Design a maintenance and repair schedule, and ensure that it is being followed by the staff.
Every manufacturing industry comprises of heavy machinery and equipment. Machine breakdowns can severely harm your company. This is why it is extremely important that manufacturing business owners should focus on their equipment maintenance to prolong its life and ensure that your system runs smoothly. Let us look at 7 maintenance tips to extend equipment life.
1. Provide the Necessary Training
Large machinery usually requires multiple operators, who should be equipped with the knowledge and skill to handle it efficiently. Make sure to provide the necessary training to your operators and ensure that their knowledge is relevant to the current technology. Poor operation will lead to breakdowns, increased downtime and wasted time in repairs. Revise the operator manuals regularly and make sure that the operators use them diligently. Teach them how to carry out the proper maintenance properly to ensure the longevity of your machinery.
2. Always Test if Your Equipment is Well-Lubricated
If there is any friction between the moving parts of any industrial equipment, it will lead to wear and tear, and cause significant damage to the machinery. This makes it necessary to keep all moving parts well lubricated at all times. Use the right lubricant and look for signs of any build-up of oil. Check for any leaks around the oil seals. Make sure that the lubricant is clean and doesn't contain any dirt or contaminating particulates. The composition of contaminants will indicate which components might be suffering from wear or breakdown.
3. Check for Signs of Wear & Tear
Your equipment will start showing signs of wear and tear with constant use and time. External factors such as high temperature, pressure, shock, vibration and friction contribute to the breakdown of various parts. Components such as conveyor belts will start to warp, bolts might get loose and the will seals start to crack. Constantly check for signs that indicate wear and tear on any part of your equipment and replace or repair it accordingly.
4. Maintain a Clean Environment
It is important that you maintain a clean environment in and around your working equipment and machinery. Inspect the filters and change them regularly, keep the breathers clean and make sure that none of the electronics are exposed to any contaminants or moisture which can accelerate rusting. Remember to run your machinery periodically if you don't use it too often.
5. Prepare a Well-Designed Maintenance and Repair Schedule
Design a maintenance and repair schedule, and ensure that it is being followed by the staff. Check the fluids, electrical systems, tires, belts and tracks regularly for preventive maintenance. Ensure that the moving parts of power transmissions are in excellent condition, check the gearboxes for lubrication and damage, replace gears and shafts as soon as they wear out, check pulleys and v-bells regularly. Conduct a seal check, run a torque check on the bolts and check all lubricants to diagnose problems. Don't forget to document the process and maintain the records for future reference.
6. Understand the Warranty
Heavy machinery such as construction equipment cost a lot and therefore it is important that you protect yourself from the risk of potential machinery failure through the warranty, making sure that your equipment lasts long enough for you get a return on your investment. Negotiate the terms and the length of your warranty when you order. Understand the warranty clearly and ensure that it covers the cost of repairs in addition to accidents.
7. Set Aside Emergency Fund
Machines can break down or may need repair work unexpectedly. Even if you have insurance, it is ideal to set aside emergency funds to cover the cost of unexpected, urgent repair and maintenance work. If you are not financially prepared for such events, you could end up with non-working machinery due to the unavailability of funds.
Simple steps like these will increase the life of your machinery, improve your ROI and increase the lifespan and use of your equipment.
Sam Wade is an innovative digital marketing manager designing end-to-end marketing campaigns for Jackson Asphalt. His expertise lies in developing unique marketing processes that ensure continued growth and development of the business. Sam has successfully led the marketing team of Jackson Asphalt with his knowledge and experience.
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