How to take care of your and your construction machine's condition and safety?
Construction machines are among the most intensively exploited equipment in the world, due to the fact that they often work in very difficult terrain conditions and extreme temperatures, and are expected to be constantly ready for action.
All these factors directly increase the likelihood of machine failure. However, many problems can be avoided, but only on the condition of regular maintenance of the equipment - fortunately, this is neither complicated nor particularly time-consuming.
It is enough to follow a few procedures mentioned by our experts in this guide.
Firstly - order in the cabin
Let's start with a trifle, which is often overlooked for some reason - it's about order in the cabin. Such triviality indicates that the operator cares for the entrusted equipment, and therefore also respects his employer, and additionally such practice indicates a high work culture, but also personal.
It also matters from a purely operational point of view - garbage, keys and other elements lying on the cabin floor pose a serious danger, as it may lead to blocking of the gas or brake pedal. It is worth remembering this and developing a habit of cleaning after yourself, if we do not have it yet.
Secondly - knowledge of the machine
It is also very important to ensure the operator's proper training before handing over the machine. Machines from different manufacturers can differ significantly from each other, and the operator should at least read the instruction manual and get to know all the key systems that are equipped with the equipment.
Thirdly - paying attention to minor problems
An operator who knows well the construction machine entrusted to him should have no problem detecting minor faults and strange behavior of the equipment. Any unexpected noises (especially coming from the hydraulic or drive system), decrease in machine performance, frame cracks or looseness on pins are alarming.
An experienced operator will certainly notice this, and then should share this knowledge with his superior. The worst thing is to ignore and not report problems, which over time will start to accumulate, until they lead to a serious breakdown.
Fourthly - each time assessing the condition of the machine
The operator's work should be planned in such a way that he has time to closely look at the machine at the end of the working day, preferably after at least a brief washing of the equipment. This is a good opportunity to detect various problems, such as leaks or cracks. Once a week, such a "review" should be more detailed.
Fifthly - service
It is impossible to keep a construction machine in good technical condition without regularly visiting a professional service. Many Polish entrepreneurs delay the service as long as possible and only make an appointment in the workshop when the machine is immobilized. Then, you have to reckon with high costs and a long time waiting for repair.
Final remarks
It is better to commission regular services, during which operating fluids and filters will be replaced, and the condition of key components will be verified by experienced mechanics.
The rules mentioned here make up the correct, daily operation of the construction machine and thanks to them you can avoid unexpected and very costly breakdowns without much effort.
