All equipment will eventually break down, including yours. It may need to be repaired or completely replaced, but at some point, it will stop functioning - most likely when you least expect it.
That leads to expensive downtime as you wait to source vital parts and complete repairs - or even finance the purchase of new machinery.
It's a nightmare scenario. However, with the right mindset, you can approach machinery maintenance with a positive attitude and avoid serious mistakes.
What are some of the common mistakes in machinery maintenance - and more importantly, how can you avoid them? Here are 5 machinery maintenance mistakes you need to avoid.
1. Not Training Your Staff
Using poorly trained or underqualified staff can lead to incorrect repairs, maintenance being ignored, and in some cases, injuries to your staff. Don't just hire good operators - train your existing operators on the different aspects of the devices and equipment they are using.
2. Opting For Cheap Replacement Parts
When equipment inevitably does break down, some opt for cheap (and often untested) replacement parts that aren't up to the task. In the long run, you may be paying more by replacing machinery parts in quick succession. Plus there's the additional cost of downtime.
Take rollers for example. Genuine, high-quality rollers will be quiet, roll smoothly, and absorb shock.
Additionally, genuine spare parts are likely to be covered by a warranty.
3. Improper Storage
Substantial damage to machinery can occur. Incorrect storage for machinery can lead to extreme temperature exposure or possible exposure to water or humidity.
Rust and corrosion can occur due to improper storage. Machinery can be damaged due to extremely cold temperatures or freezing. Exposure to the elements can damage exposed wires.
Damage from the elements isn't always immediately apparent.
4. Ignoring Regular Maintenance
Along with ignoring replacement part quality, many ignore scheduling regular machinery maintenance. When left unaddressed, small issues can quickly become bigger issues.
Maintenance typically falls into one of four categories: corrective, preventive, condition-based, and predictive. An equipment maintenance log contains information about when the equipment was inspected, the condition, the operating hours, and other information about inspections and repairs. This log can be either written manually or created digitally.
Regular maintenance can maximize the lifespan of your equipment. It's worth taking the take to conduct regular inspections and maintenance.
5. Ignoring Telematics
Many equipment operators ignore data such as telematics. Telematics is a term used for the technology that captures location and performance data about machinery.
Telematics can include:
- maintenance alerts
- GPS location
- fuel consumption
- idling time
- battery voltage
- other data.
Telematics can help detect problems that might not immediately be apparent with a visual inspection. This can be crucial to reducing major equipment failures.
Avoid These Mistakes in Machinery Maintenance
Mistakes in machinery maintenance can lead to serious work injuries. Avoiding maintenance can lead to expensive repairs, replacements, and costly downtime.
While all machinery eventually breaks down, avoiding these mistakes will prolong the life of your equipment. Then you focus on other important aspects of your business.
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