When you’re trying to run a construction site, very few things matter as much as making sure that you have the right tools for the job on hand. In most cases, this means having the right heavy machinery and construction equipment. However, it’s not enough just to think about what types of equipment you need; you have to ensure that they’re always ready to rely on and able to be used as effectively as possible, or else deadlines can be missed and accidents can happen.
Choosing The Right Machinery For The Job
You should ensure that you take the time to fully consider the needs of the project and the workflow that you have to complete before you invest in any machinery. There are many different types of construction machinery, from motor graders to trenchers to excavators, bulldozers, scrapers, and beyond. Having an idea of which tools are the right pick for the job, and choosing those that meet the specifics of that job, such as dimensions based on access to and around the site, is crucial. There are very few things worse than investing in a piece of equipment only to find out that you’re not actually able to use it for the job that you bought or leased it for.
The Importance Of Preventative Maintenace
You want to ensure that your machines are working effectively when they arrive on the site, so to keep them in peak condition, you should establish a schedule for preventative maintenance. Waiting for breakdowns can result in major downtime on the site, pushing back progress, and can lead to problems that are much more expensive to fix. By ensuring that you check and maintain your equipment both before and during the job, such as checking fluid levels, lubricating joints, inspecting electrical systems, and monitoring tire or track condition, you can prevent costly repairs, avoid wasted time, and extend the lifespan of the machinery and its parts. Consistent upkeep ensures operational efficiency across the board, which is one aspect we’re going to look at next.
Tracking Performance Across The Board
When a machine breaks down or needs a repair, you respond to your most urgent need first, but you might not consider what it means for your overall, long-term productivity and efficiency. By tracking the data on your machine’s performance, you can become much more aware of the whole. A lot of teams have started tracking their overall operational efficiency, which takes into account downtime, breakdowns, and other issues that can slow the productivity of your team. When you see increases in your overall efficiency across projects, then it should be a clear sign that you need a new approach to how you maintain and manage your machines, or, occasionally, when you need to replace them with a new model that won’t break down as often.
Finding The Parts You Need
Replacements can often ensure that your machines are working more efficiently and are less likely to experience problems along the way. However, you don’t always need to replace the entire piece of equipment. Sometimes, it’s just a component that’s the issue. Working with the right partners, like an OEM excavator parts supplier, you can make sure that you have access to engines, cables, filters, and other parts you need, when you need them. By getting to know your machines, you can learn about which parts are likely to break down first, and even work with suppliers to have a steady supply of replacements waiting, so you can reduce how much downtime you have to deal with.
Securing Your Equipment
Keeping your equipment up and running is vital, and wear and tear is typically what you need to worry about most. However, theft, vandalism, and unauthorised use are also concerns that can get very costly when they’re not taken seriously. Depending on where you’re storing your equipment, be that on the site or on your own property, consider what security measures you should invest in, be it GPS tracking devices, CCTV for the surrounding area, ignition locks, and more. For the highest risk areas, or places where you might store a lot of expensive equipment, you may even want to invest in regular security patrols to deter any unwanted activity.
Don’t Skimp On Proper Operator Training
Without the use of skilled operators on your side, not only is your machinery likely to underperform compared to its potential, but they might be more likely to use it in ways that cause undue stress and lead to damage. In the worst cases, they can even cause costly accidents on the site. Ensure that you train your employees in the proper use of each machine they operate, watching their operation to ensure that they’re safe and efficient. Train your team in pre-operation inspections and general maintenance, too. When people are more aware of how their machine works, they tend to notice faults in it earlier and understand how to reduce mechanical strain when operating it. This is all especially important when you rely on temp workers, who may not get as much vetting or training from their agencies as you would hope.
Have A Contingency plan
Having the right team for repairs on hand, as well as replacement parts, may help you recover much more quickly from breakdowns. However, when you’re not able to get your machines up and running quickly, you should have a contingency plan. Keep backup equipment available, whether it’s an extra machine that you own or a rental or leasing service that you’re able to keep up with. Many manufacturers and equipment sellers offer breakdown cover that includes replacement machines if yours breaks down during operation. With backup options in place, machinery issues become manageable setbacks rather than project-stopping crises.
A construction team that doesn’t take good care of its equipment and ensure that it’s always ready to take on the job is one that’s likely to spend a lot more on replacements, while failing to meet its targets and disappointing its clients. Make sure that isn’t you.
