It is impossible to overlook the value of adequate maintenance when using heavy construction equipment. Making sure your machinery is effective and efficient not only saves you time but also enables you to prevent expensive repairs. This article will examine five typical errors that might result in more frequent maintenance for construction equipment and offer advice on how to prevent them.
Failure to read the owner’s manual
When the flight attendants begin their safety briefing, believe yourself on a plane. How many of us truly pay attention and follow the safety card’s instructions? Most of us decide to avoid it because we believe we already know everything. Similar to how construction machine workers could disregard the owner’s manual in the belief that they are experts on the used heavy equipment they have been working with for years.
However, before using a machine, especially one they are not familiar with, operators should conduct a fast self-check using the owner’s manual as a helpful resource. Even if you are familiar with the equipment, take the time to read and comprehend the owner’s manual to save needless maintenance.
Prefilling as opposed to priming fuel filters
Pre-filling fuel filters are still up for dispute, as is the proper procedure if you do. It is generally advised to stay away from pre-filling fuel filters. When prefilling a filter, some professionals might make a lot of effort to be very cautious, but there is a significant chance of introducing impurities. Smaller than a human hair in size, gasoline filters have minuscule micron measurements, and even the smallest impurities can harm high-pressure fuel systems.
It is practically hard to keep particles out of the clean inner side of the filter, even if you believe you can plug the middle hole and neatly fill it. Pre-filling a filter does not save enough time to justify the potential damage. It is therefore better to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and refrain from this activity completely.
Attachment misuse
Machine attachments used for reasons other than those for which they are specific can result in dangerous situations and expensive repairs. For instance, utilizing a hydraulic hammer as a pry bar can put too much side pressure on the tool, damaging the bushings and resulting in leaks and seal problems. A damaged hammer may be quite expensive to repair.
The cutting edge or teeth can break down easily while utilizing bucket teeth for prying, which will cause downtime and expensive repairs. It is important to match the buckets’ dimensions to the machine and the particular application. A huge bucket can slow down the machine, put pressure on the hydraulics, and affect production. Hence, you may consider using attachments for their original purpose at all times, and make sure they are the appropriate size for the task at hand, to avoid making these expensive blunders.
Running too rapidly
When you operate construction equipment too quickly, materials can leak and it may require additional cleanup. Materials can flow out of the bucket due to sudden starts, quick stops, and rapid buckling, particularly on slopes. Cleaning up this stuff after a spill can be time-consuming and fuel-inefficient.
For instance, wheel loader drivers who allow their tires to spin as they approach a pile may rut the stockpile. The material that spills out needs to be gathered up and the ruts need to be filled again. Precision is more efficient than excessive speed, making every move count with little cleanup. Operators should concentrate on exact and thorough execution to decrease the requirement for cleanup and avoid excessive maintenance.
Omitting telematics programs
Although maintenance agreements and telematics programs may appear to be extra costs, they actually end up saving you money. A maintenance contract gives you access to skilled specialists who carry out routine maintenance and proactively spot potential problem areas. It can be challenging to identify problems with predictive maintenance, and ignoring them might lead to expensive repairs.
A 24/7 machine monitoring service is offered by different telematics packages. When telemetry data indicates a potential issue, specialized software and knowledgeable employees diagnose the problem and send notifications with suggested fixes, this saves time and money by enabling technicians to fix a machine in a single visit.
Footnote
Reading the owner’s handbook thoroughly, not pre-filling fuel filters, correctly using attachments, running equipment at a controlled speed, and taking maintenance contracts and telemetry programs into consideration are all ways to save money on maintenance. These suggestions can help you minimize downtime, save money over time, and ensure that your construction equipment runs effectively.