5 Warning Signs That Your Heavy Equipment Is Overworked

One of your most valuable assets is your construction equipment. Downtime and maintenance costs can have an impact on project schedules and earnings when something goes wrong with it. These are just a few of the reasons why it’s critical to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for correct use, conduct pre-and post-operation inspections, and be proactive about preventative maintenance. It’s also crucial to be aware of common warning indications that your heavy equipment is being overworked.

Excessive wear and tear might occur if your machines are overworked. It has the potential to reduce power and efficiency while also causing damage. This reduces productivity, needs additional maintenance and repairs, necessitates more frequent part replacements, and increases costs and profits in various ways.

If your heavy equipment is nearing the end of its service life or has been overworked, it may be time to replace it and get some of the benefits that come with it. If you don’t have enough equipment to match the demands of your present jobs, it may be time to expand your fleet and expand your business.

So, to protect your productivity and earnings, keep an eye out for these warning indications that your heavy equipment is overworked.

1. The Warning Lights Have Turned On

Warning lights are an important warning symbol, which should come as no surprise. The equipment’s sensors have discovered a problem, and we’re alerting you about it. Ignoring (or concealing with electrical tape) bright warning light will not solve the situation. The equipment is likely being overworked and underserviced if the indication lights come on more frequently than usual. And it’s even worse if they go out without the issue being resolved; it signifies the light has most likely burned out due to being on for too long or too frequently.

2. Disruptions

This is one of the more visible symptoms that your heavy equipment is being overworked. Machines should not break down if they are utilized properly and repaired on a regular basis. Downtime is a tremendous annoyance that may throw a project’s timeline off, and it’s also expensive. While machine failure is an unavoidable component of the industry, it is typically avoidable. If it’s happening to one or more of your computers on a regular basis, you’re probably overworking them by leaving them in use for too long, overextending their capabilities, or failing to perform simple maintenance.

3. Fluid Levels Are Frequently Depleted

Fluid management must be carefully monitored to ensure the longevity and productivity of your devices. If engine or transmission oils, hydraulic fluids, coolants, or other fluids are consistently low, even when checked and filled on a regular basis, the equipment is most likely overworked. It’s also possible that there’s a leak someplace. If you can’t see it on the outside of the machine, the problem could be an interior seal that has cracked. Fluids frequently leak into other components of the engine or hydraulic system as a result of this.

4. Changing the Color of the Exhaust

The exhaust of a car or construction machine might reveal crucial information about its condition. Exhaust should be colorless in most cases (though it’s typical for it to appear slightly yellowish at first). If the exhaust from a piece of heavy equipment becomes visible, it’s a sign that you’re overworking it and that something is wrong with it. Here’s some background on the various exhaust colors and what they mean.

5. Unusual Sounds

Other reliable warning indications that your heavy machinery is overworked are audible. Operators and other on-site employees should be familiar with the typical sounds of the heavy equipment they use. They should also be on the lookout for new or changing sounds, as this is a significant indicator that something isn’t quite right. It’s time for a machine check-up if you hear rattling, clanking, hissing, or notable changes in the loudness or pitch of typical sounds, among other noises.

Source : Trekker Group