Heavy equipment failure can have a significant impact on the productivity and profitability of your business. From unexpected downtime to costly repairs, heavy equipment failure can be a major headache for businesses. Downtime has many effects on businesses, including lowering employee morale, contributing to unhappy customers, and impacting your bottom line. It causes stress on business owners and project managers, too. In sum, no one is happy that your heavy machinery is not working.
Wagner Used Equipment is a used heavy equipment dealer with locations in Colorado, New Mexico, and far West Texas. We offer used Cat machines, parts, and service, so you can minimize your equipment downtime. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to preventing equipment failures, there are a few common causes that can be addressed to reduce the risk of failure. Learn more below, and contact us today!
Poor Maintenance
Poor maintenance is one of the most common causes of heavy equipment failure. Regular maintenance is essential to ensure that heavy equipment is running properly and is able to operate safely. Without regular maintenance, components can become worn and damaged, leading to premature failure, and your machine ultimately won't run efficiently, costing you money, too. Wagner Used Equipment is proud to offer our Customer Value Agreements (CVAs) that offer you hassle-free ownership. These agreements help to cover the cost of preventative maintenance at affordable rates. Learn more today.
Improper Operation
Heavy equipment is designed to operate within specific parameters. Operating the equipment beyond these parameters can cause the equipment to break down. Operators should be trained on proper operation of the equipment and the potential consequences if operated improperly. Examples of untrained operator errors include loading your machinery beyond its load-bearing weight, running into objects, and not properly running the equipment, causing strain on the machine's engine.
Low-Quality Parts
Low-quality parts can lead to premature failure of heavy equipment. Low-quality parts are often cheaper, but they can be more prone to breakage, causing equipment failure. Businesses should invest in quality parts to ensure their equipment is running properly and safely. Here at Wagner Used Equipment, we offer Genuine Cat parts that are manufactured to fit your particular type of Caterpillar machine to a Tee. Get in touch with us for the best Cat parts today.
Overloading
Overloading heavy equipment can cause it to break down prematurely. This can be caused by using the wrong size or type of equipment for a job, or by attempting to lift heavier loads than the equipment is designed for. Businesses should ensure that their equipment is correctly sized for the job, and that operators are trained on proper load limits. In the rush to get jobs done, overloading is common and should be avoided at all times.
Weather Conditions
Heavy equipment failure can be caused by environmental conditions. High temperatures, dust, moisture, and other environmental factors can cause wear and tear on the equipment and lead to breakdowns. Businesses should take steps to protect their equipment from these environmental factors, such as using covers or enclosures when not in use, and regularly checking for signs of damage. Snow and ice can be especially dangerous due to its weight. They both can cause parts to break and should be attended to before this becomes an issue.
Storing Your Heavy Equipment Outside
Heavy equipment can also suffer from a lack of proper storage. If the heavy equipment is not properly stored, it can become damaged due to excessive vibration or corrosion. It is important to store your heavy machinery in a dry, secure location, and to inspect it regularly to ensure that it is in good condition. Ideally, your heavy machinery will be stored inside a shop, away from the elements and the critters that can harm it. However, any covered shelter will offer benefits.
Ignoring Any Warning Signs
Most of the time, pieces of heavy machinery don't just stop working out of the blue. There are usually warning signs associated with the failure of your heavy equipment. For example, warning lights often pop up on your controls. Sometimes, your machinery takes a bit to start. Or, you hear a weird noise that should not be there. Ignoring these beginning signs of trouble can cause your heavy machinery to go kaput quickly.
Overworking Your Heavy Equipment
Don't get us wrong, Caterpillar machines are built to last and built to work. That being said, if you are overworking your heavy machinery without stopping for service and maintenance, you can bet your machine will one day balk when you want it to work. In addition, overworking your heavy equipment can lead to a decrease in efficiency, which can cost money in the long run, too.
Lack of Inspection
Regular inspections of heavy equipment can help to catch any potential problems before they become major issues. Inspections should include a visual inspection of the equipment, as well as a check of any fluids and moving parts. Catching problems early can help to prevent equipment failure and save you money in the long run. Your heavy equipment should be inspected before every job you undertake. You'll be amazed at how simple this is but how it can be a lifesaver to your business.
Partner With Wagner Used Equipment Today
By addressing these common causes of heavy equipment failure, businesses can reduce the risk of equipment breakdowns, reduce downtime, and improve their bottom line. Regular maintenance, proper operation, quality parts, inspection, and avoiding overloading are all important steps to helping ensure that equipment runs properly and safely.
Luckily, business owners don't have to go it alone. Here at Wagner Used Equipment, our service department is top-notch, and with our field service technicians who can come to your location, you can rest assured that your heavy equipment will keep you moving. Our CVAs are great investments to add to your machinery, too. To learn more about heavy equipment maintenance in general and how we can help, reach out to your nearest Wagner dealer in Colorado, New Mexico, or far West Texas today!