Used equipment is a great solution for operations looking to reduce costs. However, it’s important to remember to take care of the equipment you use — whether it’s used or new. Over time, machinery experiences significant wear and tear, which can lead to increased costs and safety issues for your team.
The right strategies can help extend the life span of used equipment. Use these tips to increase the longevity of your used equipment.
1. Inspect Equipment Daily
Daily inspections are a simple and effective method for increasing the life span of previously owned equipment. Regular maintenance catches some issues, but daily inspections are your frontline defense against damage. Before sending your used equipment out for the day, take some time to walk around it and do the following:
- Look for cracks, loose parts and leaks.
- Carefully inspect critical components like the engine, tires, tacks and hydraulic systems.
- Check maintenance logs for potential problems.
Regular inspections let you check on machine condition and spot issues early. If something starts looking off, you can bring it in for more detailed inspections without slowing the project down. Getting your team in the habit of inspecting equipment trains them to know what to expect. They can quickly see if everything’s normal and call in minor issues that could become larger problems.
2. Perform Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is critical for enhancing the longevity of used machinery. It prevents severe breakdowns and keeps your used equipment in top condition.
Follow equipment manufacturer guidelines and set up a maintenance schedule. This schedule should cover oil changes, lubrication, filter replacements and more. Partnering with a trusted preventive maintenance service is a great way to keep your equipment working.
3. Replace Parts
Replacing worn parts is also key to improving the durability of used equipment. Over time, the parts of your used equipment will wear out. Working with worn-out parts means reduced efficiency and even expensive downtime.
As soon as your hoses, belts, bearings, and other parts start to go, replace them. Replacing old parts with high-quality components keeps your equipment working well. Choose manufacturer-recommended parts from an expert dealer. Using a trusted parts source ensures you get parts that fit and work correctly.
4. Try Deep Cleaning
Heavy machinery sees lots of use in rough conditions. Dirt, debris and grime will build up quickly, and deep cleaning keeps your equipment clean and efficient.
Start with a thorough wash on the exterior to get out all contaminants. Then, clean the interior. Focus on the air filters, hydraulic systems and engine bay. These areas need extra attention to prevent build up from causing problems. Always use cleaning products as recommended by the manufacturer to avoid issues.
5. Train Operators
Used equipment care is about more than maintenance — you also need to treat your equipment well during use. Ensure you’re using trained operators for your equipment. When operators understand how to use the machine, they’ll avoid making mistakes that cause damage.
Training should cover basic operation, equipment limitations and early warning signs. If operators can recognize the danger signs, they can get the machine to maintenance early. Additionally, teach your operators about the equipment’s needs. Used equipment might need gentler handling or more frequent maintenance.
With a solid foundation and refresher courses, you can keep all your operators up to date. Proper training protects your equipment and operators from wear and hazards.
6. Store Equipment Safely
Proper storage helps protect your machinery from the elements. You’ll minimize rust and damage on your machines with limited weather exposure. When not using equipment, store it in dry, secure areas to protect it from snow, heat and rain. Use covers and tarps to protect your used equipment if you’re working with minimal indoor space. Keep the storage area clean and level to make sure equipment is stable and safe during inactive periods.
7. Document Maintenance
While you should maintain everything regularly, you’ll also need a maintenance record. Maintenance documents tell you when, where and what work was done on your machines. With a maintenance record, you can look for maintenance patterns and plan for future service needs. Having this information makes it easier to predict what equipment will need next. You can order parts and schedule service before the equipment needs it, reducing downtime and wear.
Use maintenance records to back up any maintenance requests. Technicians can look at maintenance logs and see if there’s a history of the equipment’s issue. These records make diagnosing problems easier. They can also give your technician an idea of the remaining life span.
Additionally, if your used equipment is acting up, you can take steps to prepare for serious repairs or replacements. When it’s time to resell your used equipment, a maintenance record will boost your return value. Buyers want to know what to expect from equipment. If there are any green or red flags, the maintenance record will help them shop safely.
8. Avoid Overworking Equipment
Overworking your equipment can shorten its life span. Pushing your equipment beyond its limits leads to overheating, increased wear and tear, and mechanical failures. Make sure you use your equipment for intended tasks and capacities. Consider investing in multiple similar machines so you can rotate use. This method gives your machines time to cool down between uses, letting them recover.
Remember to monitor equipment performance regularly. Look at fluid levels and temperature to catch equipment strain early. Keeping your machine within its limits and checking for stress signs helps prevent costly breakdowns. The better you care for your equipment, the longer it will last.
Purchase Used Equipment From Thompson Machinery
Used equipment can be a cost-effective, reliable investment if you work with a reputable partner. Thompson Machinery is a trusted new and used equipment seller in Tennessee and Mississippi. We offer a wide selection of quality used equipment, including skid steer loaders, generators and rock crushers.
As an authorized Cat® dealer, we carry only the best. Our certified used machines come with a warranty to give you peace of mind. Additionally, we offer preventive maintenance services — use our maintenance plans to keep your used equipment running smoothly for years.
We’re committed to getting you the most value for your investment. Every piece we sell is thoroughly inspected and serviced, and we pride ourselves on providing used equipment that lasts.
Let Thompson Machinery support your business. Browse our inventory or visit one of our locations to see how we can meet your business’s needs, and contact us to learn more about our used equipment offerings!