How to extend the life of your machines

Knowledge and experience can go a long way in maintaining your machines. Regular maintenance can help identify current or potential problems. Most machines require constant maintenance, but with a proper maintenance plan, you can keep them in top condition.

Here are some points to consider before purchasing construction equipment:

• Make sure you have enough time and money to build your machines.
• Stay engaged and stay up to date with machine training.
• Before you buy, make sure you are familiar with the machine you want to buy.
• If possible, make sure the full maintenance record is available before purchasing a machine.
• Provide the proper environment to store equipment when not in use.

Fluid maintenance

Testing and analyzing the fluids in your machines is the most reliable way to find out what's going on inside the machine. Oil and fuel can be sent to a lab for testing, which can help you identify problems before they develop into something more serious. The more you know about the inside of your machines, the better you can budget for repair costs.

Lubrication is one of the most important maintenance checks and should be the first thing checked for possible leaks. It reduces friction around moving parts in the machine, so maintaining lubrication will extend the life of your machine.

Check for signs of wear

If you notice wear on your machine, be sure to perform the necessary checks and replacements. Here are some common causes of wear:

• Vibrations can be caused by misaligned gears, pulleys, chains and belts.
• Shock can be caused by previous accidents or poor operating technique.
• High temperatures can occur due to prolonged use, for example due to friction caused by lack of lubrication and worn parts.
• Age affects many components, for example belts, the seal can break, bolts can loosen and lose their shape. Age is a big factor that causes parts to wear out faster.

Regular maintenance will help maintain the value of your machines for longer in the long run.

What do I have to do as an employer?

When you provide equipment from hand tools to large machinery, you need to be able to demonstrate from the employer's perspective that you have taken precautions to eliminate the hazards. By incorporating this into your maintenance routine, your employees will be in a controlled and safe environment.

When working with machinery internally, there are many hazards to be aware of, including contact with materials that are normally enclosed, leaks, breakages and tools that can break during use. Proper planning and communication are key. Adhering to health and safety regulations, The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, will help keep people safe wherever machinery is used at work.

In conclusion, the information above will help you extend the life of heavy construction equipment. More knowledge can be effectively shared throughout your business and should bring you more benefits on a wider scale.