Whether you have an off-site mining project or big manufacturing unit, the last thing you want to suffer from is a downtime. However, downtimes are very common, with over 80% of companies having experienced unplanned downtimes in the last four years.
When downtimes occur, the implications can result in severe financial costs and even losing a competitive edge in the market. The good thing about running an industrial facility is that you can avoid downtime through proper maintenance. In this post, we will look at the best maintenance tips for heavy industrial machinery.
Replace the Lubricant Regularly
All heavy industrial equipment rely on lubricants, which helps to reduce friction that causes rapid wearing and tearing. Furthermore, lubricants help to keep the internal parts of a machine clean by preventing build-up of dirt. Here are some important things that you need to know about heavy machinery lubrication:
- Make sure to check the lubricant level frequently.
- Always use the lubricant recommended by the manufacturer.
- Use the right lubricant.
Clean Your Machine Regularly
In addition to machine lubrication, it is also very important to clean it. This step helps to remove dust, soot, and dirt that can clog the machine filters, vents, cooling fans, and seals. The simplest way to clean heavy equipment is with a hose that uses water to dislodge dirt.
If the dirt is lodged in tight sections, such as iron chain, bearings, and pins, using a water hose might be tricky. Also, water might be less effective in removing grime or grease. In such cases, steam cleaning and acid washing might be a better option.
Check Your Machinery Regularly for Wear and Tear
There are a number of factors that can result in machine wearing and tearing, such as aging, environmental factors, accidents, and poor operating habits. Although you might have taken all the precautions about your machinery, it is important to appreciate that aging will finally catchup up, belts can warp, and seals may get dry. This is why you should carefully check the machinery regularly to note signs of wearing, and address them promptly.
Train Your Employees
If your employees do not have the right training, they are likely to cause rapid wearing, equipment failure, and even injuries. Training your staff is the best way to ensure that the machines are operated in the right way. In addition to training specific staff who will be handling the machinery, it is also crucial to let all your staff understand how the machines operate, the emergency action plans, and all the safety precautions.
Heavy equipment used in industrial facilities, as brought out here, requires a lot of financial investment and operating costs. This is why it is crucial to maintain machines properly using the best practices, including the four that we have outlined above
