Construction operations are reliant on rough terrains where equipping heavy construction equipment is the need of the hour. Therefore, it's necessary to know how contractors can make the most out of installed heavy machinery.
To make sure you are working in the right direction with your heavy equipment, we have compiled a heavy equipment management guide below;
Equipment Capacity
The quickest way to depreciate heavy equipment is to run it beyond its capacity. This is why it is a must to know the load and lifting capabilities of your heavy equipment. By this means you can not only increase its productivity but also prevent downtime.
Easy machinery has its way of loading and unloading heavy material. To deal effectively with machine diversity, train the operator regarding blade variations, attachments, and similar factors that contribute to a heavy equipment’s capability.
For that purpose, you must know how a machine works. Mentioned below are the work hours of the most commonly integrated heavy-construction equipment;
Bulldozer: 150 cum/hr
Grader: 192 cum/hr
Compactor: 130 cum/hr
Tipper: 10 cum/hr
Batching plant: 24 cum/hr
Concrete pump: 24 cum/hr
Transit mixer: 5 cum/hr
By knowing all these values you can if the machine is running within its limit or beyond and can take control accordingly.
Equipment Off-Site
Not all the heavy equipment is used at a single time. Most of the time equipment is placed in inventory where the chances of equipment depreciation are possible if not taken care of.
Due to that, heavy construction equipment owners must have tracking software installed to extract real-time equipment condition data.
This data can help in making decisions to bring heavy equipment longevity and save it from depreciation.
Inspections After the Usage
There are two types of heavy equipment inspections; one that is conducted before the operation starts and one after it. Both equipment inspections are designed to give insights into the machine’s performance exhibiting its capacity and damage ratios.
It's not a smart decision to operate your heavy equipment without inspecting it. Either you can opt for self-inspection or hire experts as inspecting heavy machinery through the naked eye isn't possible.
Additionally, getting hands-on tracking apps is very necessary. It helps in updating you regarding the performance of heavy machinery. It has alerts to let owners know about heavy equipment updates, theft updates, and similar details.
Operator Training
Operators are the men who should be trained regarding minute-to-major heavy equipment updates. They must know what should be done in case of uncertain downtime and what should be done to maximize heavy equipment’s performance. Operating machinery like loaders, excavators, or bulldozers is a challenging task that should be done correctly. Training not only helps in reducing injuries but it also helps in extending the lifespan of used heavy equipment.
To conduct comprehensive heavy equipment training you must adhere to manual guides and compliance regulations by state and local authorities. Moreover, from beginner to expert make sure all the staff has sound knowledge about installed heavy machinery.
To create a safe and skillful culture within the company follow the tips written below;
Plan and integrate comprehensive operator training programs on all levels
Regular site surveillance to identify and mitigate risks
Update all the operators about safety regulations and similar policies to avoid violations and negligence-based incidents. Take regular training feedback.
Conduct equipment audits regularly
Make sure all the employees are certified under federal law
Integrate timely safety updates and checks for the employees on the field
Restrict the usage of mobile phones in the construction area
Train employees to follow efficacy over greater speed and equip them with effective mediums of communication
Wrapping It Up
Heavy equipment serves as the greatest investment for any construction company or solo owner. It takes thousands of dollars to even install used heavy equipment. Therefore, it is a must for all the owners to follow a rule that exhibits prioritization of equipment’s health.
Proper policies to inform employees of the safe usage of heavy machinery, inventory management systems, and tracking applications can do wonders in keeping up with heavy equipment fleets.
Like a professional, you can even manage the maintenance of heavy machinery with the above-mentioned tips of going for a technical expert to look after your big machinery.
