It is just as important that we take steps to ensure that our machinery will not only be able to withstand the onslaught of summer heat, but work through it at peak efficiency. us for years.
Kids, little boys in particular, have an innate fascination with big machines. From the“ small” 15-ton bulldozer to the dump truck that has a curb weight pushing three-quarters of a million pounds, heavy equipment seems almost magical to them. Of course, at that age, maintenance of this equipment is not only of little interest, it likely doesn’ t even enter their young minds. But the grown-up reality is machinery needs proper maintenance to operate properly, much like our bodies.
When I was nine or 10, my dad, who was an operating engineer in the mid-20th century, took me to work one day to show me his crane. I remember the first time I saw a huge yellow machine with the word“ CAT” emblazoned on its side. It was so big, and so cool looking. I recall hanging on for dear life as he demonstrated how this gigantic, pre-Transformers monster actually worked. I was appropriately impressed, thinking to myself,“ Wow, this is a really neat machine! I bet it will last forever.”
Of course, it didn’ t. Neither did he. Construction equipment has come a long way since my dad’ s day, but one thing is as true now as it was then: any machine, mechanical or organic, is only as good as the maintenance it receives. The better it’ s taken care of, the longer it will last. Sounds just like something our moms and doctors have been telling
It is just as important that we take steps to ensure that our machinery will not only be able to withstand the onslaught of summer heat, but work through it at peak efficiency. us for years.
With summer now upon us, our equipment faces an element that has the potential for causing serious, and sometimes irreparable, damage— extreme heat. We already know that extreme heat can damage our bodies, and we take precautions to protect ourselves from dehydration, heat stroke and so forth. It is just as important that we take steps to ensure that our machinery will not only be able to withstand the onslaught of summer heat, but work through it at peak efficiency. Let’ s discuss some preventive and ongoing maintenance recommendations that will get our equipment through this sizzling season in top shape.
Do Preventive Maintenance
“ An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Though timeworn, this truism is also timeless. It is extremely important to prepare our equipment for the heat before it gets hot. Thoroughly check the fluid levels, cooling system, tire pressure, and lubricants before the hot days begin. And maintain daily checks throughout the summer. According to Essential Construction, predictive maintenance can reduce downtime by 30 % to 50 % and extend the machine’ s life by up to 40 %.
Limit Exposure
“ Don’ t stay out in the sun too long. And don’ t forget to put on your sunscreen!” Our mother’ s reminders still ring in our ears. Similarly, it is important to limit our machine’ s exposure to the sun’ s damaging rays to the extent possible. Even though much of this exposure is unavoidable, our equipment should be stored someplace cooler when not in use, even during lunch breaks, if possible. Find a nearby tree, storage building, or some kind of covered protection. If there are no such places at the worksite, cover the machine with reflective tarps to ward off at least some of the direct heat during the downtime.
Minimize Peak Hour Use
The hottest time of day is typically between 11:00 a. m. and 3:00 p. m. in most places. Although not running the machinery during those hours is usually not an option, at times some adjustments are possible. For example, some operations may have enough
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