Heavy equipment is the fundamental component of many construction projects, from complex bridges to huge skyscrapers. These tools are put through continuous heavy-duty jobs that may deteriorate their life. Only the properly kept and maintained equipment will last longer and give better output. For this purpose, proper lubrication is one of the most basic factors that directly affect this equipment’s longevity and function.
Read this article to explore the three essential actions to take and understand how the proper usage of grease can enhance the equipment’s performance and longevity.
Check the Compatibility of Machine and Grease
The first and foremost step is to analyze whether the grease matches the equipment requirement or not. This is one of the most important factors that people ignore often. Fleet managers are responsible for making sure the lubricant used for heavy equipment machinery complies with the temperature and viscosity requirements specified by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the machine. Although lubricating a machine may appear like an easy task, there are particular considerations that should be made for each circumstance since they may have an impact on the outcome. Numerous elements, such as the product’s age and condition, the additive chemistry, and the base oil, might influence how the lubricant interacts with the machine.
Two of the most important aspects to keep in mind while lubricating heavy machinery are to make sure it meets OEM specifications and to completely refill the unit with new grease. Remember that neglecting these procedures may lead to unforeseen problems that ultimately endanger the project’s budget and timeline.
Consider Environmental Factors
After the compatibility of grease and equipment, you must consider the operating temperature of the equipment as the temperature of the operating environment can affect grease efficacy. The thickness and general performance of grease have a great influence on both the outside and inside temperature of a machine’s component. It is important to consider the location and usage of a machine because certain lubricants are more appropriate for extremely cold or hot operating settings. You must check the viscosity of the grease and verify if it is good for the current working condition of the machine.
Furthermore, the grease’s efficacy highly depends on how clean it is. Tiny particles may get stuck in grease during the application and refilling, which could lead to damage and wear down machine parts. Grease becomes increasingly prone to contamination with each handling or transfer. Therefore, managers need to take precautions to ensure that they are applying greases carefully in order to reduce the possibility of unnecessary contamination entering the system.
Also, it is essential to store greases and grease guns properly in addition to keeping everything clean. These materials should stay in dry, cold, and clean spaces to avoid contamination and to keep them in the best possible shape for usage. Ignoring this factor could put at risk the lubricants’ integrity and, in turn, the functionality of the machinery.
Analyze the Cost vs. Price
The initial cost of lubricating a machine might be significantly beaten by the expenses from inadequate maintenance or lubrication. It is imperative for construction managers to acknowledge that lubricating equipment is a cost-saving measure rather than an expense. Increased performance, improved efficiency, decreased downtime, and extended equipment life are the tangible results of proper machinery lubrication, which also yields a positive return on investment (ROI).
An investment rate of up to 45:1 is easy to obtain by lubrication, according to industry leader Polaris Labs. This indicates that a possible savings of $45,000 might be achievable for every $1,000 invested in high-quality lubricants and lubrication procedures. This highlights how important it is to spend money on high-quality grease upfront to avoid future harm to machinery and components.
Equipment managers frequently believe that the priciest oil is automatically the best option for their machinery. However, greases range in price for a variety of reasons. The capacity of a lubricant to coat and shield machine components efficiently is what determines whether or not it is the best choice for a given machine. The best way to ensure efficient performance is to assess grease according to its merits and suitability for the needs and specifications of a machine.
Construction organizations can increase equipment performance while lowering costs by prioritizing equipment maintenance and following these recommendations. It is important to keep in mind that the initial expense of a lubricant is different when compared to the cost of replacing a machine or component in the case of an emergency.
Footnote
Heavy construction equipment lubrication is an essential component of efficient construction methods. The efficiency, performance, and durability of heavy machinery can be greatly improved by taking the actions mentioned in this article, which include making sure the grease and machine are compatible, taking environmental considerations into account, and performing a thorough price vs. cost analysis. Construction organizations cannot afford to ignore the need for adequate lubrication in an industry where accuracy and longevity are critical success factors.