Proactive Industrial Maintenance: Reliable Plans to Cut Costs and Downtime

Preventative industrial maintenance isn’t just a checklist.

To see the most out of your equipment, you need to implement a plan that includes regular checkups, employee training, and more. If you implement this correctly, you might see a 25% reduction in your equipment repair costs. 

Follow this guide to learn how you can save money.

Budget For Machine Downtime

All machines eventually need repairs. However, if you’ve been implementing your maintenance plan correctly, you’ll likely see those failures coming. 

Consequently, part of a holistic planning process always includes budgeting for machine downtime. 

Provide Constant Training and Refresher Courses

Most people think that preventative maintenance is all about the machine, but that isn’t the only essential con.

If you haven’t adequately trained the people who operate the machines you work with, they’ll always break their tools. So, always train your employees/provide refresher courses and recertifications as needed.

Always Read the Manual

We know, reading the manual is a chore. You’re forklift certified, aren’t you? Driving any brand of forklift should be a breeze!

Well, surprisingly enough, reading the manual is one of the most important things you can do to prevent damage to your goods, machinery, and co-workers. In addition, a manual will give you a sneak peek into any quirks your new machine might have. That knowledge can save your butt in a fast-paced situation. 

Track Your Service History

Memories fail. 

So, keep a complete service record for your industrial equipment. Keeping track of your maintenance can be necessary for inspections, insurance claims, and future services as well.

Building Your Industrial Maintenance Checklist

Now, onto the equipment condition checklist you should be building. Use this list to guide you when you make your own.

General checklist items to include:

• Make all lights are working
• Check to make sure that handrails, grab irons, and steps are securely attached
• Check for rust or denting
• Check the brakes 
• Check your electrical wiring for kinks, breaks, or faults
• Check your hydraulics for leaks
• Check the levels and condition of your hydraulic fluid
• Check for damage to any fuel tanks
• Check for cracks, rust, and other faults on your lifting mechanisms
• Check the grease levels on all moving parts
• Check coolant levels
• Do and inventor and once over of any tools to resharpen, restock, etc.
• Check any windows for visibility issues
• Make sure all operating lights are working
• Ensure any seatbelts are present and working correctly
• Check to see if the fire extinguisher is expired
• Make sure all pedals, levers, and buttons move quickly and like they’re supposed to

For wheeled machines:

• Check tire pressure
• Check tire tread
• Check for damage on the rims
• Check the tightness of your lug nuts
• Check the axels for rust

For machines that use tracks (like a conveyor):

• Inspect rollers (check to see if they move freely, look for broken sprockets, etc.)
• Look for signs of rust
• Check the condition of any rubber belts
• Check the tension of the track

Engine specific checklist items:

• Check your fluid levels
• Check your air filters
• Check your belts and hoses for wear
• Check for corrosion on your battery
• make sure all covers, skid plates, and guards are installed correctly

It’s important to remember that these checklists aren’t perfect. So, in addition to our suggested checklist items, add in your own using your knowledge, know-how, and familiarity with your machines.

Making a Plan is the Most Important Step

Preventative, industrial maintenance checklists and training are the most important thing you can do to stop catastrophic failures from happening in your warehouse. 

So, what’s your call? Will you beef up your preventative measures, or will you keep playing fast and lose with your livelihood? The choice is yours. 

Ethier way, accidents can happen. So, if you find yourself in a tight spot, you’re always welcome to make use of our repair services. We’ll be happy to get you back up and running.