a 10' dump truck, a piece of used equipment from the custom truck rental fleet

Maintaining used equipment  and keeping it in good condition is important. It can save money, improve safety, and increase productivity. The average age of industrial equipment in the US is around ten years. Companies or individuals can extend their equipment lifespan by regular maintenance.

Heavy equipment is an important part of many companies’ operations. Therefore, a breakdown could spiral repair and replacement costs out of control. It would also lead to unplanned downtime. This interrupts the manufacturing process as well as productivity.

Above all, safety is a valuable incentive to maintain equipment in good shape. Faulty used equipment can result in injuries and fatalities to the users and people around.

The liabilities of faulty equipment can be better avoided by keeping used equipment in the best shape. Here are some tips.

Follow Recommended Maintenance from the Manual

Heavy equipment comes with an operator’s manual. The user guide highlights the equipment’s performance capabilities and maintenance specifications.

Equipment owners and operators should learn about all the regular maintenance tasks and when they should be done. Each unit has specific needs depending on function, make, and model, so technicians using the trucks should go through all information about the product to learn how to best use and maintain it.

Information like in-text warnings, cautions, weight balance, functionality, storage, and cleaning should be implemented. Where the guide is unclear, technicians should consult the manufacturer for guidance.

Keep Used Equipment Clean

Dirty machines break down faster than well-maintained machines. Equipment owners should schedule regular cleaning routines.

Construction and forestry sites are muddy, dusty, and have complex terrains. Such environments expose trucks to harsh conditions.

Construction equipment used for concrete or waste need regular cleaning after use. Cleaning prevents built-up excess in moving parts. After use, a quick rinse down gets rid of mud as well as other particles that might damage the equipment.

Cleaning methods will vary from tool to tool. With some equipment, cleaning can be as simple as a good wipe down. Others may require deep cleaning. Manuals guide how each equipment and its parts should be cleaned and with what.

Store the Equipment Properly

Storage is paramount in keeping used equipment in the best shape. Some units are not weatherproof. The majority of equipment will last longest stored in a dry, climate-controlled environment.

A damp and dirty storage environment can cause rusting and other issues. Power tools stored in a moist environment can degrade the electrical component.

Proper storage varies from tool to tool, but  the general standards users can consider in storage are:

  • Store in a safe and dry place
  • Wash and dry before storing

Heavy equipment needs a good storage environment to avoid unnecessary repairs.

Inspect Used Equipment Regularly

Regular inspection keeps the owner updated on needed repairs and maintenance and be done at reliable service centers. An inspection ensures that the a truck has no problems.

A truck inspection list should cover the engine, brakes, clutch, radiator, cooling system, and lubrication.

Professional inspections are more thorough on the above parts and accessories. Some accessories like seat belts, headlamps, fuel systems, electrical systems, and cables significantly determine a truck’s longevity and condition.

The regular inspection eliminates the opportunity for the most harmful wear and tear. It increases your equipment safety, reduces repair costs, and extends lifespan. It may cost money up front, however any time and resources spent on regular maintenance outweigh the risks and liabilities of faulty equipment.

Maintenance records should be written down. Having proper records ensures continuity in the used equipment maintenance. It helps even when the employee in charge is not available.

It also ensures critical issues are tracked, and maintenance is done within the set timelines.

Replace Essential Parts When Necessary

Some machinery components need more attention than others. They are vulnerable to wear and tear and damage and may require constant replacement.

Truck components that need replacement often include;

  • Oil and oil filter
  • Battery
  • Cabin air filter
  • Spark plugs
  • Tires and
  • Brake pads

Upon inspection, components that require repair or replacement should be attended to as soon as possible.

Used Equipment should run smoothly always. Therefore, the owner should regularly replace some essential equipment.

Dump and boom trucks often drive on dirt and gravel roads, which quickly wear the tires and brake pads. Complex terrains can also lead to misalignment of axles. Misalignment of truck axles can make a truck drive erratically, leading to accidents.

Consequently, replacement of the necessary components of the used equipment is imperative.

Ensure Regular Lubrication

Many moving parts of an upfitted truck body need regular lubrication. Therefore, heavy construction equipment benefits from regular lubrication and oil changes. For engine oils, technicians should revisit the manual to determine the ideal product. Oil replacement should consider viscosity and performance-enhancing properties.

It may be common knowledge why equipment needs lubrication. However, many people don’t understand the risks of not lubricating some parts of a machine. Lack of lubrication can render used equipment inoperable.

Lubricants reduce friction and ensure optimal use of your unit. They also prevent machine wear and corrosion. They keep them clean by transporting contaminating particles to filters.

Keep Used Equipment Running Smoothly

Heavy equipment is a valuable asset in running daily business operations. A breakdown of the used equipment is a costly liability that can shut down a business. Equipment in good condition, on the other hand, ensures continuous productivity and reduces repair and replacement costs.

Additionally, it helps retain the resale price. This comes in handy when eventually disposing of the equipment.

Truck owners don’t have to wait for major damages to improve their used equipment. Contact us with any professional equipment maintenance questions.