When your business revolves around the performance of the machines you’ve invested in, you need to be proactive to keep things running smoothly. Whether you are using compact equipment or larger earthmovers, a break can cost you significantly on the job. You could be facing downtime and delaying the completion of a job, in addition to actual parts and repairs costs. You may even be forced to rent or purchase additional equipment to meet deadlines.
How can you minimize the risk of your equipment failing?
Here are just a few tips that can save you some big headaches.
1. Daily Maintenance Checks
Your equipment is running on projects every day. Circumstances, surroundings, and even operators may vary on a regular basis. In order to keep things running smoothly, you should be evaluating your equipment before and after operation. There are various checklists available for download that will help you breeze through your machine checkup. These checklists are helpful in keeping the process consistent and ensuring that all the major components are included. You’ll want to include things like lubricants, condition of tires or tracks and undercarriage, fluid leaks, attachment wear and so on. A brief walkaround before and after shift can keep your team communicating effectively and your machine performance up to task.
2. Maintenance/Repair Plans
If your equipment should break, will you be ready to address the issue and minimize your downtime? It’s important to have a plan so that your team knows how to handle certain maintenance or repairs and so that they know who to contact if there is a need to bring a technician in to diagnose and/or perform the fix. The quicker you and your team act means less downtime reducing loss of income.
Another important factor in successful operations is to make use of your business’ anticipated downtime/off season to address regular maintenance, inspect machines, address leaks and wear, and even perform rebuilds.
3. Clean the Machine
It’s likely that your equipment is being used for some dirty jobs. While it may seem a lesson in futility, it is important that your machine is cleaned regularly. Clearing mud, dust and debris from a loader’s undercarriage will help prolong the life of the machine’s components. In addition, it is important to keep a clean cooling system so that your equipment continues to run efficiently. The cleaning process is yet another opportunity to lay eyes on various parts of the machine that may need attention.
Remember, the equipment manufacturer is the best resource for your equipment needs and your dealership is a great partner in keeping your maintenance and repairs in line with that manufacturer.
Let us help keep your business running efficiently and maximize your productivity.
Contact us today to set up a maintenance schedule.