Best Practices for
Preseason Preparation
Spring and summer mean more jobs and more use of your heavy equipment. The last thing you want is costly downtime right when the busy season is just getting started. Follow these best practices to ensure your machines are operating at peak performance before the season launches.
Equipment needs grease
It's important to lubricate all your machines according to the manufacturer's recommendation and to use the lubricants they suggest. Maintaining proper lubrication will minimize component wear and increase fuel efficiency. Plus, the more mobility your engine parts have, the less work your hydraulic system must do, allowing better attachment performance and faster cycle times.
Maintain fluid levels
The operation of your equipment depends on a variety of fluids. You should check hydraulic fluid, oil, and coolant levels daily to ensure they are properly filled and prevent problems down the road. When temperatures are higher, it becomes even more critical that your machine has sufficient amounts of fluid as the summer heat causes the engine to warm faster, leading to fluid vaporization loss.
Have the parts you need
You will have to replace multiple parts through the spring and summer construction season. Before the busy time starts, it's a good idea to stock up on wear parts to reduce costly downtime. We recommend you stock filters, hoses, belts, tires, blade edges, bucket teeth, hydraulic fluid, oil, and batteries.
Have your machines inspected by our certified technicians
Our inspections follow manufacturers' guidelines specific to each model. A typical inspection includes:
- Operational test
- Lube chassis
- Drain water and sediment
- Check fluid levels and adjust
- Change engine oil and filter
- Check and adjust chains
- Clean front and rear axle breathers
- Change fuel filters
- Engine oil analysis
- Change hydraulic filters
- Change inline fuel filter
- Check fan belt tension
- Lubricate attachment coupler
- Grease slides and post
- Clean battery/check levels
- Clean spark arresting muffler
- Repack front wheel bearings
Make sure your equipment and your business are ready for the busy season by scheduling a machine inspection today.