All day long, construction sites are humming with activity, with heavy machinery working nonstop to finish the job. While efficiency is frequently the main goal, it is equally crucial to ensure these large machines are ready to work at their peak the following day. Hence, the end-of-day inspections and maintenance of these heavy machines are essential to avoiding expensive downtime and assuring the security of the machinery and its operators.
Fundamentals of a Day’s End Checklist
The end-of-day checklist will benefit your business regardless of the kind of heavy machinery you use. You should incorporate the following tasks into your everyday routine.
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Fill Up on Fuel and DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid)
It is critical to maintain a tank full of fuel at the end of your shift. A full tank helps prevent condensation from developing in the fuel, which can result in costly downtime. Diesel exhaust fluid does not suffer from condensation as much as petrol does, but topping it off while you refuel is still a good idea.
Lower Hydraulic Implements to the Ground
Be sure to lower the booms and buckets to the ground before stepping out of the cab of your used backhoes. Not only is this practical, but it is also a critical safety precaution to stop people from walking underneath an unsupported hydraulic system. In addition, lowering the tools makes it possible for you to check the hydraulic oil at the end of your shift and guarantees that they are prepared for the job the following day.
Allow Two Minutes to Idle Before Shutting Down
It is important to allow your machine to idle for at least two minutes before shutting it down. The turbocharger must cool down for a while because frequent hot shutdowns can harm the engine. Some equipment, such as those made by Volvo, have a delayed engine shutdown capability that prevents the risk of damage.
Practice Safe Exit
To reduce the risk of tripping, slides, and falls, always maintain three points of contact when leaving the machine. Even when your shift ends, safety should still come first.
Turn -Off Battery
At the end of your shift, make it a habit to turn off the battery disconnect switch. This little step will protect you from any problems by ensuring that nothing will drain the batteries overnight.
Quick Walkaround
Take time to assess the state of your tools. Check the tracks or tires for debris and any severe damage. To save needless wear and tear while working in muddy conditions, make sure the tracks are clean. Focusing on hydraulics is also essential to spot possible leaks, which the nightshift technician may take care of right once you find them.
How long does it typically take?
The good news is that thorough pre- and post-trip machine inspections do not necessarily have to take a lot of time. In fact, investing just three to five minutes in these tasks can have a huge impact on your company’s ability to save money and reduce downtime.
You may consider that during your check you find a little hydraulic line leak that may be repaired for a few hundred dollars. If you put off making this repair, you’d need to replace the hydraulic oil, and if you’re on an EPA-regulated site, you might even need to hire a cleanup crew. The overall expenses in this situation might easily reach hundreds of dollars.
Endnote
Heavy construction equipment inspections and maintenance are a must in the construction industry. Even while it can seem like a short time commitment, it has a big impact on lowering repair costs, reducing downtime, and ensuring the safety of the machinery and its operators.
You can maintain the performance of your heavy equipment by following a straightforward checklist that requires topping off fuel and DEF, lowering hydraulic implements, allowing for a brief cooldown period, practicing safe exits, turning off the battery disconnect switch, and quickly walking around the machine. These actions not only help you save money, but they also promote a safer workplace and more effective operations at the job site.
