Heavy machinery performs essential work and many industries would not function without them. Needless to say, these machines require proper maintenance or else they will experience periodic breakdowns that will be catastrophic for the business. Lack of maintenance will also eventually render these equipment useless.
If you want to avoid losing money on your machinery, follow these useful tips.
Hire Licensed and Trained Operators
Operating certain heavy machinery requires a license. It would, therefore, save you time and money to hire workers who already have the license. But if you want to stick with people you trust, training your people to properly operate your equipment is crucial. When you first buy your machinery, you should train a core team to operate them.
These employees will be your main operators, but make sure to have them licensed so they train other people in your factory. Besides the initial training, your company should also run regular refreshers. Your people need this, especially when you upgrade the machines.
Proper training ensures that your employees know the tolerances of your equipment and be able to identify any warning signs during operation.
Take Care of the Parts
Heavy machinery has many moving parts and each one is important. You need to ensure that they’re in good condition. This will usually involve regular cleaning and lubrication. Lubrication is especially important because it allows for the moving parts to experience less friction.
In time, you will need to change some of the parts. You can get them from the original manufacturer, or you can look for custom parts, which usually have higher tolerances than the original. If you find both options lacking in strength and longevity, try custom-made. For example, local plants can find a custom spring manufacturer in Oklahoma to get the right high-tension springs for specific machines.
Conduct Regular Preventative Maintenance
Preventative maintenance is a good way to detect problems early on and ensure that your equipment keeps working. At least once a year, you should set aside time to take the machinery apart. This will allow you to service each part and see whether they are still in good condition. Additionally, you should clean the parts and tune them up for another year of operation.
Store Them Properly
Some machinery are not always in use, and improper storage can damage it. Dust and dirt can enter your equipment, plus idle machinery can result in rust and condensation. You need to cover them up and occasionally cycle them to avoid problems when you turn them on.
Document Everything
You need to keep records of your repairs and maintenance. This will give you an idea of how you take care of your equipment. It ensures that you did everything right and you can review whether you missed anything.
Get Your Money’s Worth
Expensive equipment is a big investment for any company. Every breakdown can cut into your earning potential and delay work. These tips should be a big help in ensuring that your equipment will keep running for a long time.
