posted
on Tuesday, September 5, 2023
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News
Maintaining Used Equipment is Good for Business
Effective and efficient equipment maintenance ensures that your assets remain in good working condition, perform efficiently and have a longer lifespan, thereby minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity. Maintenance on used equipment differs from new equipment because it often requires frequent inspections and repairs since previous wear and tear exists. It is even more crucial to have proper documentation of past maintenance history when dealing with used equipment, wherein new equipment typically benefits from manufacturer warranties and requires less immediate attention. New equipment maintenance can focus more on preventive care to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
When you want to get the most out of your used equipment, it's vital to schedule regular and systematic inspection, servicing, and repair of machinery, tools, vehicles or any other assets in your inventory. Let's consider where this practice can benefit you and what types of used equipment maintenance and processes you should consider.
Types of Equipment Management
Preventative Maintenance:
Schedule routine inspections and maintenance tasks to prevent equipment failures and address minor issues before they become significant problems.
Predictive Maintenance:
This approach uses data and technology to predict when maintenance is required based on the condition of the equipment. Predictive analytics help optimize maintenance schedules and minimize downtime. Suppose you know that certain types of equipment break down more often or require maintenance at specific intervals? In that case, this enables you to plan for downtime and budget for your maintenance needs.
Corrective Maintenance:
(Breakdown maintenance) involves addressing issues after they have occurred, typically in response to equipment failure. You can't plan for it other than just being mindful and proactive along the way. Depending on the severity of the issue and the urgency of the needed piece of equipment, this is also considered emergency maintenance.
Routine Maintenance:
Regularly scheduled tasks, such as cleaning, lubricating and essential inspections, are performed to keep equipment in good working condition. Your used equipment is no different than any other vehicle you own. Regular checks can help you avoid those corrective issues in the future. Checks to have on your list can include:
• Check valve stems for any leakage
• Always check the ground under your equipment for oil hydraulic leaks
• Check battery terminals for corrosion
• Keep windows clean so they don’t obstruct your vision
• Check all headlights and warning lights to make sure they’re operational
Steps to Take When Working Through Maintenance
Identification:
Identifying maintenance issues involves monitoring equipment performance, conducting inspections and using various diagnostic tools to pinpoint potential problems. The identification process consists of being mindful and having the right technology.
Cause & Effect:
Understanding the root cause of a maintenance issue is crucial for practical solutions. Analyzing data and historical records helps you determine why a problem occurred.
Means & Ends:
Maintenance teams must determine the best approach (means) to address an issue and the desired outcome (ends), including deciding between repairing, replacing or modifying equipment.
Common Maintenance Issues and Solutions
Managing Different Types of Equipment:
Implement an equipment categorization system, prioritize maintenance based on criticality and ensure specialized training for technicians handling specific equipment.
Preventative Maintenance:
Establish a comprehensive maintenance schedule, use CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) to track tasks and create checklists for routine inspections.
Forecasting and Sourcing Parts:
Analyze historical maintenance data to predict parts requirements. Contact Potestio Brothers Equipment to ensure timely part availability.
Consistent Records:
It doesn’t matter if you perform the maintenance yourself or have a professional do it: Make sure you have an organized system for keeping any records and documents, including receipts, owner's manuals, dealership information, warranties and service records.
Using a CMMS is an effective way to monitor and manage equipment maintenance. A CMMS helps track maintenance schedules, record work orders, manage spare parts inventory and generate reports on equipment performance.
Safety Standards:
• Provide continuous safety training for maintenance personnel
• Conduct safety assessments
• Enforce strict adherence to safety protocols
Why is Used Equipment Maintenance Important?
Cost Savings: Regular maintenance helps identify and address potential issues before they escalate into major breakdowns, reducing repair costs. It also lowers the chances of unexpected failures, avoiding costly emergency repairs.
Safety: Well-maintained equipment operates more reliably and poses fewer safety risks to workers. Properly maintained machinery is less likely to cause accidents and injuries, creating a safer working environment.
Equipment Longevity: Regular maintenance extends the lifespan of your equipment. Proper lubrication, cleaning, and adjustments help prevent wear and tear, enabling assets to perform at their best for longer.
The final piece of the used equipment maintenance puzzle is your record-keeping track of equipment maintenance issues. Your records will help you be more proactive and help you plan when it's time to decide between repairing, replacing or modifying your equipment. Keeping good records will help when it comes to budgeting for repairs and new equipment needs.
Preventative, regular maintenance is your friend when it comes to used equipment. Minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity is the goal for everyone. Taking the time to track maintenance and perform timely checks on each piece of used equipment will save you money every time.
- used equipment maintenance