If you're an earthmoving contractor, taking proper care of your earthmoving equipment should be one of your top priorities. Having an ongoing maintenance plan or schedule for earthmoving equipment is critical to preventing unexpected equipment failure and prolonging the lifespan of the equipment. It is also vital to improving the safety performance of the heavy construction equipment.

If you're here because you are searching for tips on how to maintain your earthmoving machines, you've come to the right place. Follow these tips to ensure safe, efficient and economical operation of your equipment at all times.

Ensure proper lubrication.

Lubricants keep your earthmoving machines cool but also allow smooth and efficient running of the various moving components of the machines. Without them, your machines would easily overheat and moving parts would acquire wear and tear prematurely due to constant friction. 

As part of ongoing maintenance, you are required to add, change and test lubricants on a regular basis. You can find instructions on when to do this included in the equipment maintenance manual supplied when you purchased the equipment. 

Visually inspect your equipment.

Like other heavy machinery used in the construction sector, earthmoving machines get wear and tear over time as a result of normal operation. Excessive heat, leaking oil and chemical spills all have the potential to cause premature wear and tear of your equipment. 

Keeping an eye out for signs of wear on your earthmoving equipment can help identify and deal with potential repair issues before they can lead to costly damage. Dirty filters, cracked seals, warped belts, frayed edges or loose bolts are all signs of impending equipment failure and high repair bills down the road.

Visual inspection of your equipment by a qualified person before each use is essential to maximising machine run time and minimising breakdowns.

Keep your equipment spick-and-span.

Earthmoving equipment is used to perform difficult and dirty work, which is why they tend to accumulate dust, grease and other forms of dirt during operation. Proper cleaning after each use is required to get rid of greasy material, sticky soil and other caked-on dirt. 

Pressure washing is an effective method to use when cleaning your equipment. When used together with cleaning products recommended by your equipment manufacturer, the high pressure of the water can remove virtually any form of buildup from your equipment. A clean machine will work more smoothly and efficiently than a dirt-caked machine, but is also safer to use.

Be sure to keep your equipment in a clean place after cleaning.

A surefire way to keep your earthmoving equipment in top working shape is to follow the maintenance manual provided by your equipment manufacturer — they reckoned you'll need help with maintaining your equipment.