Here’s What You Need to Know
Before returning your machines to the worksite after winter storage, proper equipment maintenance is essential. To help you reduce downtime this spring, we’ve put together a list of key practices that you should implement to ensure your machines operate at top performance when the busy season starts.
Analyze your fluids
Regular fluid testing is fundamental to heavy equipment maintenance. By examining oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluid contamination levels, you can identify potential issues that need to be addressed before beginning your first job this spring. Hydraulics are ultimately responsible for all the digging and lifting that your machine does and can fail when the fluid becomes contaminated. Fluid analysis helps you catch problems early and avoid more expensive repairs down the road.
Inspect all filters
Replacing clogged or dirty filters is a very important part of heavy equipment maintenance. Putting off changing filters allows contaminants to enter your systems, decreasing your engine’s efficiency, and increasing wear and tear. Our certified technicians will look at your machine’s air, oil, and fuel filters and change them, if necessary, before starting the season.
Properly maintain your batteries
Without an effective battery, your equipment won’t start when you need it to. Your machine service and maintenance routine should include removing battery corrosion and debris using a terminal brush and battery cleaner, plus topping off electrolyte fluid as needed. The electrolyte should reach the full mark and completely cover the lead plates. For best results and longer battery life, keep a battery tender attached during storage periods, preferably one that senses charge and adjusts accordingly.
Test your coolant
One of the most frequently neglected systems on a piece of equipment can be the cooling system. It’s easy to overlook, but you should be checking the coolant in the cooling system at least once every year. Use a simple hydrometer to draw out some fluid, and it will tell you the freeze protection. It will also show you whether the coolant is still clear and the proper color. Another method is sampling with coolant test strips. They are dipped in the coolant and will change color based on condition. Address any deficiencies by either topping off your coolant or replacing it and always mix it following manufacturer specifications.
Look at your machine’s belts, hoses, and seals
Before starting to work this season, we recommend checking for cracked, frayed, and bubbled belts and hoses as part of your heavy equipment maintenance inspection. You should also ensure that your belts haven’t come loose and that they are free of any kinks. Old or broken seals will lead to leaks which can then damage other machine components. Look for signs of wear, and replace any seals that have been damaged over the winter.
Ensure your tires are in good shape
Check tire condition and pressure as part of your machine service routine this spring. Be on the lookout for cuts, gouges, missing tread, and damage to the sidewall, and always inflate your tires to the pressure outlined by the manufacturer.
Test out all your machine’s safety systems
The final step for machine service and maintenance this spring is to double check that your lights, flashers, wipers, and brakes are all working. Plus, make sure that all steps, handrails, seatbelts and window glass are functioning correctly. It’s not only a good idea, but an OSHA requirement that operator safety items like these are inspected and working properly. If there are any problems, you have time to handle them before the season gets busy!
If you have any questions about heavy equipment maintenance this spring, or about machine service in general, then contact our team today!