Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/370990
EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT 25 AGGREGATES MANAGER September 2014 With the number of hours an operator can put on a breaker, routine maintenance is critical in promoting a long, productive life. Tim Waine of Montabert says step one is to follow all recommendations provided by the owner's manual and form a strong relationship with the dealer. While many repairs can be completed by the operator or a shop mechanic, the dealership will have specially trained technicians in place to handle the serious issues. The auto-lube system should be inspected to ensure there is an ample supply of grease for the duration of the work day. If the breaker does not feature an auto-lube system, greasing should be done every two hours. Weekly, the components of a breaker need to be thoroughly inspected. The bushings, tool, and retaining pin must all be in place. It's important to note that consistent lubrication is not limited to the suspension system or the boom. "Greasing is the lifeblood of keeping a breaker working," Waine says. "Grease is very important, and we have breaker-mounted and carrier-mounted lube stations that automatically grease throughout the day. If an operator is putting eight hours on a machine each day with a breaker-mounted lube station, they will likely need to replace that container of lube daily. Similarly, if a carrier-mounted lube station is being used, the grease hopper or holding tank should be checked daily to ensure there is enough grease available for proper use." If you notice any leak or the breaker is not performing like it should, the machine should be shut down right away; continuing to run the breaker in that situation can cause far more problems. "A few hours of repair time is far better than a week lost because an operator continued working without stopping soon enough," Waine says. Safety is also integral in ensuring a productive and effi cient jobsite. Ear and eye protection should be worn by anyone operating or working around a hydraulic breaker. Additionally, anyone who is not operating the breaker should always be a safe distance away from the jobsite. The operator should also keep a close eye on his breaking methods. Pressure should always be applied straight down and never at an angle. And the excavator should always be on a fl at surface with the tracks facing forward. Hydraulic breaker maintenance and safety Helping Truckers save money, no matter what they drive. No matter what kind of truck you drive, you could save with Progressive Insurance. To learn more about Progressive, and see why we are the #1 Truck Insurer in America, please visit ProgressiveCommercial.com. Call for a Free Quote 1-888-375-7905 Find an Agent ProgressiveCommercial.com Progressive Casualty Ins. Co. & affi liates. Available in most states. No. 1 truck from SNL Financial's 2012 national written premium data. 7H[W,1)2WRRUYLVLWZZZDJJPDQFRPLQIR