Heavy equipment is the foundation of the majority of industrial processes. The most effective way to reduce unexpected downtime is regularly maintaining your equipment. Regular preventive maintenance improves efficiency and productivity, which helps reduce the cost of utility bills and also keeps your employees and colleagues safe.

When it is time to monitor, especially proper maintenance, the aspect of prevention is the most crucial since everything else could be in vain if we don’t make sure to take the necessary precautions promptly. This is especially important when talking about heavy-duty equipment, as even the smallest error can lead to numerous problems.

Heavy Equipment Maintenance Tips

Lack of maintenance can reduce equipment lifespan, increase the frequency of breakdowns, raise repair costs, and reduce production speed. Additionally, heavy machinery accidents kill thousands of employees yearly due to faulty maintenance and insufficient education. These tips can help ensure safety and prevent accidents from happening.

1. Keep Machine Lubricated

All types of heavy machinery depend on lubricants to function correctly. These lubricants reduce the wear and tear of the moving components by decreasing friction. Lubricants also stop soot from building up within the interior of heavy machines.

Check the lubrication levels regularly to ensure there is no excessive buildup of grease and leaks from seals for oil. Follow the manufacturer’s or operating instructions for lubrication and ensure you use the correct grease. If the lubricant is utilized in a way that is not sufficient, friction and wear and tear will be increased. On the other hand, excessive lubrication can cause grease accumulation and decrease performance.

2. Clean Machine Regularly

The delicate parts of the equipment could be damaged by debris and dirt, which can result in costly repairs. Heavy machinery components have special seals and filters installed to prevent grime and dirt from entering sensitive areas. Therefore, damaged seals must be repaired immediately, breathers must be kept clean, and all filters must be regularly checked and replaced if they become filthy or blocked. The equipment should be kept inside an area protected from weather, and dust is among the most effective ways to protect it from destruction.

3. Perform Regular Maintenance

It’s not enough to just check on and repair the equipment now and then. Create a maintenance plan and adhere to it. It is a good idea to record how often each piece of equipment needs to be inspected for problems or repairs and maintained. Maintenance should be carried out frequently, and every equipment part must be thoroughly examined. A detailed checklist is one method to ensure you don’t overlook anything.

You may also hire a company that specializes in heavy-equipment repair and maintenance services. When it comes to finding and fixing machine problems, predictive maintenance and vibration monitoring pla companies utilize the most cutting-edge computer analysis and cutting-edge technologies available.

4. Check for Wear and Tear

Incorrect operating practices, accidents, environmental factors, and the wear and tear of age cause wear and wear. Despite all precautions, machines will wear out. It’s expected that belts wear down seals to dry out, and bolts become damaged or bent. This is why it is essential to examine every part of the equipment.

Alongside mechanical components, Inspect wiring and electronics. Long-term use, vibrations caused by worn belts and gears, and environmental conditions such as dust and water can damage the covered circuits and wires. Inspecting alternators, starters, and other electrical devices are also recommended regularly.

Mechanical failure may occur if low-speed balancing is not employed to alleviate vibration concerns. For pump balancing services, you may search the internet or ask people you know for recommendations.

5. Train Employees

Untrained workers can cause injuries, equipment malfunctions, and wear. Training employees is the best way to ensure that your equipment operates within the pre-determined parameters. State, local, and federal laws may require trained and qualified personnel to operate heavy machinery.

Ensure your employees know how heavy equipment functions, the emergency response plan, and the safety precautions. Training doesn’t happen in a single session. As time passes, the skills become rusty as workers leave and equipment gets updated. Make sure to update and refresh operators’ skills and knowledge frequently.

Check out the website of VIB – vibration analysis company, if you run an industrial business and are in charge of several machineries that require maintenance. Alternatively, you can search the internet for reputable companies that conduct vibration analysis or any other form of troubleshooting for machines, and you can use their services.