Summer is the active season for construction tasks. You’re utilizing your machines all day to manage a variety of jobs. The sun and heat can place extra stress on your machinery, ultimately leading to operating troubles and expensive downtime if the right actions aren’t taken. To help you maximize uptime for your machinery, this article discusses tips and best practices for operating during the hotter months.
Examine your cooling method
An important element of heavy machinery maintenance during summer construction is making sure your cooling method is operating perfectly. Before starting work each day, we recommend inspecting the cooling fans and looking for damaged or loose blades. We also suggest clearing excessive debris or dust buildup on the cooling fans. Another tip for summer construction tasks is to power-wash the radiator and cooler daily before starting the job. Humidity and dust buildup can cover your radiators, air coolers, and oil coolers, restricting airflow and slowing system performance.
Utilize your A/C the right way
Your A/C system is crucial for practical equipment operation during the warmth of the summer season. A usual cause of problems with machinery air conditioning systems is using them with the windows down. This approach places stress on your A/C, making it work harder than necessary and inducing extra wear and tear and poor performance.
Park in the shade, if possible
When you’re not running your equipment, we recommend trying to park it out of direct sunlight if you can. Constant sunlight will take a toll on your hydraulic hoses, paint, and particularly your tires, potentially generating cracks and early wear.
Operate within your machinery’s limitations
An important tip for heavy machinery operation on summer construction jobs is: don’t push your machine outside its suggested parameters. Overworking your machinery can cause overheating, excessive damage to the engine, cooling system, and A/C parts, and eventual breakdowns, and it should be bypassed at all costs. It’s also essential to monitor your equipment’s displays and alert signals when they warn you of overheating.
Implement a proper shutdown approach
When running summer construction tasks, you have to give your machinery sufficient time to cool down after finishing work. Before shutting down your equipment totally, let its engine idle for a couple of minutes. If you happen to have access to a shaded area, complete this cooldown out of direct sunlight. A complete step shutdown lets the engine cool down and turn off correctly, avoiding excessive damage to its components.
Ensure your crew is safeguarded
Thriving on summer construction tasks requires more than just heavy machinery maintenance; you also have to keep your staff cool, hydrated, and productive. They should avoid operating in the sun for long periods, use sunscreen, wear breathable & lightweight clothing, take frequent breaks out of direct sunlight, and drink a lot of water. Everyone on your team should be aware of the symptoms of heatstroke: dizziness, nausea, confusion, slurred speech, throbbing headaches, and the rapid cessation of sweating. If you see these signs in yourself or anyone else, stop functioning and seek quick medical attention.
Conclusion:
Implementing these summer maintenance strategies ensures that your construction machinery remains reliable and efficient, even under extreme temperatures. Regular inspections, proper storage, and attentive operation not only extend the lifespan of your equipment but also contribute to a safer and more productive work environment. By proactively addressing the challenges posed by summer heat, you can minimize downtime and maximize project success.