When it comes to heavy equipment, you must take care of them. Heavy equipment can be expensive and difficult to replace when they break down or stop working properly. If you want your heavy equipment to last as long as possible, then there are certain maintenance tips that you should follow. In this blog post, we will discuss top maintenance tips and how they can help extend the longevity of your heavy equipment!
1. Keep your equipment clean
A piece of clean equipment is happy equipment. Dirt and grime can keep your heavy equipment from functioning properly, so regularly clean dirt off of the outside as well as inside surfaces. Ensure you remove all grease and oil buildup to avoid leaking or any other malfunctions that may arise with dirty parts.
A simple bucket of water mixed with dish soap is enough for cleaning the exterior. Still, if you want to get serious about it, there are many different types of cleaners for both light and heavy-duty jobs available at hardware stores and online retailers.
2. Get regular tune-ups with qualified professionals
Once in a while, it is important to have a qualified professional on your heavy equipment take a look at it. As explained by the specialists at allplant.net.au, professionals will be able to detect any potential signs of trouble that you may not see. Additionally, they can give you tips so that you are better prepared for it in the future when something does go wrong.
Tune-Ups typically include inspecting:
– Transmission fluid levels, condition, and color
– Brake system components; pads/shoes, drums, or discs
– Steering linkage tightness and wear
– Engine exhaust pipe -oil leaks from seals or gaskets
– Electrical wiring connections for chafing against moving parts (should make noise if this happens) – all control levers free of obstructions.
3. Check for leaks and fluid levels often
Having an oil leak is one of the most common reasons for heavy equipment to break down. To help prevent these problems, you must check your machine often and look for any signs of leaks or low fluids in key places like oil levels, brake systems, fuel tanks, etc.
When looking at an area such as the engine compartment, you might notice some rust spots on metal surfaces which signifies corrosion from leaking fluids.
If this happens, it needs immediate attention because it can lead to major mechanical failures with expensive repair costs and downtime impacts if left unchecked.
4. Use a cover when not in use to protect from weather damage and prevent corrosion
Do you use the equipment outdoors?
If so, when it rains, do you let water sit on your machine and then dry off or cover it with a tarp before using it again.
The best way to protect your equipment is to keep it out of the elements.
When not in use, cover or store indoors and always wipe down with a water-damp cloth before storage for light dusting dirt that may have accumulated during use. This will help prevent rust from developing on metal parts – especially those you can’t see, like welds and bolts inside machinery frames.
Regularly check all connections where pipes come together and rubber gaskets at joints, any electrical wires coming into contact with water (especially near motors), gas tank openings, etc., to ensure no leaks are present, which could cause corrosion damage over time.
If your machine has an aluminum bodyguard should be installed around them to stop debris from entering through vents or other openings and causing damage.
5. Replace old parts before they break
Over time, the parts on heavy machinery will break down. This is usually due to wear and tear improper maintenance or a defect in one of their materials. To keep your machines running smoothly, you must replace these broken parts before they fail.
When you notice a problem with an old part, make sure that replacement is ordered as soon as possible so it can be replaced quickly if necessary without causing any problems for the rest of the machine.
6. Check the oil level and change it as needed
Your machinery needs oil to work, and it needs to be at the right level. It’s key that you check your oil levels regularly to avoid issues later on. Keep an eye out for leaks, too – if you notice any, address them sooner rather than letting a small leak turn into a big one!
Oil is usually easy enough to see; look for dripping spots or drips from under your equipment when parked overnight. If there are any visible signs of leaking oil, stop using the machine immediately and call in professional help before getting worse.
If you’ve put in the time and money to buy heavy equipment, you must take care of your investment. Taking a few minutes every day for these simple steps will help ensure long-term value and performance from your machines. Remember to check fluid levels, make sure there are no leaks or problems with connections, use covers when not in use, and replace old parts before they break. Regular tune-ups with qualified professionals are also key for preventing breakdowns down the road, so be sure to get those done on schedule too!
