Taking Care of your Construction Equipment During the Summer Months

Three tips to keep your construction equipment running efficiently during the hot summer months

With summer right around the corner, it’s important that you take the steps necessary to make sure your equipment stays cool. Having heavy equipment break down or get damaged as a result of the summer heat can be very costly to your business. In addition to making repairs, purchasing or leasing construction equipment, your entire project may be slowed down or even halted. To keep your jobs moving and maintain your operational efficiency, there are steps you can take. The below tips can help you protect your equipment from overheating in the impending hot weather.

Keep construction equipment out of the sun

This can make a significant impact on lowering temperatures. For example, when your backhoe is not being used, leaving it outside, especially for an extended period of time, may cause certain parts to be damaged. That being said, moving your backhoe into a large storage room or shade outside will shield it from the sun’s direct heat, leaving it less likely to break down from heat exposure. If building a storage room is not an option for your business or the construction site, shielding your equipment with tarps can also help to reduce direct heat exposure.

Avoid using equipment during peak hours

This may be difficult or impossible for many construction sites, since peak hours are typically 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Around this time, the sun is most intense and the engines or radiators for your heavy equipment are more likely to overheat or get damaged. Not to mention, exposing your employees to direct sunlight during peak hours can be harmful as well.

While avoiding peak hours is difficult, installing a thermostat can keep operators alert and help prevent various parts of your heavy equipment from unexpectedly overheating.

Switch to sleep mode or shut off equipment

Switching your construction equipment to “sleep mode” or even completely shutting it off allows it to cool down. While this should be done after hours, it is wise to do so during the day when the equipment is not in use. In addition, you will be able to save on energy costs for your business, which can run higher than expected in hot weather.

Beating the heat does not have to be difficult. Following these steps can help to keep your construction company’s equipment operational and even save costs for your business. Instead of replacing a damaged excavator or tractor, you can take precautionary measures to protect your equipment.

* sourced from constructionform.com

Summer Truck Maintenance:
Prepare Your Truck For The Busy Season

The weather has turned a seasonal corner, and it’s time to think about an entirely new type of driving conditions.

Is your truck prepared to roll comfortably along, without mishaps or breakdowns? Here are some truck driver tips that go beyond the obvious oil and filter changes and lube jobs, to ensure your summer is as productive as possible.

Tire pressure.

Over-inflated or under-inflated tires don’t perform well. Aside from poor fuel consumption and handling, incorrectly inflated tires can literally explode if they get hot enough. Speeding and the weight of your load can overheat tires. A blown tire can easily cause an accident or collateral damage. It could injure someone. And it will certainly take you off the road.

Batteries.

Easy to forget about your battery, since you won’t be worried about starting problems in the warm weather. But did you know that heat is actually harder on batteries? Excessive heat can cause a weak battery to fail. So make sure your battery’s electrolyte levels are full and the unit is fully charged. And keep your battery terminals and wire ends clean, to ensure a strong connection.

Air Conditioner.

Your truck will perform the same whether you’re comfortable or not, but you won’t enjoy your job much if you’re sweltering. Have your air conditioner checked for leaks, especially Schrader valves and hoses. Repair or replace as necessary, and recharge the system. Stay cool. Drive happy.

Coolant and coolant hoses.

Just because it’s called antifreeze doesn’t mean you don’t rely on it during the summer months, too. Double-check to be sure your coolant is in good condition, and inspect all your coolant hoses, too. Do you know how old those hoses are? You do if you purchased your truck new, but probably not if the truck was used.

So here are a couple more truck driver tips: replace all your coolant hoses, and replace the coolant. These things aren’t expensive. You’ll have peace of mind knowing the system is fresh, and as time passes, you’ll know how old your hoses are. That’s worth a lot, especially compared to the cost of a potential breakdown, towing charges or a blown engine.

Engine belts.

Like many of these items you should inspect as part of your pre-summer maintenance program, engine belts are often overlooked. They just keep going round and round, racking up an astounding amount of mileage with all those revolutions. And they have to flex as they’re rotating. That’s a lot of wear, yet we don’t give it much thought. Compare that to tires – you might get as much as 100,000 miles from them, but you always aim to replace them before they fail.

Replacing your engine belts is far cheaper than repairing your engine, so it’s smart to inspect all your belts for cracks or other wear indications.

Wherever your travels take you and your truck during your busy season this summer, you’ll travel more confidently and more profitably if you take the time to follow these truck driver tips for preventive maintenance.

sourced from: http://www.traceyroad.com