When we think of equipment breakdowns we often associate it with colder climates however, hot weather can cause just as much wear and tear on your machinery. As the temperatures rise it is crucial to you and your business that you protect your machinery at all costs. Keeping your equipment cool is easy with a few simple steps and by doing this you will ensure a long lifespan and guard against unnecessary repairs throughout the season!
- Limit Direct Sun Exposure
A basic and easy concept to follow. Simply keep your machinery out of direct sunlight when possible as much as possible. This will prolong the lifespan of your equipment as it protects the parts within them such as the hydraulics. The best bet would be to store your heavy plant inside and shelter it overnight to protect it from all weather conditions such as dust, rain, and sunlight.
- Inspect Your Coolant Systems
It is estimated that 40% of equipment downtime is in relation to problems or failures caused by the cooling systems. It is crucial you ensure the staff manning the equipment have a full understanding of how to maintain the coolant systems and that this is being carried out as it should. A couple of important areas to check are:
- Coolant needs to be flushed and replaced annually.
- Ensure there’s no corrosion on the radiator and check the radiator cap for any damage.
- Carry out pressure tests for each cooling system annually, or more often depending on how heavily the machine is used.
- Check the hoses for excessive pliancy and any signs of cracking.
- Check Your Tires for Optimal Inflation
As the temperatures rise it is so important we pay close attention to the inflation of the machinery and tires. In the hotter months, over-inflated tires are likely to expand and create dangerous levels of pressure. You need to be cautious as over-inflating or under-inflating tires can compromise traction, hasten tread wear and pose a risk of bursting therefore harming your workforce. A guide to follow is for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit the outside temperature rises, and the pressure in tires increases by one pound per square inch. To ensure your machine is operating safely ensure your tires are maintaining optimal contact with the work surface. You can find the required information in the manufacturer specifications of the right pressure for the tires and leave some room for expansion during the long weeks and months of summer.
- Check Your Batteries
It doesn’t matter if it’s winter or summer when it comes to batteries, both weather conditions can cause absolute chaos. The worry can also be when you come from a tough winter with a weakened battery to then a hot summer it is a recipe for disaster. So make sure you are regularly checking the battery and address any issues that may have occurred.
- Are the A/C and Interiors Working?
A factor that can have an effect on the performance of your machinery is operating with the air conditioner running and the windows down at the same time. Doing this puts unnecessary strain on the A/C system, so keep all windows and doors closed while using the air conditioning. The aircon systems should be inspected regularly, checking filters, valves, and hoses, and missing or damaged fans or sun visors replaced immediately.
- Avoid Peak Hours
Here’s a simple yet effective tip, stay indoors during peak sunlight hours as much as possible. So basically, when the sun is at the highest point in the sky, temperatures will rise to possibly dangerous levels for not only the equipment but your workforce.
Omnia Machinery are industry expert in used construction equipment and a trusted machinery trader. We stock a wide variety of quality used construction equipment to suit many different jobs such as cranes, road equipment, quarry, earthmoving, piling, drilling, and underground mining. We provide our customers with all information and pictures with their quotation before any sale is agreed upon. From inspections to shipping, we are here to support you through every step of the transaction and keep you informed throughout the whole process enabling you to purchase in confidence. Contact us today with your machinery requirements.