Trying to manage a worksite and a group of operators is no easy assignment. Add in the lingering concern about the health of your equipment and the burdens seem to compound. Added stress worrying about your equipment is unnecessary and frankly, somewhat avoidable. At the end of the day, having peace of mind that your equipment is operating properly without fear an issue arising is nearly priceless.
Risk aversion is a precious commodity and heavy equipment maintenance can be one of the most important rungs in the ladder of success for your operation. Start your free trial of Fleetio Manage or schedule a demo to learn how you can leverage maintenance software to help your business. Matt is the Content Marketing Manager at Fleetio. If he's not developing strategies for new, engaging content, you can find him trying to develop his golf game. Call us at or email hello fleetio. Early detection of potential equipment issues By conducting thorough heavy equipment inspections, your operators are ensuring that the necessary components are in working order.
Some of the most important components and systems to check include: Oil level Coolant level Fuel Gauges and meters Tires or tracks Battery Try using equipment maintenance software that will enable your operators to log inspections electronically. Heavy equipment inspections and maintenance can limit safety issues When focusing on daily objectives, risk management can be easily overlooked.
Not all operators work entirely in a safe manner. Shocking, right? Prevent breakdowns and downtime The underlying success of a manufacturing or construction business hinges on the reliability of its equipment. About the Author. Fixing equipment problems before they become more-expensive problems.
Equipment problems tend to escalate. One problem not known about or left unattended can lead to other problems. If the problem eventually leads to failure in the field, the result is the safety-related and productivity costs discussed above. And once failure occurs, replacement is often more expensive due to time pressures. When pre-use equipment inspections reveal problems—and those problems are immediately communicated to maintenance personnel who can take action—equipment can receive the attention it needs when it can be most effective, at a lower cost.
Providing documentation for protection against liability exposure. If a workplace injury or fatality occurs, you can be in compliance but still be found negligent. When using an equipment checklist such as The Checker, the checklist provides evidence that inspections have been performed, which can prove to be invaluable in defending against liability claims.
A systematic program of regularly inspecting commercial equipment will not only provide compliance with regulations, it can strengthen a business by lowering costs, reducing negative effects on productivity, and guarding against liability risk.
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However, certain conditions require a more thorough inspection , best performed by a trained technician. You should get your equipment professionally inspected when:. When in doubt, get your equipment inspected by a trusted professional. With Cat EM Services Level 2 , you will have direct access to expert advice and recommendations regarding the maintenance and care of your heavy equipment.
In conjunction with your custom equipment monitoring program, you can schedule, administer and document equipment inspections performed by your team or a MacAllister Machinery expert. Inspection results are available through the Cat Inspect app or VisionLink system. We make inspections and data collection easy so you have more time to focus on your business and putting your equipment to use. One of our technicians will:. Do not wait to check your equipment for important repairs.
Take preventive measures and save yourself money, time and headaches down the road. For a free inspection, fill out our free inspection request form or contact MacAllister Machinery today. Request Your Free Inspection. All rights reserved. View All MacAllister Sites. MacAllister Railroad Rental equipment specialized for railroad applications. MacAllister Outdoors Outdoor power equipment in Indiana from top brands. Menu Com My. MacAllister Legal Notices. What Do Inspectors Look For?
What Are the Benefits of Equipment Inspections? Equipment Inspections are a Standard Part of EM Services Level 2 With regular inspection, you make sure your equipment is in top shape and can handle the toughest jobs. In general, equipment inspectors will check the following components using both diagnostic tools and an expert eye: Roll-over protection structures, including seatbelts Gauges and lights Battery Engine performance Safety features such as deflectors and sweeps Steering components Brake systems Exhaust system Cooling system Fan belts Engine support Radiator guards Transmission function Tracks and rollers Rear hitch Oil level and condition Tires and wheels Glass and mirrors Undercarriage Hydraulic system Heavy equipment is a significant investment, so it is worth fitting maintenance and inspections into your work schedule.
Poor maintenance: Failing to replace belts or forgetting to check oil levels, for example. Poor electrical connections: An inspector can detect electrical issues early, before equipment breaks down and causes you to lose work. Not replacing worn parts: By fixing only one broken part, you are only temporarily taking care of the issue. Other worn parts need to be inspected to prevent further damage and future costs.
Ignoring warning signals: Always ask a technician to investigate a warning signal. Ignoring a warning signal can lead to major equipment damage or serious injury.
Lower Risk of Workplace Injuries Regular inspections lower the chances of one of your workers getting injured. Lost Time If a worker gets injured as a result of damaged equipment, chances are, they are going to miss some time.
Restaffing Costs If a worker is severely injured, they might need a long time to recover, or they may never return to the jobsite. Possible Fines Avoid fines and serious violations with regular inspections by ensuring safety at all times.
Could Be Held Liable There are plenty of ways you could legally be liable if equipment fails and causes injury. Increase Productivity Although safety is a priority, consider how damaged equipment can also affect productivity.
Thermally induced failure: Equipment overheats, or extreme temps cause equipment to break down. Mechanically induced failure: It is easy to prevent this with inspection and replacing parts. Mechanically induced failure often happens due to overexertion, collision and misuse or abuse.
Erratic failure: Occurs randomly due to harder-to-detect reasons, such as electrical issues or software malfunction.
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