07/28/2021
SUMMER HEAT & YOUR EQUIPMENT!
The hot summer temperatures in Georgia can stress not only construction workers, but also for construction equipment!
Summer not only brings increased temperatures, but longer work days as well. This can be stressful to not only your equipment operators, but to your equipment as well!
Keeping your equipment running efficiently requires daily and long-term maintenance that focuses on operating life and safety, according to Brett Kasubke of United Rentals. Per Mr. Kasubke,
contractors need to adapt equipment maintenance to the seasons.
He shared the following "best practice tips" to keep your equipment running and producing:
1. Coolant and Oil - Engines get very hot in the summer heat. Daily maintenance checks should ensure that the machine has the proper coolant level, coolant / water ratio, and oil levels recommended by the manufacturer. Radiators must run totally full to prevent oxygen entering the system.
2. Grease - Hot temps reduce the adhesive properties of grease, so thicker grease is required. Consult your equipment manual to find which grease is best for your machine. Remember that grease can be squeezed out during heavy operations like earthmoving. When dust and silt mix with grease, it increases the wear and tear on your equipment.
3. Belts and Hoses - Discolored hoses and loose belts offer the first hint of overheating, so be sure to inspect them regularly.
4. Hydraulic System and Air Filters - On your walk around, check for possible signs of hydraulic leaks, excess oil and grease, leaks around seals and loos bolts. Also, give the air filters a look-over as well.
5. Tires - Hot conditions weaken tires and may cause a blowout. Check tire pressure regularly. Tire pressure increases with temperature which can lead to over-inflation. Also, an underinflated tire heats up more quickly.
6. Be sure to check the brakes. The hot temps can cause loss of brake friction because the components cannot absorb the additional heat.
7. Summer working conditions require maximum airflow through the oil cooler. Check that the radiators and inlets and outlets of the cooling system are free of debris. Accumulated dust that cakes can clog a cooling system, so use compressed air daily to clean it.
Shared from "ForConstructionPros.com"