Heavy machinery makes every job easier. For example, it’s estimated that it took 20,000 men and twenty years to build the Great Pyramid. In contrast, just 1,500 workers with heavy machinery could have the same pyramid built in just five years!
However, no matter how good the equipment is, you still need to look after it to ensure it lasts as long as possible. After all, heavy machinery isn’t cheap!
1. The Right Equipment
If you want equipment that will last for many years then it starts with buying high-quality equipment. This is likely to be the more expensive machinery, although not necessarily the most expensive. The key, whether investing with a quality railway equipment company or looking for construction equipment, is to ensure the company has a good reputation and is reliable.
The more impressive their reputation the more they have to lose if they supply sub-standard equipment. That means you can buy in confidence.
2. Know Its Limits
Having got the right equipment for the job in hand you need to know the limits of your ‘toys’. It is important not to exceed the limits of your heavy machinery. This adds stress to the machine and will shorten its life as it consistently needs to work harder than it should
Stressed machinery is more likely to break down and cause you issues. If you don’t have a piece of equipment capable of a specific task, don’t attempt it with something similar to what you need. You can simply rent the heavy machine you need to do the job.
3. Regular Servicing
It should go without saying that the best way to extend the life of any piece of equipment is to have it regularly serviced. This will pick out any issues and ensure they are rectified before they cause bigger problems.
In fact, regular servicing can help your equipment to run smoother, last longer, and be more capable of the job at hand. It will also help to ensure your equipment is always in the best possible condition.
4. Daily Checks
Alongside regular servicing you should be checking the equipment daily. The standard tests are fluids, visibility, tires and tracks, and a visual inspection for any signs of issues.
By undertaking daily checks before you use the equipment you can spot an issue and have it fixed, instead of it causing the equipment to breakdown or perhaps even fail completely. That’s an expensive mistake.
5. Proper Training
Finally, if you want your heavy machinery to last for years then you need to invest in regular training. This should be designed to ensure every operator knows how to use the heavy machinery in different settings. It should also be clear what the equipment is for and what it is not capable of.
Ensuring all your staff is aware of this will help to prevent issues from happening. It is also a good idea to document all training. This ensures you can prove the training was given and that your employees are taking the appropriate steps. Without documentation, employees can simply plead ignorance.
