Heavy machinery requires constant maintenance to keep it in good working condition. It is especially true for the ones used for mining, farming, or industrial purposes.
On the other hand, poorly maintained large machinery runs inefficiently, breaks down frequently, and their safety is also a grave issue. This article lists five easy maintenance hacks that can help you take care of your large machinery.
Being Aware of Large Machinery Operator Training
Many large types of machinery often require multiple operators. A major inspection point on any checklist should be overseeing the proper functioning of equipment. Large pieces of equipment often require inspection as soon as the purchase is over, or preferably before it.
Operator training generally happens during the time of purchase. However, employee attrition makes it crucial to have regular training to keep them updated. The absence of proper skills and poor operation often leads to breakdown.
It is crucial to review operator manuals for a specific work situation and write them in simpler languages. A pocket manual can come in handy during shifts for the operators. If you have a paperless environment, it becomes easy for your employees to have updated manuals quickly.
You should identify the best practices and apply them across other facilities too. Leveraging your knowledge for equipment maintenance can be valuable and help increase your ROI.
Lubrication Management
Lubricants help reduce friction around any moving part. The life of large machinery equipment gets extended via good lubrication maintenance. It is one of the first and foremost tricks in the book to have a prolonged shelf life of your machinery.
Understanding the maintenance of particular machinery and its lubrication is crucial for its proper functioning. If you run a check for a generator, you can look for signs of excess oil or grease buildup around its moving parts. Another aspect that is critical to check is the leak around oil seals. You can seek professional expertise about the maintenance of a generator at https://www.bellwoodrewinds.co.uk/maintaining-a-diesel-generator-how-to-guide/.
Ensuring the specific oil and grease stipulated for each component is essential. You can refer to the manufacturer’s recommendations to better understand the fitment. Check your lubricants frequently to diagnose any problem, and if required seek expert help.
Checking Wear and Tear
High temperatures, shock, friction, vibration, or aging can result in the breakdown of the moving parts of heavy machinery.
- Out of alignment belts or gears can lead to vibration.
- Poor operator technique or accidents can lead to shocks.
- Poor lubrication, friction, extensive use, and worn parts can lead to higher temperature accumulation.
- Belts wrapping, seals drying or cracking, bolts loosening or stretching out of shape can all happen due to age.
If you find any wear and tear of any moving part, you must replace the worn-out parts immediately.
Machinery Cleanliness and Maintenance
There are many filters and seals in heavy machinery to keep the working parts free of contamination. Inspection of seals at regular intervals helps to keep them in good condition. Checking and changing of filters should happen at regular gaps.
Keeping breathers clean can help avoid a vacuum created in the cab, which will ultimately suck contaminants. The resultant action leads to the breakdown of the electronics due to contamination. Storage of large machinery under a shed can be beneficial to avoid exposure to weather and wind.
Maintenance Schedule and Keeping Records
Tires, tracks, fluids, and electrical systems need regular checks and preventive maintenance. The below list can help you with the type and time of inspection:
- Gearboxes for lubrication, parts damage, or vibration are just one of the many moving parts in the power transmission that needs maintenance.
- Bearings, friction materials, gaskets, and seals need an inspection for wear and tear. Shafts and gears can last for a prolonged period and may not need regular replacements.
- Checking pulleys and drivetrain components for alignment is crucial. The correct meshing of chains and breaks of sprockets is vital.
- Testing the oil and changing the filter is frequently to diagnose any issues.
- The performance of large machinery depends on bearings to a great deal. Maintaining bearing lubrication can help extend their life.
- Gears should have lubrication frequently.
- The torque of bolts should have regular checks, as they can elongate over time.
- Bearing raceway contamination is a concern, and you can avoid it by checking the seals.
Therefore, following the above steps can help you extend the shelf life of your heavy machinery. Adhering to these steps can help improve your return on investment from these purchases.
