Heavy equipment can be an incredibly effective asset to a company’s fleet, however, after time the machines will need maintenance and should receive it regularly.  

Every piece of equipment must be up kept in order to keep safe and working properly for optimal performance.

Here are 18 tips for maintaining heavy Construction Equipment.

1. Check fluid levels daily

Fluid leaks can be a sign of problems on the equipment that should be addressed immediately to avoid more extensive damages.

Common fluids that need attention are oil, fuel, and hydraulic fluid.

2. Inspect for cracks in welds

Welding is typically used to hold heavy construction equipment together, but cracks are common problem.

A visual inspection can uncover small cracks before they become hazardous or turn into big problems.

3. Keep track of maintenance records

Proper record keeping is important to do after any repair work on equipment, but it is especially necessary for larger jobs.

Keeping accurate records of the work done will help technicians identify problems easier if they occur in the future.  

Also, it makes it easier for manufacturers to properly service their products when required out of warranty periods because all documentation is readily available.

4. Clean regularly

Daily cleanings are recommended by service professionals because they prevent excessive build up of dirt and grime that can cause more serious problems with machinery including reduced fuel mileage, overheating, and reduced visibility during operation.  

Some equipment will require more than a simple cleaning and much deeper and thorough maintenance that should be done regularly by professionals.

5. Inspect winches regularly

When winches are used regularly, they need to be inspected on a regular basis.

There may be wear of the teeth on the gears, or some rusting on portions of the machinery because of all the moisture while using it. This can lead to malfunctions in the long run if not properly identified.

6. Inspect electrical systems

Electrical components can pose hazards if not properly maintained because they may malfunction unexpectedly when least expected causing damage to surrounding materials or objects.

It can also cause serious injuries for workers operating heavy construction equipment under duress without warning that there may be an issue with electricity.

7. Keep machine clean

Inspect machines daily for excessive dirt and grime build up so it can be cleaned off before any problems occur with the machinery.

This will protect components from corrosion which is a big factor in heavy construction equipment because of exposure to elements like water, sand, mud, and other impurities.

8. Check engine oil levels weekly

Engine oil performs several functions on heavy construction equipment including protecting internal components against corrosion or rusting, lubricating bearings, transferring heat away from the combustion chamber and reducing wear on moving parts within the engine. 

Like all fluids used on vehicles of any kind they deplete over time due to use and need to be replaced regularly.  

9. Change air filters monthly

Air filters are designed to collect particles from the air in order to reduce wear on internal components.

Over time they build up with dirt and grime which reduces the amount of airflow into the engine. 

This will not only use more fuel, but can also cause malfunctions with oil or other fluids that need filtering before being used again in different parts of the heavy construction equipment.

10. Keep tires inflated correctly

Proper tire inflation keeps heavy equipment running smoothly by preventing excess heat buildup which shortens life expectancy of treads leading to blowouts or loss of control while operating them.

Using heavier weight tire pressure when moving through mud is necessary for optimal performance in some cases, however, it should be monitored carefully because too much pressure will overload the equipment.

11. Use the correct fuel & make sure it’s clean

There are specific types of fuels required for different models of heavy construction equipment, which makes using the wrong one a hazardous situation waiting to happen because it will not function at all.  

Fuel filters should be periodically checked and replaced when necessary, but only with the correct filters to prevent injury or other damage that may occur if dirt or other debris is filtered into parts where fluids are used.

12. Inspect hydraulic systems regularly

Hydraulic fluid keeps components like cylinders and pistons moving properly during operation of heavy equipment machines.  

Like all other liquids on any vehicle they deplete over time as use occurs, leading to problems like overheating which can cause serious damage or malfunctions if not identified early enough.

13. Inspect all lights weekly

Inspecting their operation on a regular basis will help identify problems before they become bigger issues with heavy construction equipment that could result in potential injury or damage to surrounding components as well as the machine itself.  

It’s important to be proactive about minor problems with lights so major repairs can be avoided that would otherwise cause hazards.

14. Stay alert while operating

Doing things like using mobile phones, listening to music through headphones, or being fatigued from long hours of work will distract a person from focused attention required for safe operation of machinery and other vehicles.

Critical thinking skills is needed at all times to ensure safety at all times when working behind the wheel of any vehicle.     

This is another proactive way to avoid costly repairs or even prevent injuries down the road.

15. Inspect final drives weekly  

Triplex or duplex final drives are an important part of heavy construction equipment that require regular working order in order to perform as designed by engineers and manufacturers. 

Like most mechanical parts they need oil for maintenance which should be checked frequently and replaced when necessary before problems develop like rusting, hardening, or general failure of moving parts within them due to lack of lubrication during operation.

16. Wash often

Heavy equipment machines typically accumulate dirt and grime over time that can cause corrosion and rust on various components if not washed regularly using clean water with good pressure to remove it.  

These contaminants will degrade the quality and performance of heavy construction equipment over time which will also wear down other components like tires and make them unsafe to operate as intended by manufacturers.

17. Use auxiliary hydraulics for extra weight

For safety reasons it’s important to not overload machinery with passengers or cargo, but there may be instances where work needs to be done that requires this type of activity.

Using an auxiliary hydraulic system prevents the need to put unnecessary strain on other components already designed for certain amounts of stress.  

Using large tools such as saws or hammers for extended periods while applying pressure should only be attempted if an auxiliary hydraulic system is available otherwise serious injury may occur due to damaged parts that were never meant to handle this kind of stress being applied constantly rather than intermittently.

18. Keep up with general maintenance

Heavy construction equipment should be carefully inspected regularly and repaired or replaced as needed.  

Using it for work without taking time to perform routine checks like making sure steering components are greased and aligned properly, or that there is no damage that may cause a malfunction while in use puts the operator and others using the machine at risk of injuries.

If something goes wrong during operation like a broken part becoming loose inside causing injury to someone nearby when it flies off during use and causes damage.