Heavy equipment has become a major requirement in large-scale projects, like construction, mining, etc. However, along with the length of use and workload, heavy equipment can experience problems or damage to its components. Therefore, It is very important to know how to maintain heavy equipment.
Treatment or maintenance Heavy equipment plays an important role in maintaining service life, performance, as well as operational efficiency. This maintenance activity needs to be carried out routinely for each person type of heavy equipment, It is good excavator, bulldozer, roller, wheel loader, and others. There are some specific actions for maintenance heavy equipment correctly.
Routine maintenance on heavy equipment is not only useful for reducing the risk of damage, but it can also reduce long-term operational costs. As a valuable asset in project work, Let's understand several ways to properly care for heavy equipment below.
1. Plan Routine Maintenance
Heavy equipment maintenance activities must be carried out routinely and in a disciplined manner. Arrange a schedule for a thorough inspection of each heavy equipment component, starting from the machine, hydraulic system, and electrical systems. By carrying out regular checks, You can detect small problems before they get worse.
A study states that preventive maintenance can minimize the risk of damage to 25%, increase the working efficiency of the tool, as well as extending service life. Creating a regular and systematic maintenance schedule will reduce the potential downtime unexpected and increase operational productivity.
2. Check the machine before operating it
Before starting to run, heavy equipment operator need to do a thorough check on the engine and other components. Functions as a power or power generator, Machine components greatly influence the performance of heavy equipment. Therefore, Make sure to check the condition of the machine first.
The easiest method to check if there is a problem with the machine is to turn it on and listen to the sound. If the sound produced is different from usual, Most likely there is a problem with the heavy equipment engine. This inspection can help reduce the risk of work accidents due to machine damage.
3. Clean Heavy Equipment Regularly
Maintaining heavy equipment cleanliness is crucial to ensuring the equipment remains in optimal condition. Make sure to always clean the machine from dust, dirt, and remnants of adhering material. Besides that, It is also important to maintain the condition of the paint on heavy equipment so that it remains well maintained and is not easily damaged.
Dirt like dust, lumpur, and material debris can cause wear and corrosion of heavy equipment components. Therefore, regular cleaning is required, especially after use in areas with a lot of dust or soil. This action will help keep the main components such as the machine clean, radiator, and filters.
4. Use Official and Quality Spare Parts
In the process of repairing or replacing components, always choose official spare parts recommended by the manufacturer. Genuine, high-quality spare parts are designed to fit the machine and guarantee optimal performance. These spare parts include all components on the heavy equipment.
The better the quality of the spare parts, the more durable they will be and provide comfort in use. Don't be tempted by cheap prices and avoid using fake spare parts. Using inappropriate or low quality parts can cause damage more quickly and risk shortening the life of the machine.
5. Change Oil and Filter According to Schedule
The proper way to maintain heavy equipment must also pay attention to the oil and filter. Lubricants such as oil and filters play an important role in maintaining the smooth operation of heavy equipment engines. However, over time using heavy equipment, engine oil can become contaminated and lose its ability to lubricate the engine.
Dirty oil or a clogged filter can cause a decrease in performance and even damage to the engine. That's why you need to change the oil regularly according to a predetermined maintenance schedule.
There is research that shows that heavy equipment maintenance through maintenance of the lubrication system can extend the life of the machine by up to 50%. So therefore, It is very important to follow the manufacturer's recommended oil and filter change schedule.
6. Pay Attention to the Hydraulic System
The hydraulic system is one of the most important elements in heavy equipment. This component could experience problems such as hydraulic hose leaks, less fluid, or poor fluid quality. Problems with the hydraulic system can result in a significant decrease in performance and possibly downtime on the heavy equipment.
So, make sure there are no leaks or damage to anything hydraulic system components. Besides that, Hydraulic oil must be kept clean and not contaminated by dirt or dust. Routine inspection and maintenance is very important to ensure the hydraulic system functions properly.
7. Monitor Tire or Track Condition
Tire parts or track also need to be observed in the correct way to treat heavy equipment. This component greatly influences the safety and work performance of heavy equipment. Tires or track Damaged ones can disrupt the stability of the heavy equipment and reduce work efficiency, and increase the risk of accidents.
Tires or track on heavy equipment needs to be monitored regularly to ensure there is no excessive wear, cracks, or other reduction in quality. Check tire pressure, flow conditions, and make sure there are no foreign objects stuck to it track. Proper maintenance can ensure safety and increase the efficiency of heavy equipment use
8. Don't Overuse Tools
Excessive use of heavy equipment or exceeding the specified capacity can accelerate damage. Every heavy equipment has operational limits that must be adhered to, including the maximum load that can be lifted or transported.
Running heavy equipment excessively can also violate work safety regulations because it risks causing accidents. Besides that, Also avoid using the tool continuously without taking a break because this can cause overheat and damage engine components.
9. Provide Training to Operators
How to care for heavy equipment doesn't just focus on the tool, but it is also related to the performance or skills of the operator. Well-trained operators certainly understand how to operate heavy equipment correctly. Besides that, they can also detect problems early.
Therefore, it is very important for the project manager to provide training to the operators. This training aims to provide insight into how to handle equipment safely and avoid operational errors. Regular training is also important to ensure operators are up to date up to date with developments in heavy equipment technology.
10. Create a Problem Reporting System
Operators and technicians must know how to create a clear problem reporting system. Each operator must make detailed notes every time he carries out inspections or repairs on heavy equipment. This will help in identifying common problem patterns on a particular machine.
An effective reporting system is very important to ensure that heavy equipment maintenance goes well. With a good reporting system, repairs can be made immediately. This action also plays a role in preventing small problems from developing into more serious ones and requiring expensive repairs.
Make sure to carry out heavy equipment maintenance properly for the smooth running of the project
Heavy equipment is a major investment for companies in the mining industry, construction, and other large-scale projects. That's why you need to carry out routine heavy equipment maintenance with the tips above. Heavy equipment maintenance plays an important role in ensuring efficient performance, security, as well as a long service life.
If you need heavy equipment that is reliable and guaranteed safe for various types of projects, PT Perkasa Sarana Utama (PSU) ready to be your best partner. We provide various types of heavy equipment with the best quality that can support the smooth running of your work.
With pleasure, our team will help you find the right machine for any project. To get the right solution that suits your needs, Don't hesitate to contact us at CS: 0811358378 or email: rent@psualatberat.com. To be more connected, You can also follow our Instagram at @psualatberat.
