Proper maintenance of construction equipment decides the actual life of machinery. Maintenance of heavy machinery used in construction, industrial, or mining application is necessary to keep it in good working condition. Poor maintenance of construction equipment may lead to a sudden breakdown that results in loss of money, time, and jeopardizes the safety of workers.
In this article, we have put down some essential tips to maintain large construction machinery to extend life.
1. Proper Operation of the Machinery
Machinery may have many operators during a project. Each operator has a defined skill that differs. Therefore the way of operating the machine also varies.
This situation demands the need for a checklist that oversees the correct operation of the equipment. Other than the initial training for the operators, regular training must be provided to keep up the skill and promote the safe and correct operation of the machinery. The proper operation of the machinery must be recorded as a manual so that each operator can use it as a reference. The manual can be revised based on the work condition and project type. Proper operation of the machinery can necessarily help increase the life of the machinery.
2. Perform Regular Cleaning
Always schedule a regular cleaning routine. Cleaning can help to preserve and maintain heavy equipment. The machinery is subjected to adverse environmental conditions like rain, dust, mud, etc. Regular cleaning helps to keep track of the conditions of different individual parts of the machine. Regular cleaning also helps in maintaining the appearance of the equipment.
3. Perform Check of Lubricants
Lubricating the machinery at proper intervals helps reduce friction around the moving parts. Following a good schedule for adding lubricants and checking the lubrication enhances the machinery's performance and life.
Among all the maintenance checks conducted on machinery, lubrication is the most important check. Always check for signs of oil or grease present in excess around the piston parts or any leaks around the oil seals.
It is recommended to employ the right lubricant for the respective components. The manufacturer’s recommendations give most of the specifications.
A proper check of lubricants helps to diagnose problems associated with the machinery parts. The presence of contaminants in the oil gives an indication of which part is suffering from wear and tear.
4. Record the Fluid Levels of the Machine
Some construction machines use more fluid and some use less. It is necessary to establish a written standard guideline so that the machine's fluid levels are maintained. Any operational problems can be detected by the inspector by looking at the periodic refill schedules.
5. Perform Check for Wear in Construction Machines
The main factors that contribute to wear in construction machines are high temperatures, friction, vibration, and the age of the machines. As soon as the personnel determine the wear and tear in machine parts, it is recommended to bring the necessary replacement of the parts as soon as possible.
6. Perform Misalignment Checks for Construction Machinery
The wheel alignment of machines gets altered as they work in very rough terrain. It is true that these machines are made compatible with such site conditions. But still, it is essential to check the machine wheel for misalignment to avoid unexpected working issues at the site. Regular inspection done as a part of the maintenance check must incorporate the check for misalignment.
7. Prepare Maintenance and repair schedule for the Construction Machine
All the mentioned maintenance and checks must be recorded and documented. All these inspections are performed based on a schedule. It is essential to have a maintenance and repair schedule to promote the preventive maintenance of the machines.
Below enlisted are the primary inspection performed on a construction machinery:
- Check the gearbox for lubrication, damage, and vibration.
- Check for wear and tear – mainly gaskets, seals, bearings, and friction materials.
- Check the oil and diagnose the issues. The filter must be changed frequently.
- Check bearing and bearing lubrication.
- Check gear lubrication
- Conduct torque checks on bolts.
The above mentioned seven major maintenance tips for construction machinery not only help increase the life of the machine but also improve the return on investment (ROI).
Frequently Asked Questions
The 7 major tips to be followed for the proper maintenance of construction equipment are:
1. Proper Operation of the Machinery
3. Perform Regular Cleaning
3. Perform Check of Lubricants
4. Record the Fluid Levels of the Machine
5. Perform Check for Wear in Construction Machines
6. Perform Misalignment Checks for Construction Machinery
7. Prepare Maintenance and repair schedule for the Construction Machine
Machinery may have many operators during the project. Each operator has a defined skill that differs. Therefore the way of operating the machine also varies.
This situation demands the need for a checklist that oversee the correct operation of the equipment. Other than the initial training for the operators, regular training must be provided to keep up the skill and promote the safe and correct operation of the machinery. The proper operation of the machinery must be recorded as a manual so that each operator can use it as a reference. The manual can be revised based on the work condition and project type. Proper operation of the machinery can necessarily help increase the life of the machinery.
Below enlisted are the primary inspection performed on construction machinery:
1. Check the gearbox for lubrication, damage, and vibration.
2. Check for wear and tear – mainly gaskets, seals, bearings, and friction materials.
3. Check the oil and diagnose issues. The filter must be changed frequently.
4. Check bearing and bearing lubrication.
5. Check gear lubrication
6. Conduct torque checks on bolts.
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