Can your machine take the heat?
Hot weather can have a damaging impact on any machine. That’s why it’s important to take steps to protect your machinery from the heat of the Hawke’s Bay sunshine, before it arrives.
This article in our Business Toolbox series on Machine Maintenance explores ways to help protect yourself from breakdowns and costly repairs by taking care of your machinery before you go out in hot weather.
Important preparation before the temperature rises.
If you know the temperature is going to climb you might be wondering what impact it could have on your machines. Breakdowns and blowouts can reduce productivity and add considerable costs to your roading or construction job. So what’s the best way to look after your equipment so you can stay productive whatever the weather?
If the weather forecast is predicting an increase in heat or Summer is round the corner; now’s the right time to prepare your machine. These simple steps can help you protect your machine from the negative impact of operating in high temperatures.
Keep your maintenance checks and services up-to-date
Hot weather puts the various parts of your machine under a lot of stress. That means operating in high temperatures can make any small issues become much bigger very quickly. Checking that everything is working properly before you go out in high temperatures is a good way to reduce the cost of any repairs.
Minor issues identified before the hot weather arrives may be cheaper to fix and less of an issue than after time operating in high temperatures. Keeping your maintenance checks and services up-to-date means you can work in warm weather confident there are no underlying small problems that are about to get a lot worse.
Check your air conditioning is working properly
If the temperature climbs outside the cab; you’re going to rely on the air conditioning within the cab to keep you comfortable. Regularly maintaining your air conditioning is an important part of preparing for warm temperatures. Read our blog on How to maintain your air conditioning system for a cooler Summer for all the details.
Taking care of your air conditioning is an important part of preparing for hot weather.
Grease your machine
As the temperature increases so does the softness of your grease, which reduces its ability to grip and stick to the surfaces of your machine. Heat also increases the risk that the grease you use evaporates and you lose its protection on your machine’s moving parts.
Making sure your machine is properly greased with the right grease (that can perform well in high temperatures) is an important part of preparing for hot weather. You can read more about greasing your machine in our blog, Grease: the key to looking after your digger.
Check your battery
If your battery is weak or low in charge it’s more likely to fail at high temperatures. A full check of your battery before periods of extended heat is a good way to prepare for effective operation without costly downtime. You can find out more about maintaining your battery in our article Tips to take care of your machine’s battery.
It’s a good idea to deal with weak or low batteries before hot weather hits
Check your tyre pressure
Hot weather can increase the pressure in your tyres, putting stress on tyre rubber and additional pressure on any existing damage.
Check your manufacturer’s guidelines and make sure your tyres are at the correct pressure before the temperature rises. Thoroughly checking tyres for cracks and damage could help you avoid a blow-out on the job when the temperature climbs.
Keep it clean
Summer heat can mean dusty conditions – as can dry sunny weather at any time of the year. Dust can be a real hazard to the internal workings of your machine.
If you’re operating in dusty conditions; look after your air conditioning by making sure you keep the cab doors closed while it’s running. Check your radiator levels are correct and make sure you’re not experiencing any leaks – leaking oil can attract dust and quickly cause blockages. Keep a close eye on any air vents to make sure there are no blockages.
Working in dry weather can lead to a lot of dust – it’s important to check for oil leaks and keep your radiator clear.
Plan your storage or parking – out of the sun
One of the best ways to protect your machine from the heat is by parking it out of the sun to keep it cool. Storing your machine under cover – ideally in a garage or covered area – is a highly effective way to keep its temperature down and protect any exposed parts.
If garaging is unavailable or you’re trying to protect it from the sun on an exposed worksite; consider parking in the shade of a tree or covering your machine with a tarp to protect it from the most damaging heat of the sun.
Allowing your machine time to cool off during the hottest parts of the day should make it easier to maintain longer operating times on warmer days.
In summary
The right preparation can help you to protect and prepare your machine for the heat of the run. You should consider:
- Making sure you’ve had a recent maintenance check and/or service
- Servicing the air conditioning system
- Greasing your machine with a grease that’s designed to perform at high temperatures
- Checking your battery is working properly
- Checking your tyre pressure and condition
- Planning storage for your machines out of the sun.
Hire the equipment you need in Hawke’s Bay from Allways Hire
If you need equipment to help you on your latest roading or construction project; Allways Hire have a wide range of machines available at our Hastings depot that are ready to hire. Our equipment is fully serviced and well maintained – and ready to get the job done for you.
Why not ask us about our delivery service, helping you to get the right machine on site without the downtime of collection?
Find out what’s available by exploring our hire equipment range today.
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