As the seasons are changing, the temperatures outside will be on the rise. The warmer temperatures and increased operating hours durin
g the peak crushing season can cause added strain on your equipment. To maintain the equipment’s top operating performance despite these conditions, we have identified 12 tips to maximize your up-time!
1. Take care of yourself. Your equipment can’t function without you. During hot weather and long hours, remember to drink plenty of fluids and take breaks. You will stay safe and perform better if you take the appropriate steps to manage your health.
2. Perform preventative and scheduled maintenance. Keeping your equipment in proper working order is paramount and taking advanced precautions can save unwanted down-time.
3. Sample your fluids periodically. Some fluids can break down and lose their properties resulting in premature component failures.
4. Make sure fluid levels are topped off. The more fluid volume, the faster the heat can dissipate. In more humid conditions, hot fluids can draw moisture causing contamination.
5. Keep clean air filters in the equipment. This ensures the equipment is breathing properly and not adding strain to the equipment.
6. Watch for bird nesting. Nesting around hot components can result in fires damaging your equipment.
7. Maintain the external cooling system. Damaged or clogged fins will cause the cooling system to overheat.
8. Service the internals of the cooling system periodically. Flush coolers to remove contaminations and build up, ensuring proper flow.
9. Something that is commonly overlooked is battery maintenance. A weak battery can malfunction during hot conditions. Make sure your charging system is properly operating and that the batteries electrolytes are at their recommended levels.
10. Pay careful attention to monitor the equipment’s displays. When spotting an abnormal change in the gauges operating conditions or alarm events, a quick response can prevent further damage to the equipment. Do not push the equipment when there are clear warnings.
11. Run the equipment’s A/C properly. Do not put strain on the system by using it with the windows or doors open at the same time. Ensure the cab intake filters are clean and are not restricting the air flow.
12. A phase shutdown can prevent damage to the components. Give the equipment time to idle and cool down before turning the engine off.
As the temperature continues to rise into the summer season, please remember these tips and contact our expert team of service professionals here at Mellott for your equipment, service, contract crushing, systems design and parts needs. We are here to help you crush your production goals!
