Increasing productivity on utility
installation jobs is crucial for contractors in today’s fast-paced world. A key
component to decreasing downtime and keeping your crews efficient is having
reliable equipment that allows you to quickly move from one job site to the
next.
With proper routine maintenance, a smooth-running,
peak-performance trencher can help you efficiently trench through tough ground
conditions and increase productivity by promoting valuable uptime. Here are
three key tips to achieve that.
Read the Operator Manual
The first and most important step is
to make sure you are familiar with the operator manual. It contains valuable
equipment information, such as the general maintenance schedule for the
different parts of the machine.
For instance, the Trencor T16 tractor maintenance schedule requires
that the radiator and oil cooler be cleaned every 50 hours, and the engine and
transmission oil filters be replaced every 500 hours, of machine use. Following
the operator’s manual to adhere to general maintenance schedules can help
reduce unexpected and unwanted downtime.
Practice daily maintenance
One of the best ways to keep a
trencher running efficiently is by practicing daily maintenance. Checking your
machine daily will ensure you are replacing parts, as
needed, and extending the life of your
machine. Too often, contractors try to work through minimal equipment damage or
wait too long to replace parts, which can lead to premature failure and costly
downtime that could have been avoided.
One example of a key, not-to-be-missed
maintenance point is to clean the digging chain. If mud, soil or debris is not
regularly cleaned out of the chain, it will become stretched and may eventually
break, resulting in downtime and costly replacement.
Cleaning out the chain can simply be
done by using a pressure washer or shovel. You should also make sure to check
the trencher teeth daily. If the carbide tip on the tooth is fractured, cracked
or missing, it should be immediately replaced with a new tooth to protect the
chain and increase efficiency.
In addition to chain maintenance, it
is also important that operators blow out the radiator and check fluid levels,
on a daily basis. A small investment in time each day to identify and address any
potential issues is an essential way to stay productive on the job site.
Utilize new technology
New technology such as telematics,
maintenance remotes and automated greasing systems can help you quickly perform
daily maintenance and identify parts that will need to be fixed or replaced.
An automated greasing system, for
example, automatically brings grease to each of the many trencher points that
require daily greasing. Eliminating the need for the operator to complete this
daily task manually helps promote valuable uptime. UI
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Trencor, (419) 869-7107
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Seth Mathesen is a product manager
at Trencor.