How to maintain construction equipment and machinery

14 March, 2024

The maintenance of equipment in any type of industry is essential for

the correct functioning and evolution of the different processes that are carried out. However, this is a particularly relevant aspect, especially in the construction sector, as it preserves the well-being of the people -who come into contact with them.

That said, establishing a proper and clear equipment maintenance programme can bring a number of benefits, among them: 

• Extending the service life of equipment: It reduces the need for costly repairs and replacements.

• Increasing productivity: it minimises downtime and ensures efficiency on the job site.

• Improving security: it reduces the risk of accidents and injuries to workers.

• Reducing operating costs: it saves money on fuel, repairs and maintenance.

It is clearly worthwhile to devote the time and resources necessary to carry out this type of process, which, to illustrate specific cases, will prevent excavator breakdowns or tractor breakdowns. 

But how do you plan equipment maintenance? Read on for a quick and easy explanation! 

This plan should be based on 3 main steps:

• The type of equipment: each piece of equipment has specific maintenance needs.

• Operating conditions: the climate, terrain and frequency of use of the equipment will affect the maintenance schedule.

• The manufacturer's recommendations: manufacturers usually provide specific maintenance guidelines for their equipment.

In addition, it is important that you know what types of maintenance are available to you in order to correctly identify the most appropriate for the machinery you have.

There are three types of maintenance:

• Preventative maintenance: this is done on a regular basis to prevent breakdowns and prolong the life of the equipment.

• Predictive maintenance: it is based on monitoring the condition of the equipment to identify and correct potential problems before they cause a breakdown.

• Corrective maintenance: it is carried out to repair existing faults.

Do you already recognise which one you need to do next, or which ones you haven’t been doing since you got your construction equipment?

So far we have talked about the basics. But I'm sure you're already wondering how often this type of equipment maintenance is necessary. And the answer depends on different factors! Let's see.

As mentioned above, the type of equipment, manufacturer and use are key when choosing what type of maintenance should be carried out. However, there are some minimums that we could set to ensure the durability of the equipment. 

For example, preventive maintenance is ideally carried out at least once a month, and will include:

• Oil analysis.

• Vibration tests.

• Heat mapping.

Regarding some of the most common types of equipment, here is a small guide to help you get to know how often maintenance needs to be carried out. 

On the other hand, it is essential that, at the same time, you take into account a series of recommendations for successful maintenance.

• Train your staff: it is important that operators and maintenance technicians are trained in the proper use and maintenance of the equipment.

• Conduct audits: conduct periodic audits to assess the effectiveness of the maintenance programme.

• Use original spare parts: using original spare parts from the manufacturer guarantees the quality and performance of the equipment.

• Keep records: they record the maintenance work performed and any repairs carried out.

Finally, remember that equipment maintenance is essential for the following reasons:

-Safety

• It prevents exposure to hazardous substances: proper maintenance can prevent leaks of fuel, oil and other hazardous fluids.

• It minimises the risk of fire: well-maintained equipment is less likely to overheat or catch fire.

-Efficiency

• It prolongs the life of the equipment: regular maintenance can help equipment last longer, reducing the need for frequent purchases of new equipment.

• It increases productivity: well-functioning equipment is more efficient and productive.

-Environment

• It reduces pollutant emissions: well-maintained equipment produces fewer pollutant emissions.

• It minimises resource consumption: efficient equipment consumes fewer resources such as fuel, oil and water.

Equipment maintenance benefits you, your equipment, the profitability of the business, and even helps preserve some of the most important natural resources.