Like a car, heavy equipment and construction machinery require preventive maintenance to stay in peak condition and keep your operators safe. Performing scheduled fluid analysis is one of these practices that enables you to identify potential problems and invest in the long-term health of your equipment — and your business. We minimized the top reasons you should schedule your fluid analysis today to minimize wear and tear on your equipment.
Your heavy equipment may look great on the outside, but fluid analysis can tell you the true condition of your fleet. Regular fluid analysis is the most effective way to predict and diagnose complications before they lead to critical failures.
Consider fluid analysis like human bloodwork — it gives you a comprehensive look at your equipment’s engine oil, coolants and greases. Poor lubrication, moisture in transmission fluid, excessive loads and extreme weather can all contribute to heavy equipment failures that you may not notice right away.
Through fluid analysis, you can detect dirt, sediment, metals and other contaminants in the oil that might be cause for concern. For example, metals like iron and aluminum can indicate a problem with the pistons or cylinders. If water or antifreeze is detected in your machine, it may indicate a bad seal, putting unnecessary strain on your machine’s components.
Small problems with your heavy machinery may go unnoticed until they get worse. Identifying mechanical problems early can prevent the gradual deterioration of equipment components. Even a minor equipment failure can be quickly exacerbated if not repaired on time. Regular heavy equipment fluid analyses can help you detect when internal parts are breaking down so you can fix small issues before they become significant.
For example, a detailed view of the machine’s lubricants can show you combustion soot contamination or improper filtration based on the high levels of wear on the metals. This enables you to address the problem and saves you from costly repairs.
Regular maintenance and checkups can help you maximize your investment and improve the overall productivity of your operations. By detecting problems early with regular fluid analysis, you can quickly respond to contamination buildups that could cause excessive downtime later.
Regular fluid analysis improves the reliability of your heavy equipment, contributing to increased productivity and uptime. When your machines operate efficiently, you can stay on schedule and get the most out of your equipment.
Every moment your machine isn’t performing optimally can negatively impact your bottom line. While you need to invest resources and manpower in fluid analysis, doing so can help save you money. Consistently checking your fluid is much less expensive than a major repair needed due to damage from lack of maintenance. Effective and consistent fluid analysis programs can identify warning signals before they start damaging your machines. As a result, you can avoid large repair bills and keep your business running strong.
Leaks and other issues can pose a safety risk to employees and operators. Regular fluid analysis can determine the quality of your hydraulic fluid and help ensure you meet safety guidelines. When your machines run as they should, operators can focus on what they do best.
The frequency of fluid analysis will depend on your equipment’s overall condition and hours of operation. However, here are some general guidelines that can help you determine when it’s time to schedule a fluid analysis:
We hope we’ve highlighted the importance of heavy equipment fluid analysis for maintaining the overall health of your fleet. Conducting fluid analysis on your lubrication system yields various benefits, including detecting issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. Making fluid analysis a priority can improve operational efficiency and allow you to get the most out of your equipment.
Need help with fluid analysis? At Groff Tractor and Equipment, our factory-trained, certified construction technicians are ready to assist you with construction equipment maintenance and repairs. Contact us today to learn more about our construction services!
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