Buying new equipment can be extremely expensive; the cost of new heavy equipment and off-highway trucks is quite an investment, even for medium-sized businesses. It is even more expensive if you factor in the cost of downtime of equipment in addition to the cost of replacement. It is wise for all businesses to extend their equipment’s life if it is practical. Here are some techniques that can be utilized to increase the lifespan of heavy equipment.
Train Operators/Employees
One of the most effective ways to extend the life of your heavy equipment is to provide training to your heavy machinery operators. Incorrect usage of equipment can result in an accelerated rate of wear and tear, as well as increase the odds of machine damage. Trained employees not only can decrease wear and tear on the machine when compared to untrained employees but can also increase productivity as they better understand how to utilize the equipment correctly.
Regularly Service and Track Repairs
Keeping operational records of your equipment will also increase the lifespan of your equipment. By keeping protocols and records for the repairs and services on each piece of equipment, confirms that they are receiving the attention they need to continue operating efficiently. It is important to keep up on maintenance as not servicing an issue soon after it arises may increase the risk of needing additional service if it is not addressed quickly. Routine servicing such as cleaning, lubricating, and replacing fluid levels (if relevant) will extend equipment’s duration. Keeping track of maintenance will help decide when the cost of services and repairs is outweighing the cost of investing in new equipment.
Properly Store Equipment
Storing equipment when not in use will also help preserve your equipment. While heavy equipment can handle harsh temperatures and weather conditions for a short period of time, prolonged exposure to the elements can damage your equipment. Keeping your equipment in storage when not in use will reduce the likeliness of an accident occurring and causing damage compared to if it was parked on a busy work site.