By Ashlyn Brooks

know the feeling, spring rolls around, and suddenly, everything needs to be up and running yesterday.

After months of sitting in storage( or pushing through winter jobs in rough conditions), your heavy equipment needs some serious attention before it’ s ready to handle the demands of a busy construction season. I’ ve been through enough spring maintenance cycles to know that skipping these steps leads to expensive breakdowns, unexpected downtime and frustrated crews.

If you manage a fleet, you already know that preventative maintenance beats emergency repairs every time. Getting ahead of potential problems now will save time and money when the season is in full swing.

The best place to start? A deep cleaning and full inspection.

Full Scrub Down and Fluid Checks First

Even if your equipment was cleaned before winter storage, dirt and debris have a way of settling in over time. Power washing the exterior, especially the undercarriage, will help prevent rust and corrosion.

The cab needs attention too— washing off dust and grime makes for a better operator experience and ensures all controls and visibility are at their best. While cleaning, it’ s easier to spot loose bolts, rust, worn hoses or leaks that could turn into costly failures later.

Once the machines are washed, the next step is checking fluid levels.

Engine oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant and fuel quality should all be evaluated before putting equipment back into service. Fluids degrade over time, especially if the equip-