5 Common Mistakes in Heavy Equipment Maintenance and How to Avoid Them

Looking for ways to reduce your maintenance costs?

A proper heavy equipment maintenance strategy can make all the difference. But many operators make significant mistakes that result in excessive downtime. You can avoid them by knowing what to look for.

Being attentive about when and how to maintain your heavy equipment can greatly affect your effectiveness and the safety of those around you. Here are some of the most common mistakes in heavy equipment maintenance and how to avoid them.

1. Ignoring the Warning Signs

When the machinery starts to show signs of wear or malfunction, they are often missed or passed off as regular maintenance issues. As such, more serious problems can develop, negatively impacting the entire operation. It is important to pay close attention to the warning signs and address them before they worsen.

Regular heavy equipment inspections like checking fluid levels and making sure the load balance is correct are important practices. These help in preventing serious issues down the line.

2. Not Checking the Fluids

Not checking the fluids regularly can be a major mistake when it comes to heavy equipment maintenance. Fluids should be checked before and after each shift. Any changes in the fluid levels or color should be reported immediately.

Low fluid levels can cause the heavy equipment to overheat, and changing fluids too often can also be a problem. Regularly changing the oil, coolant, and hydraulic fluids according to the manufacturer’s instructions is important for optimal performance.

3. Using the Wrong Oil for Lubrication

Using the wrong oil for lubrication can result in accelerated wear and tear, reduced performance, and even outright failure. To avoid this, always use the appropriate lubricant as specified by the manufacturer.

Additionally, be sure you’re always operating with fresh oil and replacing the oil filter on a regular basis. Further, note when the machine was last serviced and keep a lube log to track the age of the lubricant and make sure it’s always current.

4. Neglecting Regular Visual Inspections

Without an equipment maintenance routine, potential problems can often go unnoticed. This can lead to expensive heavy equipment repairs and downtime.

To avoid these types of issues, it is essential to make sure that maintenance personnel is trained. They must also be knowledgeable about how the equipment is supposed to operate and look. This can help to quickly identify any potential issues before they become major problems.

5. Delaying Repairs

Putting off repairs can lead to equipment’s performance deteriorating or even malfunctions. It can also result in costly damages, production delays, and safety issues. By performing regular inspections and conducting preventative maintenance, it is possible to avoid delayed repairs.

Make sure any issues are addressed in a timely manner. With this, you can avoid costly equipment maintenance costs. In case you encounter a problem with your equipment and you need one, then you may go for EquipmentShare mini excavators.

Make Sure to Avoid These Mistakes in Heavy Equipment Maintenance

When the machinery is not working properly, then expect a delay in your projects. Most of the time, problems arise because of mistakes in heavy equipment maintenance.

Take the time to maintain and inspect your heavy equipment in order to keep it running safely and efficiently. Implementing regular inspections, following manufacturer specifications, and keeping up with preventative repairs can help you avoid costly mistakes.

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