Preseason Heavy Equipment Maintenance: Expert Tips
Spring is Here! Get Your Preseason Maintenance Done with Expert Advice
It’s that time of year again. Ice and snow are still making an occasional appearance on the evening news, but sunny days are bringing excitement for the warm months to come. As the days get longer, it’s time to start preparing your fleet for the upcoming season! Get everything you need to know about spring premaintenance in once place, with this step-by-step guide made with advice from a specialist: used heavy equipment inspector, Jay Marshall.
Step 1: Getting the Full Picture
Start with reviewing the maintenance logs for your go-to equipment. What you’re looking for is close-to-due preventative maintenance (PM) services and outstanding repairs in the operator logbook. Make a note of these for each piece of active equipment in your fleet to give yourself a clear picture of what needs to be accomplished this season!
Quick Tip: your local dealer’s service department or a repair shop might have spring inspection specials. Check with them for a professional opinion on equipment inspections and repairs!
Step 2: Handling Seasonal Machines
After dealing with the equipment you use most often, it’s time to focus on parked or seasonal members of your fleet that have gone unused for a long period of time. Before you do anything else, you’ll want to change the batteries and check the fluid levels and belts. Continue your brief inspection, listing any necessary repairs and preventative maintenance requirements as you did in step 1.
Consider these areas especially when inspecting parked equipment.
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Inspection Area |
Why is it important? |
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Tires |
Ensure tires are in good condition to maintain traction in slippery spring conditions. If using seasonal tires, consider swapping them out. |
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Undercarriage |
Severely worn or damaged undercarriages won’t be able to support the weight of your equipment, reducing efficiency and promoting breakdowns. |
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Ground Engaging Tools (GET) |
GETs, attachments like buckets, blades, and teeth, determine how efficiently the job will get done. They can even increase fuel consumption if significantly worn. |
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Hoses |
Damaged hoses can pose a safety risk and lead to leaks of fluids that are important to your machine’s operation. Keep an eye on and replace hoses that look especially rundown. |
Step 3: Planning Ahead
Now that you have your ‘to-do’ lists for each machine, decide upon a repair plan for your equipment. With upcoming projects in mind, determine which pieces have close to due services and schedule their maintenance.
Quick Tip: looking to delay repairs? Weigh the cost of repairs against the cost of potential downtime later in the season. You can easily buy parts and services in advance, but you can’t buy back time after a breakdown!
Step 4: Expanding or Downsizing Your Fleet
Finally, consider your plans this season and decide if you need to source more equipment to tackle your projects. Think about the age of your most used machines and whether they’ll still be running reliably by next season. Similarly, consider if you have equipment that’s sitting around taking up space. Preseason is the best time to buy or sell equipment, avoiding disruptions during busy months.
Quick Tip: a good relationship with your local dealer will save you time and money. Fused and our team of experts are always here to help— whether you need to buy or sell used heavy equipment, a trusted dealer is a great resource. Contact Us Here!
Conclusion
With these steps in mind, you’re ready to tackle preseason spring maintenance! Refer to this guide when you need a reminder or visit our YouTube page to watch the Q&A featuring equipment specialist Jay Marshall for more insight.