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Scenario: your heavy construction equipment fails in the middle of a build. What do you do next? Heavy equipment breakdowns can hinder progress on a construction project and can lead to decreased productivity. Because of this, you need to know what to do when equipment breaks down to get back on track again.

Here’s what you should do when heavy construction equipment breaks down.

Get The Details

The first thing that you need to do if your heavy construction equipment is having issues is to verify that there is a problem. You should work to get all of the specifics about the issues that the machine is having. Speak with the equipment operator to get the details about what’s happening with the construction equipment. Get all of the information you can about the issue including how and when it started and what the conditions were when the issue was observed. You should also find out whether the problem is continuous or if it only happens intermittently. Be sure to discuss the issue at length and take notes to ensure that you understand everything.

Identify The Cause

If you’re handling the troubleshooting process and you have technical skills and experience, you may be able to learn more about the issue by examing the machine and its functioning on your own. You should take a look at the machinery and observe what is happening first-hand. If possible, identify the cause of the problem and create a basic assessment yourself on what could be leading to it. Use testing equipment and use logic to get to the root of the issue. Based on this information, you may be able to decide whether you can fix the problem yourself or if you’ll need to get a repair professional to help.

Make A Fix

If you have identified the source of the equipment problem, then it’s time to make an attempt to repair it. You’ll want to make sure that you have all of the right tools for the job. You may need to talk to a professional mechanic to determine what tools you may need and might need to buy or rent them in order to complete the job yourself. Your equipment problem may require a simple fix or it could require a more complicated one. For example, you may need to make a complete replacement of a certain component. It may be necessary to order new replacement parts during this process. If you need jlg boom lift parts, for example, make sure that you find a reliable shop to buy them from. When repairing your equipment, remember that you should focus on the root cause of the problems. Don’t just treat the symptoms.

Rent Backup Equipment

While your current equipment is down for maintenance and repairs, it may be a good idea to rent replacement equipment. Renting temporary replacement equipment or using a spare machine can be a good idea and can help you stay productive and continue to manage any projects that you have going on. When assessing the issue, you’ll want to predict how long the repair may take to complete. If it will take a considerable amount of time, then it may be best to rent some equipment rather than wait for it to be fixed before resuming work.

Test The Equipment

Once you’ve fixed a piece of equipment, you’ll want to test it to verify that it is, in fact, working as it should be. Don’t return it to active service until you’ve verified and double-checked that the components are working adequately and that the repair has been successful. You’ll want to spend as much time on this testing stage as you can to ensure that it’s been tested thoroughly. Be sure to follow manufacturer recommendations for verifying functionality and keep an eye on all gauges and readings as well as physical operation. After you’ve assessed the equipment thoroughly, you can then put it back into use.

Follow Up

Once you have successfully repaired your heavy construction equipment, your job isn’t done. You should also be sure that you check up on the issue later on. Be sure to follow up on the equipment and verify its continuous working condition. You’ll want to talk to anyone operating the equipment on a regular basis to find out if any new issues have appeared. If new issues appear, you may need to make some additional repairs or get some outside help to ensure that the equipment remains in working order.

Create A Preventive Maintenance Plan

To prevent the need for future repairs, you’ll want to be sure that you have a great preventive maintenance plan in place. Be sure that operators are aware of how to maintain the equipment and keep it performing at its best. There are many things that a preventive maintenance plan should include based on the specific piece of equipment you’re using. Among other things, you’ll want to ensure that you’re making regular oil changes and check-ups and cleaning equipment parts regularly. You should also ensure operators and trained well and should make sure that repairs are always made at the first signs of trouble. Remember that every machine will require different types of care and maintenance. Be sure to consider the specific needs of the equipment you’re using when forming your preventive maintenance plan.

Successfully Handling Heavy Construction Equipment Problems

If you experience heavy construction equipment problems, be sure that you’re prepared for what to do next. Pinpoint the issue, make a repair, and test your equipment to ensure that it has been resolved. Need more tips for improving construction efficiency? Read through our blog now to find more helpful guides.