You want to extend the life of used machinery or heavy equipment but you don’t know how? What you already know is that every machine requires constant maintenance for maximum efficiency, safety, and productivity.
If not, this can result in significant irreversible damage and additional costs that your company doesn’t need.
But beyond the basic maintenance, what other means can you use to get your machine longer with you?
Let’s take a look at 5 tips to take care of them.
1. Make sure your operators have followed the latest training available
Most machines work with the help of operators. They are actually the ablest to confirm the proper functioning of a machine during an inspection. However, even though they have some knowledge, they may have bad habits or be out of date on some important points.
That’s why regular training must be scheduled so that your machines won’t be damaged or broken for lack of inattention. You can easily avoid this with a quick summary of good practices of use.
A new machine comes with its user manual, and if you buy a used machine, it’s very common that the manual is provided as well. You can make several copies and in several languages.
Think about highlighting the best practices that can be adopted on other machines as well. In terms of security or machine use. Each individual is different and accumulates gestures and habits that could benefit the entire company.
Your machine needs to modernize along with your operators.
Feel free to go around each person to make sure everyone is at their top regarding their training.
2. Optimize maintenance and repair of your machine through a schedule and registration
You have your maintenance routine, but have you ever thought of improving it?
Some elements such as tracks, electrical system, fluids, and tires are among the most important to check and should be at the top of your list. Think about preventive maintenance. Prevention is better than cure.
Prepare your maintenance and repair schedule for items such as power transmissions, friction materials, drive train, bearings, and gears. All must be maintained in perfect condition, with optimum lubrication and precise alignment. Search for grease build-up or excess oil. These are some indications that the parts need to be lubricated immediately.
Test the tightness and maintenance of the bearings of the parts of the machine concerned. Check the displacement of the bolts that can move over time. Finally, examine parts for any suspected problems.
Having an up-to-date maintenance record is also beneficial when selling your machine. A buyer can request it.
3. Maintain a clean work environment
As with any work environment, industrial machines don’t escape the rule of a clean working environment. Rust and rot are its worst enemies if not properly housed, but contamination from unchanged filters or dirty respirators can also cause damage to your machine.
Electrical components are a very important element to monitor as well. For instance, your clutch may not work if some of them are broken.
Be sure everyone knows and follows the cleaning and maintenance rules for each machine and the entire company.
4. Analyze all types of wear
Do you remember the last time you or one of your operators heard a suspicious noise? The truth is that wear can come from a simple noise that could seem to be total usual. Pay attention to any vibration, high temperature or shock.
Misaligned gears and belts? Extended use of the machine or improper lubrication? Deformation of the belts? Investigate as soon as possible to prevent accidents and make any change of used parts quickly or opt for the purchase of a new machine.
5. Test and add lubricants constantly
Regularly applying lubricants reduces friction between moving parts. Have your own calendar up to date for each machine and their parts. This will surely increase the life expectancy of your machine.
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