Our years of experience with Portland commercial demolition have taught us the importance of proper equipment maintenance. One untimely breakage can stop a demolition outfit cold. A single malfunctioning part can stop many other elements, throwing off a whole crew. Since a single lost day can translate to thousands of dollars of lost revenue, demolition companies do well to keep their equipment properly maintained.
Here are the main components of thorough equipment maintenance in the demolition industry.
Equipment Maintenance for Commercial and Industrial Demolition
Maintain an Inventory of Spare Parts.
Demolition equipment mechanics can list commonly needed parts, which should be kept on hand if possible. Less common parts should also be kept and inventoried, in case they are required later. We recommend that demolition contractors pay special attention to parts that are only obtainable through the manufacturer. Highlight these, so that your mechanics crew can keep a close eye on them. Should a specialized part show signs of wear, we recommend ordering it early, so you have it on hand as needed. This proactive approach helps prevent downtime. It’s also wise to monitor the used parts market. This will help you buy spare parts as early at reasonable prices.
Set Up and Follow Maintenance Calendars.
Each piece of demolition equipment should have its own maintenance calendar, with various maintenance tasks scheduled out. Regular maintenance tasks, such as oil and filter changes, can be consistently carried out with a proper maintenance schedule. Slow periods are perfect for catching up on any maintenance tasks that may have been dropped.
Inspect Hoses and Fittings Frequently, and Replace as Needed.
Certain elements wear out more quickly, and as such you can expect to replace them regularly. Hoses and fittings fall into this category. Demolition contractors should be trained to keep watch over such parts, so that any components damaged by dry rot may be replaced in a timely manner.
Keep Equipment Histories.
The complexity and power of demolition equipment mandates the keeping of performance histories. A simple file listing equipment problems and tendencies can go a long way in quickly correcting breakages. Equipment histories can also help you predict which parts will need replacement, so that you may purchase early.
With forethought and consistent maintenance tracking, demolition contractors can minimize equipment repair costs.