How to Maintain Your Construction Equipment and Extend Its Lifespan

Published on 11-19-2024

Construction equipment plays a critical role in the success of any project. Whether you’re:

• Laying the foundation for a new building
• Working on a road construction project
• Performing concrete repairs

Your machinery is key to productivity and efficiency. However, the cost of maintaining and repairing construction equipment can quickly add up if you don’t take proper care of your machinery. Extending the lifespan of your equipment not only saves you money but also ensures that your operations remain smooth and efficient.

At Above Grade Construction Services, owned by Myles Montgomery, we offer a wide range of construction services throughout the Edmonton, Alberta area. Our services include:

• Interior renovations
• Foundation repairs
• Asphalt
• Concrete repair
• Home upgrades

We understand that the quality and reliability of your equipment are essential to the success of any project. That’s why we want to share some crucial tips on how to properly maintain your construction equipment and extend its lifespan.

1. Regularly Inspect and Clean Construction Equipment

Routine inspection and cleaning are the foundation of good maintenance practices. Construction machinery is exposed to harsh environments, such as dirt, dust, moisture, and debris, which can cause components to wear out more quickly if not addressed. A simple inspection can often identify small issues before they turn into major problems.

Start by thoroughly cleaning the equipment at regular intervals. Pay special attention to areas where dust and debris tend to accumulate, such as air filters, radiators, and undercarriages. A clean machine runs more efficiently and is less prone to breakdowns. Ensure that you remove any buildup of dirt or debris, particularly from areas that could obstruct airflow or cause overheating.

In addition to cleaning, perform visual inspections to check for signs of wear, cracks, rust, or oil leaks. Addressing small issues right away can prevent them from becoming larger, more expensive problems. Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual for recommended maintenance schedules. Here are some more helpful tips https://cmdetail.com/5-benefits-of-regular-equipment-cleaning-for-construction-sites/.

2. Change Fluids Regularly On Construction Equipment

Oil, hydraulic fluid, coolant, and fuel are all critical to the performance and longevity of your construction equipment. Each of these fluids plays a role in keeping the machine running smoothly. For example, engine oil lubricates moving parts, hydraulic fluid ensures proper lifting and movement of the machinery, and coolant helps maintain a safe operating temperature.

Ignoring fluid maintenance can result in overheating, poor performance, and severe engine damage. Make it a habit to regularly check fluid levels and change them as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. For example, change engine oil at the recommended intervals (typically every 250 to 500 hours of operation). Don’t forget to also replace oil filters and air filters regularly to keep the engine running at optimal efficiency.

Pay special attention to hydraulic fluids and grease, as these are vital for the smooth operation of a machine’s moving parts. Insufficient lubrication can lead to metal-on-metal contact, which wears out parts faster and leads to costly repairs.

3. Follow the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule

Each piece of equipment comes with a detailed maintenance schedule provided by the manufacturer. This schedule includes all the essential maintenance tasks, such as fluid changes, inspections, and part replacements, along with their recommended intervals. Sticking to this schedule is one of the most effective ways to prolong the life of your equipment.

If you don’t have the manual, many manufacturers provide this information online, or you can contact a licensed dealer. Some machines also have an onboard system that tracks usage and alerts you when maintenance is due. By following these recommended maintenance schedules, you ensure that your equipment is functioning at its best, reducing the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns.

While it might be tempting to skip certain tasks to save time or money, ignoring this advice can lead to much more expensive repairs down the line. Regular upkeep is much less costly than dealing with major mechanical failures that result from neglect.

4. Check and Replace Worn Parts

Another important aspect of maintaining construction equipment is keeping an eye on the condition of the parts that undergo the most wear. For instance, tires, tracks, brake pads, belts, and hoses all degrade over time. Worn parts not only reduce the efficiency of the equipment but can also cause more extensive damage if not replaced on time.

Check the condition of tires and tracks regularly. Ensure that they are properly inflated or tensioned, as underinflated or overinflated tires can cause uneven wear and affect the performance of the equipment. For machines with tracks, such as excavators or bulldozers, ensure that the tracks are aligned and in good condition to avoid strain on the drive system.

Belts and hoses are also subject to wear and tear. Cracked or frayed belts can lead to engine overheating or reduced power output. Worn hoses may cause fluid leaks, leading to inefficient hydraulic systems. Always replace worn belts and hoses promptly to maintain the equipment’s reliability.

5. Store Construction Equipment Properly

Proper storage is key to extending the lifespan of your construction equipment. Leaving machinery outside in harsh weather conditions, especially during Edmonton’s cold winters, can cause rust, corrosion, and other forms of wear. When possible, store your equipment in a dry, sheltered location. If indoor storage is not an option, invest in quality covers to protect machinery from the elements.

If your equipment will be idle for an extended period, it’s especially important to take additional precautions. Drain fuel and fluids as necessary, and keep the equipment on blocks to avoid flat spots on tires. Consider using a battery tender to keep the battery charged, or remove the battery and store it separately.

Proper storage ensures that your equipment is ready to go when you need it, and it prevents unnecessary deterioration due to exposure to weather, dirt, and moisture.

6. Use Equipment Properly and Avoid Overworking It

Another crucial aspect of maintenance is proper operation. Overworking or misusing your equipment can cause premature wear and tear. Always follow operational guidelines provided by the manufacturer. For instance, avoid operating machinery at full throttle for extended periods and don’t exceed the recommended load capacity.

Additionally, ensure that all operators are properly trained and familiar with the equipment. Inexperienced operators are more likely to misuse machinery, causing damage or unnecessary strain. If your equipment is subject to high-duty cycles or difficult terrain, you may need to reduce its usage time or opt for regular rest periods to avoid overheating.

At Above Grade Construction Services, we know that properly using your equipment contributes to its longevity. Our skilled operators are trained to maximize the performance of our equipment while ensuring it is not overused or abused.

7. Invest in Preventive Maintenance

Preventive maintenance is often more cost-effective than reactive maintenance. Rather than waiting for your equipment to break down and requiring expensive repairs, establish a preventive maintenance routine that keeps your equipment running at peak performance.

Preventive maintenance can include tasks such as checking and replacing filters, lubricating moving parts, adjusting tension in belts, and inspecting safety features. By taking care of small issues before they escalate into major ones, you ensure the reliability and longevity of your machinery.

Many construction companies, including Above Grade Construction Services, follow a preventive maintenance schedule to ensure that their equipment is always in top condition. Preventive maintenance not only saves money on repairs but also helps reduce downtime, ensuring that your project stays on track.

Give us a try!

Maintaining your construction equipment is essential to ensuring that it lasts longer, operates more efficiently, and requires fewer repairs. With proper inspection, cleaning, and regular maintenance, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your machinery, which ultimately saves money and increases the overall productivity of your construction projects.

At Above Grade Construction Services, we understand the importance of maintaining high-quality equipment. We ensure that all of our machinery is properly maintained to deliver reliable results on every project. Our services range from interior renovations and foundation repair to asphalt and concrete work, all of which are supported by the use of well-maintained equipment.

If you need expert assistance with any construction project, contact us today for a complimentary estimate customized to meet your specific needs. You can reach us by visiting our contact page or calling 587-336-7404. We look forward to helping you with your construction and maintenance needs, ensuring a job well done every time.