My guys inspect their machines every day at the beginning of their shift. Have you ever looked it over? Studied the sheets they turn in at the end of every week or month? Do you notice any patterns? Most managers never look at the inspection sheets unless someone brings up an issue. Here is why we need to look at and study the daily inspection performed on our equipment.
The best way to tell if you’re going to have an issue with a piece of equipment is to predict it. You can do this by watching the inspection sheet. If the fluid levels are continuously dropping you need maintenance, if the right rear tire is low every day it needs to be looked at. Watch the sheets and make a spreadsheet of the answers, soon you will begin to see patterns and begin to predict the best times for maintenance and avoid high cost repairs by catching them before they become major issues.
Most equipment comes with a maintenance schedule or inspection sheets. If you don’t have them for your equipment contact the manufacture or dealer for them. This will give you a starting point for the best practice. Make it mandatory that these are done before every shift and turned in at the end of the week before the operator leaves at the end of the week. As a manager and/or owner, make sure you look them over, talk to your employees about them, good, bad or indifferent, letting them know you look at the sheets makes a valuable impression and you will get better inspections.
Machines need lubricants to live, they are the life bloods of your business. Every machine has special requirements as to the type of oil, grease and other fluids it uses. In the long run using the correct fluids will make your equipment last longer and perform better. Oils are design specifically for engine clearances and temperatures, using 5w30 where 5w20 is called for can result in catastrophic engine failure. Using a grease that isn’t designed for a high heat application will result in a dry surface and eventual part failure. Read the manual, have the correct fluids on hand and use them. Different equipment has different needs, contact your lubricant supplier for multiple needs that can be covered by one type of grease.
With all this being said it comes down to being aware of your equipment and how it is being used and maintained. Keep your machines running strong!
Adam Lindley, Sales and Marketing Manager, SAS Forks, 12yrs.
Adam grew up working in his family business of Semi-tractor/trailer repair, specializing in tank trailers. He attended and graduated NWTC weld/fabrication as a Certified Welder. He started his career as an automotive repair technician and became ASE Certified Master Tech, then moved on to heavy equipment. Adam travels to customer’s yards assisting with equipment installation, training and repairs as well as forklift training for groups and tradeshows. Working at SAS we strive to design and develop new products for the Auto Salvage industry. Adam is in the forefront of this industry and currently has 4 patents.
SAS Forks, 877-727-3675, www.sasforks.com.