Maintaining Your Construction Equipment for Longevity
Construction professionals know that there’s no more significant investment in the industry than construction equipment. Once you’ve taken the plunge and purchased the perfect excavator or track loader for your fleet, know that the reality of ownership brings serious responsibility. Large, complex machinery is susceptible to the wear and tear that comes with regular use. Factor in the hazards that exist on any given worksite, and it can be difficult to plan for damage. And, even if there’s a quick fix, it can come at a high price, one compounded by lost hours and stalled progress.
The good news is that keeping your construction equipment in top condition doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Regular care and preventive maintenance can ensure your investment pays dividends for years to come.
Read the Owner’s Manual
The first step to taking proper care of your equipment is getting to know how it works. That entails more than understanding what the knobs and levers do and being able to interpret the instrument panel’s readouts. It also means appreciating that, as powerful as it is, your equipment can’t do everything.
Make sure you read the owner’s (or manufacturer’s) manual and have a firm grasp of your vehicle’s recommended weight load limits and suitability to certain conditions. Even the most rugged excavators or loaders can become compromised by freezing or boiling temperatures. Furthermore, a vehicle operated with an eye on operator safety is much more likely to provide you with long and distinguished service. A piece of construction equipment pushed right up to or past its limits, however, isn’t. Those limits will be spelled out in the owner’s manual.
Lubrication for Longevity
When it comes to lengthening the life of your equipment and preventing damaging friction, lubricants are essential. Moving interior parts that become dirty or clogged can be expensive to deconstruct and repair. Lubricants can minimize preventable wear and tear in addition to protecting machinery from the elements. Always consult an expert technician if you have questions about lubricant varieties and optimal usage.
Check Those Tires
While tires are usually rotated and replaced on a regular schedule, don’t neglect their condition between service appointments. A puncture or blowout can come out of nowhere on the job, but it becomes more likely when treads get worn down. Keeping tabs on the condition of tires before and after work in rocky gravel or dense mud can clue you in on patterns of damage and how to prevent an inconvenient and expensive surprise.
Cleanliness is Key
Although a simple task like cleaning your equipment may be unnecessary at times, this is a step you shouldn’t skip. Neglect in this area can cause filters, vents and electrical components to become clogged or damaged. Of course, dust, dirt, mud and other natural materials are part of every job, But don’t overlook them or fail to take their accumulation seriously. Regular pressure washing can prevent the buildup of grease and mud, which left unchecked may accelerate rusting. Remember, cleaning protects much more valuable aspects of your equipment than its paint job.
Keep the Sparks Alive
Just like the electrical components of a computer must be protected from dirt, dust and moisture, your equipment’s circuits and wires need adequate shielding. Especially when working in snow and rain, even a modest amount of moisture in the wrong place can lead to trouble. Don’t wait for your alternator or starter to malfunction — regular performance checks are much more affordable than electrical repairs.
Record-keeping
Lastly, it’s important to keep track of maintenance and repairs with detailed records. From the first day of ownership, responsible record-keeping can give you a clear picture of your equipment’s lifespan. If any fixes become urgent, make sure to retain notes and receipts from your technician to prevent problems in the future. Continuing service with the company that manufactured your equipment is often a wise choice, especially if they offer expert care that you can trust.
Visit Your Local Bobcat® Dealership Today
No one knows construction equipment or construction equipment maintenance better than Bobcat, an industry leader for more than seventy years. Compact Construction Equipment, Inc., Inc. isn’t only your home for Bobcat equipment in Texas. It’s also your home for Bobcat parts and service in Texas. We have the state’s most thoroughly trained service technicians and the largest inventory of on-hand parts to ensure we can get your unit up and running in no time.
For reliable, durable equipment you can trust, choose Bobcat compact construction equipment. To learn more about the upkeep of your excavators, track loaders, skid-steer loaders or utility vehicles, give us a call at 855-480-7368. Walk-ins at any of our 17 locations — in Abilene, Alamo (the Rio Grande Valley), Amarillo, Austin, Buda, Corpus Christi, Kerrville, Lubbock, Marble Falls, Marion, Midland-Odessa, Pleasanton, San Antonio, Temple, Victoria, Waco, and Wichita Falls — are also welcome. Visit us today.