all need to be inspected for wear and replaced. Gears and shafts usually last a long time and don’t need to be replaced often, if at all.
- Drive train components need constant monitoring. Check pulleys and v-belts on CVT transmissions for alignment and wear. Check sprockets for correct meshing with chains and for breaks.
- Test the oil to diagnose problems. Change filters frequently.
- Bearings keep great amounts of force running smoothly and are vital to large machinery performance. Check bearing lubrication often. Maintaining bearings well extends their life.
- Do a seal check to prevent bearing raceway contamination.
- Run torque checks on the bolts. Bolts can elongate and creep over time.
- Fuel up your assets
A full tank equipment works better than a half tank or semi tank. The efficiency and the quality of the output become much better with a full tank than with a half-filled tank. Therefore, after the end of a working day, the tank needs to be filled. It also helps the owner to determine the fuel consumption rate of the equipment. - Check for signs of wear
Vibration, shock, high temperatures, friction and age all contribute to the breakdown of parts in heavy machinery.- Vibration can come from gears and belts that are out of alignment
- Shock can come from accidents and from poor operator technique
- High temperatures can come from extended use, friction, poor lubrication and worn parts, among other reasons
- Age affects many key components. Over time, belts will warp. Seals will dry and crack. Bolts will loosen and stretch out of shape. Age is a factor to monitor in equipment.
- Don’t Overwork Your Machines
Never exceed your equipment’s stated performance specifications and limitations as found in your owner/operator manual. As with any industry where heavy equipment is a staple of operation, effectiveness and efficiency are key to optimal performance and yielding the best results for your efforts. Knowing and abiding by weight limits for loads and inclines for transit are an easy way to keep your heavy machinery working. Most modern heavy machines come programmed with multiple power modes. It’s essential for operators to make sure their equipment is set to the correct power mode for the task at hand. Also, minimizing your machinery’s travel and idle time can add longevity to the life of your assets.
