Aggregates Manager Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/756888
AGGREGATES MANAGER / December 2016 27 An accurate daily check involves more than simply checking fluid levels. Effective inspections include checking for evidence of leaking cylinders or wear marks from rubbing hoses or wires. This exposes potential problems before they escalate. Monitor road conditions Poor road conditions can expose trucks to stressful impact loads, leading to increased risk for axle and brake issues, especially when carrying over-capac- ity loads. Shotrock left on haul roads, especially from sharper materials such as slate, can cause expensive tire damage. While it may seem obvious, do not over load your trucks. If you exceed the manufacturer's recommended payload capacities, it will shorten the life of the truck's components. The payload policy identifies an acceptable range for average and maximum allowable payloads. Equip- ment OEM's carefully calculate payload capacity specifications to deliver optimal productivity, while maintaining machine durability. When planning a work site, keep in mind that haul-road conditions can play a big role in machine maintenance needs. The work plan should include proper road and acceptable payload maintenance. Designed for better maintenance Some trucks have design and engineer- ing features that can help ease mainte- nance issues. Ground level and central- ized access to service points such as fill ports, sight gauges, and drain ports save time and simplify maintenance. Onboard maintenance reminders help owners and operators track required or completed periodic maintenance. Re- minders sent to a cell phone or computer help ensure upcoming maintenance is done on time. Where to draw the line between repair and replace Sometimes, it's difficult to know where to draw the line between component repair and replacement. Manufacturers typically provide an estimate of component life, and that's a useful guide in determining whether to repair or replace. Use the manufacturer's published repair guide- lines. They can help gauge the remain- ing life of a component and determine whether it can be restored to acceptable working order. There is no such thing as a 'mainte- nance-free' machine at work in an aggre- gates operation, but not all machines are created equally. Owners can gauge potential maintenance costs by reviewing a particular model's periodic maintenance recommendations. Length of fluid change intervals, as well as type of oils required, are cost factors to consider. Owners should research the reputation of differ- ent manufacturers to determine potential costs. Talking to other machine owners can be helpful to learn how machines hold up and how well a given manufac- turer stands behind their product. Operator tips for avoiding unnecessary maintenance It may seem like a no-brainer, but one of the best ways operators can help manage maintenance costs is proper engine warm up and cool down at the beginning and end of shifts. Warming up the machine ensures oils are at the proper viscosity to lubricate the major components exposed to heavy work cycles. Allowing the engine to cool down at the end of the shift ensures the turbo assemblies continue to receive lubrication until they sufficiently cool down. Experienced operators are important work-site assets and serve as the front line for controlling maintenance costs. Their experience with the trucks gives them insight into the feel and sound of the machine over time, which enables them to identify issues in the early stages. If an operator says something seems different about the machine, it's in everyone's interest to pay attention. Develop communication channels with operators so they feel comfortable speak- ing up about even subtle changes to a machine's performance. Since aggregate sites are often dusty, dust and debris accumulation is com- mon. Accumulations at the coolers cause Avoid overloading trucks and keep haul roads clean to ensure proper life of the truck and tires.