All Important Activity in Operations

We all want our machines to run smoothly. Focus is definitely on productivity on job sites. For this, we have to ensure that preventive and routine maintenance is done meticulously. With proper maintenance, costs can be lowered, expensive repairs can be avoided and what more, the equipment life can also be extended.

Whenever the right maintenance practices are followed, we get the best performance out of the machines.  The very first step in the maintenance of machines is monitoring. Critical components are monitored and inspected at regular intervals.

It is vital to watch out for any damage, wear and tear on the engine and key mechanisms. The fluid levels and the tire pressures must also be checked for its optimal levels. Greasing the parts is an important step towards maintaining the health of machines.  In summers and in hot weather conditions, increased lubrication frequency is a must. Operating the equipment in extreme heat must be avoided. When the machines work in the open, attention must be paid to displays. In case overheating signs are noticed, it must be acted upon immediately.

Next big thing to remember is to give the machine time to cool down. Let the engine idle for a few minutes before fully shutting down which can help the machine cool off. The cooling system in the machine must work optimally to protect from heat damage.  The coolant must be replaced yearly and the radiator must be cleaned. The coolant must match the manufacturer’s specifications.

In a nutshell, machines should always proper coolant level, coolant/water ratio and oil levels as recommended by the manufacturer, radiators must run full to prevent oxygen from entering the cooling system, cleaning the equipment regularly is a must as grease can mix with dust and silt to increase wear and tear on the equipment,  inspect the belts and hoses at regular intervals and check out discoloured hoses or loose belts,  check for hydraulic oil leaks, excess oil and grease. Checking the air filters, brake components, radiators, inlets and outlets of the cooling system and tyre pressure is also equally important.