Making a new small business successful requires hard work, planning and the right employees. If you own a construction business, you also need the right heavy equipment to make this venture successful. Most construction companies rely on heavy machinery like bulldozers, access equipment and front-end loaders to get the job done. Since these machines are an essential part of your business, you have to work hard to keep them functioning at optimal levels.
Without the proper maintenance and repairs, it is only a matter of time before you are without the equipment you need to finish a construction project. Below are some common mistakes that can damage your heavy equipment and what you can do to avoid them.
Neglecting Regular Maintenance
There are a number of systems that keep a piece of heavy equipment running efficiently. Maintaining the integrity of important components like the engine and hydraulic machinery is crucial when trying to avoid serious damage. Often, business owners ignore the need for routine maintenance until their heavy equipment is out of commission, leading to damage to the equipment, expensive replacement costs and delays in project completion.
Schedule routine maintenance and be sure to complete it on time. Train your employees to watch for signs of degradation. If you need to replace certain parts on your piece of heavy equipment, use a reputable supplier like Costex to help you get the high-quality parts you need for a competitive price.
Failing to Provide Protection from the Elements
Construction businesses spend millions of dollars annually on new equipment. A new piece of heavy equipment is quite expensive, which is why you need to do all you can to protect this investment. Leaving your equipment outside unprotected can result in severe damage over time due to the weather.
Exposing your equipment to rain and snow can lead to the electrical components in your equipment getting moisture in them and rusting over time. Being exposed to this moisture can irreparably damage these components, which is why you need to protect them adequately. Investing in covered trailers to keep on the job site is a great way to keep your equipment in good working condition.
Not Following a Pre-Operation Checklist
An experienced construction business owner understands the importance of getting the whole team involved when it comes to properly caring for the equipment. Take some time to create a pre-operation checklist for your employees to help keep them and your equipment safe. This checklist should include things such as regular visual inspections of the tires, hydraulic system and interior controls. With these checklists, your team members can discover problems with the equipment early on and prevent expensive damages.
When problems are discovered, you need to let an experienced mechanic diagnose and fix them. Attempting DIY repairs on your heavy equipment can make the issues you are experiencing much worse.
Now that you know more about how to properly care for your heavy equipment, put these tips to use to protect your investment and your employees, and keep your equipment running strong for years to come.
