Large machinery’s efficiency and longevity can be improved by regular, preventive maintenance. Traditional industries can continue to function on a large scale thanks to heavy machinery. Without large machinery, mining and agriculture would not be able to thrive in today’s global economy.
Maintenance has many benefits
Equipment value is preserved by performing preventive maintenance. Maintaining machines in good condition extends their life expectancy and protects operators. This also ensures that machinery is always available. It is possible to repair problems early, so that they are not worsened. Avoiding production interruptions by not requiring machinery to be taken off-line for major repairs is a good idea. It is possible to prevent machinery and safety hazards from occurring by regular inspections and analysis.
Safety
Safety of workers is dependent on good maintenance. Maintenance of large machinery can be hazardous. This is often done in close proximity to running machinery. It can be dangerous and difficult to work in these conditions. It is not a routine job and there are always mistakes. It is also subject to time pressure. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), maintenance operations are responsible for 15 to 20% of fatal industrial accidents and 10% to 15% of all fatal industrial deaths. Preventive maintenance and scheduled overhauls can reduce the likelihood of major machinery failure and lower the risk for technicians who have to repair it on-site. The risk of accidents at work is also reduced.
Here are five tips to help you maintain large machinery.
- Keep daily records of use and supervise operation
Unskilled operators can make large machinery wear worse and cause breakdowns. Monitoring daily machinery operations and keeping records can help you pinpoint where and when the machinery is being misused by inept operators. GPS is a new way to monitor large machinery operations. The GPS device records movement and organizes it into digital records that can be easily retrieved. It is possible to catch problems early and prevent breakdowns.
- Keep a schedule of planned maintenance
Components wear out and break down. Make sure to plan for the expected lifespan of each component and have them replaced on time. Only qualified technicians can replace parts. Bearings are critical components of heavy machinery equipment. They can easily be damaged or worn. Bearing housings must be maintained regularly, including an inspection for corrosion and wear and replacement when necessary. To ensure compliance and prevent any missed checks, a maintenance log must be kept.
- Lubricate and Clean Often
Heavy machinery needs to be maintained on a daily basis. Certain components, such as those in power trains and engines, require frequent lubrication. Other components such as hydraulic lifts or bearings must be closely monitored and lubricated whenever possible. Machinery can be damaged by corrosion. Water is a major cause of corrosion. The prevention of corrosion is achieved by lubrication. Lubricants can be kept free from contaminants by replacing and maintaining seals.
- Check for wear and damage to monitor components
Preventing component wear can be done by creating a maintenance plan. To monitor component wear and prevent equipment from failing, visual inspections should be performed on an ongoing basis. If components are not replaced on time, it could indicate a bigger problem that needs to diagnosed. For alignment and condition, check belts, pulleys, and chains. Check for cracks, broken teeth, and misalignment. Regular maintenance should include fluid analysis. Analyzing used lubricants or other fluids can help to identify problems and prevent machine wear and breakdown. Analysts can identify contaminants in fluids to pinpoint the source of wear or damage.
- When storing equipment, protect it
Large machinery should always be covered. Motors, turbines and mixers should be rotated regularly. Check idle machinery for corrosion, rust and condensation. Make sure to inspect all lubricants. For the harmful effects of high humidity, oil-mist lubrication can be a great solution.