Machinery is something that we now all take for granted since we’ve all become accustomed to the progress of industrialization. Still, it’s an essential part of our lives, and whether it is used by the military to make an Iron Man suit or simply used in heavy machinery for farming, manufacturing, or mining, it’s essential that we take good care of our machines.
A machine that is poorly maintained not only runs inefficiently but also creates a safety risk. In addition, the loss of time and money to get it repaired is an unnecessary expense for any business.
Here are five tips to keep large machinery running well for a long time:
- Use-wear technology
A company like A.J. Weller Corporation, ajweller.com, provides premium wear materials to extend the operational life of a heavy machine. Custom-built machines benefit in many ways from composite technology, which can reduce downtime, prolong the machine’s service life, and lower the operational costs.
- Inspect machines before purchase
A machine should be thoroughly inspected before it is purchased. If this is not possible, then it should be closely monitored during its initial use to make sure that it is running as it should.
- Invest in comprehensive large machinery operator training
Operators are the first people to notice when machines are not working well. Besides training operators on work safety and how to correctly operate heavy machines, they should also be made aware of what things to notice when the machine is not running well. While, of course, all companies invest in operator training, the workforce changes and even seasoned operators forget certain skills. Recurring and timely training will ensure proper operations at all times and reduce the frequency of breakdowns.
- Periodically inspect for wear-and-tear.
Operators should be familiar with signs of wear-and-tear:
- Unusual vibrations might occur when either belts or gears are getting out of alignment.
- Shocks are often a result of accidental damage or due to an operator’s using improper techniques.
- Higher-than-normal temperatures can be due to a number of factors: overuse, insufficient lubrication, or worn-out parts.
- Increased friction is often due to lubrication issues. However, it could also be due to age. As machines get older, their seals start drying and cracking, their belts start getting warped, and their bolts start shaking loose or getting stretching out.
When operators notice these things, they should not procrastinate when it comes to replacing parts that are worn or broken.
- Simplify operator manuals
Sometimes operator manuals are written in a highly- technical way that is not properly understood by workers. If this is the case, then these manuals should be simplified and even illustrated to ensure that all operators can benefit from referencing the manual when necessary. If working in a paperless environment, the manual can be digitized, and if the machine is continually being upgraded, then the manual must also be revised to align with the new modifications.
- Develop a list of best practices
Since machines are highly complex, and there are may be many ways that they can be operated, it may be helpful to define a list of best practices for operators of heavy machines. This will simplify training for new employees and ensure consistency between shifts.
- Test lubricants often to ensure performance
The uses of lubricants are essential for all large machines because they reduce the friction between moving parts. In the long run, they extend the life of the machine. The first thing to ensure is that the right lubricant is used, not a substitute. Incorrect lubricants may be carelessly substituted because the company happens to have a lot of old lubricants in stock from previous machines or because the right lubricant is more expensive. It’s always advisable to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. In addition, lubricants should also be routinely checked to make sure that it is not building up on pistons, and it is not leaking around oil seals.
In conclusion, by making sure that the machine runs well when purchased, by training operators on how to run the machine, by following manufacturer’s recommendations, and by making immediate repairs when parts breakdown or wear away, it’s possible for machines to enjoy a long service life. It is also often easier to detect problems if large machines are kept dirt-free in an environment that is orderly, safe, and clean.
Article Submitted by Community Writer.
