If you own machinery, your main goal should be to extend its life for as long as possible. This means knowing how to maintain your heavy equipment -helping you to save time & money in the long run! From investing in the right machines to carrying out “preventative maintenance” and repair work. Heavy equipment upkeep is an easy process if you do it right - and we're here to tell you how!
Good maintenance can lower the risks of your equipment letting you down – it starts with taking care of the basics. We’ve picked the top 10 heavy equipment maintenance tips to help you keep your machines working at their best. Allowing you to get the most out of your investment.
10 Heavy equipment maintenance tips to live by this winter
In many places, winter months can mean bad weather and slow periods. This could mean your heavy equipment spends part of the year not being used. Before you lock up your heavy machinery for the winter, it’s important to make sure that it has been properly maintained and, if needed, repaired first. Saving you time and money when you start using it again, as you will have had time to order and fit any spare parts.
The manuals that came with your machines are there for a reason. They give you information on using your heavy equipment, including guidelines for cleaning, maintaining, and correctly storing them. Spend some time reading the manuals – it won’t take you long. They are really useful, and you will be surprised to learn about the extra tips and pointers from the manufacturer.
Here’s an example from one of our manufacturers - ARK. This section of the manual shows how to operate and secure the hopper walls. It also includes where the main pins are located.
This is a heavy equipment maintenance no-brainer if you want to keep your machinery working properly. Always clean your heavy equipment by thoroughly washing it and removing all the dirt, grime, and grease from the places it shouldn’t be. Leave it to dry before putting it away to avoid rusting, and cover it up if necessary.
Inspect your heavy equipment and look for any wear & tear or damage. Loose panels, damaged parts, or broken chains should be repaired or replaced as a preventative measure before the springtime rush when you’ll be under pressure. You can hire a local mechanic or technician if you’re still unfamiliar with your heavy machinery. Or give Machinery Partner a call - we are always happy to help too!
Prevention is always better than cure. Stop problems before they happen by checking, topping up, and replacing any oil, air filters, and lubricants – including cleaning & filling grease points. Keep a log of when things are replaced or serviced to ensure nothing gets overlooked.
Create a preventative maintenance checklist to ensure that nothing gets skipped. Here’s a checklist that's supplied by one of our manufacturers, Barford. It goes through the main areas you need to check on the machine, making sure nothing is left out.
What better time to train your employees in preventative maintenance and heavy machinery repair than when your equipment isn’t being used? Keeping employees updated on your machinery allows them to feel more comfortable operating and looking after your heavy equipment.
Here’s David from Machinery Partner teaching a new customer and his employees how to run and look after their new machinery.
Leaving your machinery outside can be harsh and lead to a lot of unnecessary repairs. Protect your investment by storing it in a cool, dry, and secure location, away from anyone who may wish to damage or steal your equipment. Regularly inspect your property and handle any problems that may arise.
Repair any issues as soon as possible. Otherwise, the problem may get bigger & more expensive to fix, or lead to even more damage. Delaying repair work may leave you scrambling to find a heavy equipment mechanic when you need your machinery the most.
Find technicians by Googling “heavy equipment mechanic near me” and only make use of qualified, approved repair experts who have experience working on your heavy equipment model. You can also contact your manufacturer for recommendations or refer to Machinery Partner for expert advice on the best repair options for your heavy equipment.
And possibly the best heavy equipment maintenance tip of all? Invest in high-quality equipment and machinery, to begin with. All the heavy equipment supplied at Machinery Partner has been tested and proven on-site to be reliable – if correctly maintained.
How do I keep my equipment from freezing?
Preventing your equipment from freezing is crucial to ensure it remains operational during the colder months. Here are some steps you can take to protect your machinery from freezing temperatures:
1. Winterize Your Equipment
Prepare your equipment for the cold by performing a thorough winterization. This includes changing to winter-grade oils and lubricants, which remain effective at lower temperatures, and adding anti-gel additives to diesel fuel to prevent it from thickening.
2. Store Equipment Indoors
Whenever possible, store your equipment in a heated indoor facility to protect it from harsh weather conditions. If indoor storage isn't feasible, use quality tarps and covers to shield the machinery from snow and ice.
3. Use Engine Block Heaters
Install engine block heaters to keep the engine warm. These heaters plug into a power source and can significantly reduce the strain on the engine during cold starts, helping to prevent damage.
4. Regularly Inspect and Maintain Batteries
Cold weather can reduce battery efficiency, making it essential to check and maintain your batteries frequently. Clean terminals, ensure a full charge, and replace any weak batteries before the winter season hits.
5. Drain Water from Systems
Remove any water from the equipment's cooling and hydraulic systems. Water can freeze and cause significant damage to these systems, so it's essential to drain and replace water-based fluids with antifreeze solutions.
6. Keep Fuel Tanks Full
A full fuel tank can prevent condensation, which might freeze and cause blockages within the fuel lines. Additionally, consider using a winter blend or treated diesel to avoid fuel gelling.
7. Monitor Tire Pressure
Cold temperatures can lead to decreased tire pressure. Regularly check and maintain tire pressure to ensure safe operation and avoid undue stress on the tires and machinery.
By implementing these preventive measures, you can keep your heavy equipment in excellent condition throughout the winter, avoiding downtime and costly repairs due to freezing conditions.
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What is Preventative Maintenance for Heavy Equipment?
Preventative maintenance for heavy equipment involves routine checks and measures designed to keep machinery in optimal working condition and prevent unexpected breakdowns. This proactive approach includes a series of regular inspections, servicing, and specific maintenance tasks performed according to a predetermined schedule. Key components of preventative maintenance include:
1. Regular Inspections
Routine visual and functional inspections help identify wear and tear early on. Inspecting critical components such as engines, hydraulics, and electrical systems can prevent small issues from becoming significant problems.
2. Scheduled Servicing
Following the manufacturer's recommended service schedule is essential. This typically includes oil changes, filter replacements, coolant system check-ups, and other critical maintenance tasks.
3. Lubrication
Ensuring all moving parts are adequately lubricated reduces friction and wear. Regularly checking and applying the correct type of lubricant can significantly extend the life of components.
4. Part Replacements
Replacing worn or damaged parts before they fail can prevent further damage to the equipment. This includes belts, hoses, filters, and other easily worn components.
5. Fluid Analysis
Regular analysis of engine oil, hydraulic fluid, and coolant helps detect early signs of contamination or degradation. This can alert technicians to potential issues before they cause damage.
6. Operator Training
Proper training for equipment operators in recognizing early signs of trouble and performing pre-use inspections is vital. Well-trained operators can spot potential issues and report them before they escalate.
By adhering to a comprehensive preventative maintenance program, you can enhance the efficiency, safety, and longevity of your heavy equipment, ultimately saving time and reducing costly repairs.
Taking Care of your heavy equipment this winter
Good-quality heavy equipment that is regularly serviced and maintained should continue to work smoothly, without breaking down or losing performance, for many years. But, like most things, everyday wear and tear, accidents, and minor component failures can cause even the best machinery to break.
At Machinery Partner, we believe in investing in dependable heavy equipment but also in looking after it. Speak to us about the best heavy equipment and machinery for your needs, from top-of-the-line mobile crushers to screeners, conveyors, and excavators. We’re also happy to give you tips and pointers on how to maintain your heavy equipment and what to do to take the best care of it this winter.
Written by Toyah Warnock
