Built to Last: How to Maintain Heavy Machinery for Long-Term Use

No machine is built to last forever. However, there are ways to keep equipment functioning for longer. This article will look at some tips and tricks for maintaining heavy machinery for long-term use.

Perform Daily Visual Inspections

Machine operators should be trained to perform routine visual inspections before each day’s use, looking for wear and tear or damage to heavy machinery parts. Equipment operators must receive dedicated training on how to evaluate the machines they routinely use and when to report issues to maintenance experts.

It can be helpful to provide machine operators with checklists to use as a reference, so they don’t accidentally overlook a vital step in the inspection process. The checklist should always include checking oil and fluid levels, inspecting tire condition, and verifying that indicator lights are functioning properly. Other common issues identified by workers include worn belts, slow hydraulic responses, and engines that take too long to start.

Establish a Schedule for Preventive Maintenance

While daily visual inspections can catch obvious issues before they worsen, only preventive maintenance provided by trained experts can prevent problems from occurring in the first place. Every machine has a unique set of needs. The best way to create a maintenance schedule is to refer to the user manual for each piece of equipment.

If any issues arise during machine operators’ daily exams, the equipment manager should address their concerns immediately to prevent wear and tear from progressing to unnecessary breakdowns. 

Keep Excellent Records

Most heavy machinery is used in contexts like construction sites, where there is a lot going on. Machine operators and equipment managers should keep a careful track of the condition of each piece of machinery to ensure that all maintenance and repairs are occurring on schedule.

The best solution is to store information, such as individual records of machine maintenance, digitally so that they can be easily organized and accessed from anywhere. Whenever the equipment is serviced, record the time, date, technical specifications, and a detailed description of the maintenance provided.

If a machine operator reports visible wear or damage to equipment discovered during a daily inspection, that information should also be entered into the database. Please explain the problem in detail and describe the actions taken to address it.

Keep Machinery Clean and Lubricated

Construction sites can get dusty, but don’t let that become an excuse for failing to keep expensive machinery clean. Dirt, dust, and debris can all cause significant damage to machines. They accumulate over time and cause crucial parts to overheat. Keep the exteriors of the machines clean and ensure that engine compartments, radiators, and air filters are cleaned regularly.

Heavy equipment has numerous moving parts, and many of them require adequate lubrication to minimize friction and prevent unnecessary wear. Check the manufacturer’s guide for recommendations about what kind of lubricant to use for each machine and what schedule to follow.

Perform Ongoing Operator Training

Operators shouldn’t just receive initial training on how to use their machines. They should receive ongoing advice about proper use and care. Inadequate training doesn’t just lead to unnecessary wear and tear. It can also cause accidents. Ongoing operator training improves safety and efficiency.

Start Making Changes Now

It can feel overwhelming to make substantial changes to the way business is usually handled on a construction site. Start today by implementing one or two of the pieces of advice above and continue adding them until all the site’s equipment receives the care it needs to last as long as possible.