Working in the construction industry means you’re consistently facing deadlines. Not meeting deadlines can be quite costly for the overall project. That said, it’s not uncommon for teams to work long hours and push their equipment to the brink.
Many project managers opt for the mobile crane hire Melbourne companies rely on to meet deadlines. Others however have their own heavy machinery. Without the benefits of a rental company reminding you of service dates, it’s easy to overwork your machines. What are the signs to look out for? Keep reading to find out.
Even Tough Machines Need a Break
Yes, construction machinery is stronger than it’s ever been. With the added factor of technological features, they’re more efficient, getting the job done much faster. In many instances, these added features may give your organisation an edge over your competitors.
Despite their strength, it has to be said, your machines are only as strong as their maintenance plans. Depending on the magnitude of your project, it’s also possible for your machines to become overworked before the next maintenance is due. Here are a few tell-tale signs to look out for.
1. Warning Lights Continuously Coming on
We all know how annoying a warning light can be. It’s usually a clear indication that somewhere, something needs attention. While your first instinct might be to ignore them because “the unit seems to be working fine” or “we’re not far away from the next maintenance session” it’s important to not ignore these lights.
If the warning light is continuously coming on, the machine should immediately be taken for service to determine the cause. Doing this might prevent a larger problem down the line when something else breaks. This may end up being more expensive than a regular service.
2. Strange Sounds
In many instances, you don’t need a diagnostic tool to tell you that there’s something wrong with your machine. You simply need to listen to it while it’s on and working. If you’re familiar with the machine you’ll be well aware of the sounds it should make under ordinary conditions. Therefore it should be quite easy to identify a new, uncharacteristic sound.
If a driver or operator reports a strange sound, don’t dismiss it—rather check it out for yourself. Sounds to look out for include hisses, rattles or even the sound of metal grinding against metal. A little annoying sound usually turns into a very expensive problem to fix. Nip it in the bud as soon as possible.
3. Constant Low Fluid Levels
Checking your machine’s fluids is part of daily or weekly maintenance. One can almost say that fluids such as oils, water and grease are the lifeblood of your machines as these fluids enable your machine to work properly. Furthermore, these fluids maintain pressure in the hydraulic components and ensure that gears are working properly.
The first indication that there’s something wrong with your machine can be chalked down to unusual leaks. If you find that you’re continuously pouring in new fluids—more than usual—it’s a sign that something may be wrong. This could be a result of any of the following issues:
- Broken internal seals
- Faulty hydraulic system
- Problems with the gear system
- Oil leak
- Water leak
4. Breakdowns
No matter how strong your construction equipment is, breakdowns are common. Sometimes they can be prevented by regular and proper maintenance. Other times, breakdowns happen as a result of continuous overworking. Some tips to prevent this include:
- Always check your machinery on time.
- Work according to a maintenance schedule.
- If you’re overworking your machines, consider moving up the maintenance schedule.
- Opt to use the Franna crane hire Melbourne teams make use of on days when your own equipment is being serviced.
- Speak to the operators or drivers about how the machine is working if you aren’t always on site with them. They may be fixing small problems themselves to be able to carry on working. While this may get the day’s job done, it’s just delaying the inevitable. Rather get the machine looked at.
5. Change in Exhaust Fumes
Another clear indication that one of your machines requires maintenance sooner than expected stems from the colour of the exhaust fumes. Normal exhaust fumes should be colourless or may contain a white tinge. When the colour starts changing, it’s time to take a closer look at the machine.
Here you should look out for:
- Excessive, thick white smoke that indicates water or coolant is leaking into the combustion chamber.
- Blue smoke implies an internal oil leak.
- Black smoke indicates too much fuel is in the engine.
Final Thought
Don’t let an overworked machine be the reason your team doesn’t make their next deadline. Looking out for these tell-tale signs is an easy way to identify a small problem before it escalates into something more expensive, leading to further delays. When it comes to your equipment, it pays to be proactive!