Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/674527
AGGREGATES MANAGER / May 2016 33 EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT employees will be better suited to iden- tify problems while still manageable and can report to their maintenance protocol before a catastrophic event happens." 4. Application: Once the producer understands equipment function, they can then focus on the application. The fi rst questions usually asked by the service technician are related to application. This is key to identifying the problem and is often the reason an issue exists. Proper application is also critical for optimizing output. For example, consider a typical portable crushing application. Producers should start by properly sizing feed material prior to feeding a crushing plant to ensure consistent feed and eliminate the possibility of misusing a piece of equipment. After sizing the feed, the producer needs to identify the desired output gradation. Controlling factors include closed-side-settings, crusher speeds, fi nes removal, and maximum feed limitations. Most por- table equipment uses a closed-circuit confi guration, which also needs to be considered, as producers should avoid bringing back unnecessary material to re-crush, which takes up valuable space, slows down production, and creates excessive loads on a crusher, which affects performance. This can usually be resolved by using the cor- rect screen cloth media, which allows producers to use the entire screen, maximizing throughput. "When we understand how the equipment is designed to operate, effi - ciency and production issues can often be avoided," Lippert says. "This is key to optimizing an operation and ensuring equipment operates as it was intended." Investment in personnel By regularly attending factory training and consulting factory experts, producers can make the right choices to improve their operations. Taking time to invest in education will always help producers save money and improve the effi ciency of their operations by eliminating the downtime associated with uninformed choices, Lippert says. "The investment in training always pays off," he adds. "Training will help producers develop a simple-to-follow but precise maintenance program and will help their crew members understand the importance of a regular, consistent main- tenance and prevention program. "Remember, everything ignored at some point will require your attention," Lippert says. "The amount of time you choose to spend on an issue is always less if handled sooner than later." AM Operators should understand structural, mechanical, and hydraulic and electrical parameters as well as appropriate applications. Michelle Cwach is the media relations manager for KPI-JCI and Astec Mobile Screens. Be a cool operator Be a cool operator 1-800-267-2665 • sales@hammondac.com • www.hammondac.com When you work hard in small spaces, you need AC big time! With over 700 different kits engineered and developed, count on Arctic Wolf™ for factory-style integrated air conditioning systems in ready-to-fit kits. Loaders. Dozers. Excavators. Graders. Tractors. If your equipment has an engine and a cab on it, we can put cool air into it. Call today. 1-800-2 MR COOL or go online at www.hammondac.com and order your system and parts today. 081-135A Equip World 4.5x4.5.indd 1 2015-03-17 12:12 PM