Even though industrial machinery is usually heavy-duty, it is prone to tear and wear if not properly maintained. Without proper servicing and maintenance, the machinery will break down frequently, and that also poses a safety hazard to the operator and all the other personnel involved. Preventive maintenance practices for your industrial machinery is essential to reduce downtime costs and improve the overall industrial productivity. Below are some essentials you can use to extend the life of your industrial machinery.
Keep an eye on the fluid levels.
Simple practices such as checking the machine’s fluid levels form time to time can go a long way in improving its longevity and minimize machine downtime. For example, always check thermal heat transfer fluid, which helps eliminate heat to keep the machine from overheating and replace it if necessary.
Another fluid that you should keep on the check is the machine’s lubricants, which minimizes friction between moving parts. Use enough lubricants and lookout for signs of grease build-up on pistons, excess oil, or leaks. Use the right lubricant according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and in the right amounts to improve the machine’s smooth running.
Keep the machinery clean and maintain a clean environment.
Even though industrial machinery involves a lot of heavy working, leaving them in filth and debris accelerates its deterioration. Dirt always blocks air filters, gets its way to the gears, and damages the seals. It eventually makes the machines break down and become inefficient. Luckily, you can reduce air pollution and maintain a clean working environment for the machine using diesel exhaust fluid.
Additionally, you should check the seals regularly, inspect and change filters that keep contamination away and clean breathers to avoid creating a vacuum in the cab, which will attract contaminants. Remember that the cab’s various electronics are prone to break down due to contamination, affecting the clutch. Store the machines under a shed, if possible.
Invest in operator training
Every machine has an operator who should have the proper training on handling and maintaining the machine. Providing your employees with in-service training about the machines helps reduce the chances of break downs due to mishandling, increasing efficiency.
Proper operator training also reduces the risks of injuries due to lack of operation skills; thus, it increases productivity.
Keep your eye on signs for wear and tear.
Things such as overheating, vibration, shock, frequent breakdowns, friction, and old age are signs of a gradually wearing down machine. Regular checks for loose bolts, dry seals, and warped belts can help you discover small wear issues before they turn into severe problems that will be difficult to repair thoroughly. It also enables you to avoid untimely breakdowns and unplanned downtime.
Practice preventive maintenance
Preventive maintenance of industrial machines helps avoid unplanned downtime and fix and repair the machine problems early enough before affecting productivity. Preventive maintenance is an overall inspection that checks the machines for any signs of damages or problems and fixes them. Utilize preventive maintenance professionals who perform the inspections, safety checks, and login all the maintenance services in a maintenance log to ensure they do not overlook anything that can cause more harm or damage.
The bottom line
Industrial machine breakdowns are too costly; therefore, you should practice maintenance measures to keep them running and extend their lifespan.