While the opinion on the hot weather we have been experiencing lately here in Ireland and UK is divided, there is one thing that we should all agree on:
Hot weather is not your equipment’s best friend. That combined with heavy summer workload can be dangerous and cause unnecessary wear, breakdowns and costly repairs.
Essential Summer Equipment Maintenance Tips
In today’s article I will focus mainly on hydraulic side as this is what we at Hydraulic Planet know but I am sure there are other very important points in ensuring your equipment runs smoothly and safely on hot summer days. As always, please share any tips you may have!
Hydraulic System Care for Optimal Performance
Daily checks of oil levels and using the right product.
Check the oil levels at least twice a day and ensure you are using the right product- refer to the manufacturer specification for list of recommended oil and grease viscosity levels for various ambient temperatures or contact your oil supplier if you are ever in doubt.
Just like the empty shelves in supermarkets show that our consumption of liquids is much higher on hot summer days, your equipment too needs fluids (and top ups) to keep it running smoothly, efficiently and above all safely.
Fluid top-ups and viscosity considerations.
As the temperature rises, so should the viscosity of the oil therefore your engine may need a more viscous product in higher temperatures to ensure adequate lubricant thickness. High viscosity index oils can maintain their thickness better than low viscosity ones.
Grease selection and performance in heat.
Grease is another product you should pay attention to on hot days – greases with heavier base oils are proven to stay put under shock loads and reduce water washout.
Maintaining Cleanliness and Efficiency
Keep it clean.
Check inlets and outlets of engine hood as dirt and mud build up on internal components of your machinery such as engines, radiators etc. and make it more difficult for heat to dissipate. Also always keep the fill cap area clean to avoid debris and dirt getting into the reservoir once the cap is unscrewed.
Protecting with breathers.
Pay special attention to breathers that help protect fluids from contamination with water and dirt.
Preventing Heat-Related Issues
Keep it dry
Quite obviously, water is an enemy of lubricants. Water prevents the lubricant from maintaining its viscosity, and it changes the lubricity element of that lubricant. Also, once it churns up into air bubbles it won’t lubricate the parts correctly creating more heat and friction.
Maintain optimal temperature.
As operating temperatures go up, the rate of oxidation increases while decreasing the service life of the oil and grease. As a result, the service life of the oil or grease decreases. Rapid oxidation of oil can lead to leaks and premature hose failure.
Ensure efficient oil cooling.
Ensure your oil cooler is working properly. Oil coolers for heavy machinery act as a heat exchanger to keep the oil cool. They help your engine work at optimal temperature and prevent overheating which saves you time and money in case of a potential failure.
Summer months can be remarkably busy for construction industry and keeping your equipment running smoothly and efficiently by routine maintenance and using that extra bit of common sense is crucial to avoid equipment failures and unnecessary downtime.