Tips to Maximize the Uptime of Your Construction Equipment During Summer Heat

Summer is the peak season for construction businesses in the Mid-Atlantic region. Longer days allow for more work to be done, and it’s common for construction equipment to be used more hours per day than at other times of the year. In order for your business to capitalize on the additional revenue that is possible during this peak season, it’s critical to maximize the uptime of your construction equipment.

Unfortunately, summer conditions – prolonged sun exposure, extreme temperatures and high humidity – can all place a great deal of strain on your construction equipment. Heavy machinery is prone to overheating in these conditions, which can result in frequent breakdowns. Certain components such as engines, cooling systems and hydraulic systems are particularly susceptible to damage on hot days.

These heat-related breakdowns and equipment malfunctions can create unwanted downtime and cause reduced equipment efficiency that eats into your profitability. The following tips will help you protect your construction equipment, extend its lifespan and maximize your uptime during the summer months.

Perform All Necessary Spring Maintenance

Spring maintenance tasks are critical for preparing your construction equipment for the rigors of summer. Taking care of the following items prior to the hot weather will help prevent downtime and ensure your machinery is running properly when summer hits:

• Inspect fluid levels
• Replace air, fuel and oil filters
• Check the engine and powertrain (inspect engine oil, coolant, belts and hoses, fuel system and exhaust system)
• Inspect undercarriage components for cracks or corrosion
• Inspect hydraulic system (fluid, hoses and fittings)
• Check the braking system
• Inspect the electrical system for damage and make sure batteries are full strength
• Grease all necessary parts
• Inspect the cooling system for damage or corrosion
• Check the tires/tracks for wear, proper tension and leaks

Operate Your AC Properly

Improper use of air conditioning during peak summer heat is a common cause of construction equipment breakdowns. It’s common for equipment operators to run the AC while the doors or windows are open. Not only will this negate the benefits of your air conditioning, but it will also place unnecessary strain on your AC components, causing them to work harder than necessary. This will result in additional wear and tear on your machinery and lead to reduced performance.

To avoid these issues, make sure the windows and doors are always closed when running the AC. In addition, you should check the AC and cab intake filters weekly to ensure they’re clean. Replace these filters as needed to maintain proper airflow and cooling efficiency.

Inspect Your Cooling System Regularly

One of the most critical components of summer construction equipment maintenance is making sure the cooling system is running properly. This involves:

• Inspecting the cooling fans daily for damaged or loose blades
• Removing excessive debris or dirt on fans
• Power washing radiators and coolers every few days to prevent dust and humidity from limiting airflow and causing equipment to overheat
• Inspecting coolant hoses regularly for cracks and leaks
• Flushing and replacing coolant annually (or more frequently, if necessary, based on usage)

Monitor Fluid Levels and Use the Right Fluids

Excessive summer heat can cause the fluids in your equipment to degrade more quickly than during other times of the year, so checking fluid levels and replacing fluids on a regular basis is critical to minimizing breakdowns. Fluids to monitor include:

• Engine oil
• Coolant
• Hydraulic fluid
• Transmission fluid

During these regular inspections, make sure all fluid levels are still within the range outlined by the manufacture’s guidelines, and top them off as necessary to maintain proper levels. In addition, use high-quality, heat-resistant fluids to optimize equipment performance and prevent overheating.

Maintain Your Tires and Tracks

Excessive heat can cause your equipment’s tires and tracks to wear out more rapidly. As a result, it’s critical to inspect tires regularly for tread wear, proper inflation and any signs of damage such as cracks or punctures. If you use tracked equipment, check the track tension regularly and inspect for damaged components. These steps will keep your tires and tracks in proper running order, which will help improve traction, reduce wear, and minimize the need for costly replacements.

Lubricate Moving Parts Regularly

Proper lubrication of your equipment’s moving parts is critical to reduce heat buildup, friction and wear and tear. Follow your manufacturer’s guidelines for proper lubrication frequency of joints, bearings and other moving parts. This is especially critical when operating construction equipment in extremely hot or dusty conditions which may cause the grease to thin out more quickly. Use high-quality lubricants that are able to provide long-lasting protection during hot temperatures.

Avoid Overworking Equipment

While it’s tempting to run your construction equipment as much as possible to maximize the long summer days, this approach isn’t necessarily the best way to maximize your equipment’s uptime. Pushing your machinery beyond its limits can result in a variety of problems, including:

• Overheating
• Engine damage
• Damage to the cooling system
• Mechanical failure

These issues will lead to unnecessary breakdowns that can potentially keep your construction equipment out of commission for much longer than would occur if you simply took the breaks necessary to avoid overworking your machines each day. To prevent problems associated with overworking your equipment, pay close attention to warning lights and displays. If signs of overheating are indicated, stop using the machine and give it time to cool down.

Protect Equipment Against Excessive Sun Exposure

Excessive sun exposure will take a toll on your construction equipment, causing damage to hydraulic hoses, tires, paint and other components that may lead to premature wear and cracking. While it’s often impossible to avoid sun exposure while your construction equipment is in use, you should take any steps possible to park your equipment out of direct sunlight. Parking construction equipment in shaded areas or underneath covers can help prevent many of the issues caused by excessive sun exposure.

Implement Proper Shutdown Procedures

Always give your equipment time to cool off at the end of a day’s work. Allow engines to idle for a few minutes before shutting machinery down to let the systems cool gradually and prevent damage. Whenever possible, perform this cooldown time in a shaded area.

This extended idle time is particularly critical to protect turbo chargers. These components rotate at extremely high RPMs and if they’re not allowed to cool properly, you risk damaging the turbo charger shafts and bearings.

McClung-Logan Can Help You Maximize Your Equipment’s Uptime During the Summer

At McClung-Logan, we can help you ensure your fleet is running properly all summer long. As the leading construction equipment dealer in the Mid-Atlantic region since 1939, we understand the importance of minimizing downtime during peak season, and our service and maintenance team provides the comprehensive support you need.

Our service team offers equipment inspections to make sure your machinery is up to code. We also provide preventative maintenance services to help you avoid costly breakdowns or repairs. In the event that a breakdown occurs, our team has the training necessary to get your equipment back up and running with as little downtime as possible.

You’ll benefit from our Simply Done Right Service™ Pledge to make your business more profitable by going the extra mile for you. As part of this exclusive pledge, you can count on:

• 24/7 assistance
• Communication in your preferred method (phone, text or email)
• Extensive inventory on hand to ensure you receive any parts as quickly as possible
• Highly trained service team
• Loaner equipment, whenever possible, to minimize your downtime while your machine is being serviced

Contact one of our ten branch locations to speak with a parts or service representative. McClung-Logan is a full-service construction equipment dealer serving the Mid-Atlantic region.