Equipment maintenance is quite necessary for any businesses in the construction, manufacturing, and landscaping industries in order to avoid expensive breakdowns, lost days on a job, and failure to meet deadlines. Moreover, it can actually help by improving equity and borrowing power for trading or using as collateral for loans. Listed below are six practical tips that will help you to establish and manage an equipment maintenance program effectively.
1. Review the Warranty Guidelines
After purchasing new equipment, businesses should review the warranty guidelines so they can ensure that they follow the specific requirements to keep their warranty valid. Some warranties include clauses that require certified equipment maintenance and repair providers or parts. That is why using the appropriate certified repair shops and parts is needed to avoid voiding the warranty.
2. Maintain Detailed Documentation
Detailed documentation is quite necessary for equipment maintenance programs, and it applies to both new and used equipment. Paper records can work, but businesses should ensure that their used heavy equipment related documents are complete, accurate, and accessible. Proper documentation is also needed for any equipment finance agreements or even simple interest loans.
3. Follow Recommended Maintenance Schedules
Any reputable equipment manufacturer would make sure to publish planned maintenance schedules that detail the service operations that are required to keep equipment operating smoothly and safely. To comply with OSHA and Department of Labor regulations, construction companies need to be certain that maintenance procedures actually satisfy heavy equipment and job site regulations.
4. Develop a Preventive Maintenance Program
A preventive maintenance program is helpful for businesses as it lets them keep an eye on how their machines are performing and can prevent costly repairs. The program can be based on the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule. As operators get to know the equipment over time, they can even incorporate more routine procedures to prevent part failures. Operators of the machines should be involved in the inspection since they are familiar with the machinery and can spot any potential trouble points better than anyone else.
5. Conduct Regular Inspections
Regular equipment inspections help companies in identifying potential problems before they turn into costly repairs. In addition to that operators should also perform daily inspections before and after using equipment to detect any immediate issues that may be in need of attention.
6. Train Employees on Maintenance
Training employees on equipment maintenance can really improve safety and equipment longevity all while reducing the chances of costly repairs. Employees who use the equipment regularly should receive training on how to inspect, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment. Proper training can also reduce the risk of injuries to employees and damage to the equipment.
Establishing and managing an effective equipment maintenance program can actually help businesses save money, meet deadlines, and increase borrowing power. By following the aforementioned tips, businesses can even avoid expensive breakdowns, prolong the life of their equipment, and keep their operations running smoothly.