Importance of Heavy Equipment Inspections

Do you depend on equipment like dozers, excavators, compact track loaders and motor graders at your job sites? Keeping these complex machines in peak condition is crucial to your business’s success. Regular inspections can give you peace of mind by allowing you to detect and correct minor issues before they become expensive repair projects.

Jump To Sections:

• How Does the Heavy Equipment Inspection Process Work?
• Why Does Heavy Equipment Break Down?
• 5 Benefits of Heavy Equipment Inspections
• When Should You Inspect Your Equipment?
• Get More Helpful Heavy Equipment Inspection Tips From H.O. Penn

How Does the Heavy Equipment Inspection Process Work?

Inspections ensure your machines are safe to operate. They can help the equipment run longer and more efficiently while reducing trips to the mechanic.

This heavy equipment inspection checklist can help you determine what to look for during the process.

Review the Owner’s Manual

The company that manufactured your heavy equipment knows it best. The machine’s owner’s manual is an excellent reference when beginning an inspection. It should include specific timelines regarding how often you should complete the process and the particular procedures to follow.

How Do You Use the Equipment?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) outlines specific inspection requirements for heavy equipment used on the job. Site supervisors and crew members should be aware of these parameters and how they apply to the machine’s intended use. They must execute these tasks before operating the equipment.

Safety Comes First

A primary focus of the inspection should be a review of the machine’s safety features to verify the condition and ability to perform correctly. Specific items to check include:

• Braking system
• Couplers (for accommodating attachments)
• Horn
• Steering mechanism
• Lights
• Tires
• Window glass
• Mirrors
• Seat belts

Check for Wear and Damage

The inspection process should also include the machine’s mechanical systems to check for worn parts and other issues that could cause a breakdown.

For example, pools of liquid underneath the equipment likely indicate a fluid leak that requires immediate attention. Always check the fuel, oil, coolant and other fluid levels before using the machine, even if you don’t see visible signs of a leak. Structural damage like bent frames or large dents could also impact the equipment’s performance. If you’re using attachments like buckets, augers, blades or rakes, they should be in good condition and connect securely.

Why Does Heavy Equipment Break Down?

Regular inspection of machinery is important for identifying and troubleshooting potential problems before they cause extensive mechanical and system failures. Equipment can break down or malfunction for several reasons.

Lack of Timely Maintenance

Your equipment works hard, often in challenging conditions. A strict maintenance schedule is crucial for ensuring a machine can meet the ongoing demands. These steps range from changing the oil and other vital fluids at regular intervals to replacing belts, hoses, tires and hydraulic components. The owner’s manual can help you determine the appropriate service schedule, but you must also consider the usage patterns.

Electrical Issues

Various electrical systems are at the core of efficient heavy equipment operation. While a dead or underperforming battery is often the culprit when a machine won’t start, loose or disconnected wiring can also cause a breakdown in the field. Electrical problems can lead to safety issues if the machine’s headlights or taillights don’t work at night or in low-visibility conditions.

Worn Parts

Equipment parts can wear out quickly, especially in heavy-use applications. Depending on what fails, a worn component could bring the machine — and your operations — to a standstill. One malfunctioning part can impact an entire operating system, leading to more extensive damage. Timely replacements are crucial for keeping your fleet on the job and minimizing downtime.

Ignoring Warning Signs

Most equipment manufacturers install systems to alert operators, service technicians and fleet managers of a potential problem. Sometimes, a machine will “tell” you something is wrong by how it performs in the field. It’s important to investigate these issues as soon as possible to prevent more extensive damage.

Misuse

You expect your heavy equipment to work hard. Breakdowns are inevitable if you frequently operate it in harsh conditions or use it for purposes that stretch its capabilities. Know the machine’s limitations and ensure you work within them.

5 Benefits of Heavy Equipment Inspections

While inspecting your equipment requires time and effort, the process delivers numerous benefits for your business.

1. Enhanced Workplace Safety

Inspections are essential for detecting and correcting safety issues before they cause accidents and injuries. Your workers will experience less time off the job, resulting in fewer costly workers’ compensation claims. You’ll also reduce the likelihood of violating OSHA regulations that could lead to significant financial penalties. As a business owner, you’ll gain more peace of mind knowing you’re doing everything possible to protect your most valuable asset — your employees.

2. Reduced Downtime

Time is money in the construction industry. Even one broken-down machine could put a project well behind schedule. Because inspections help identify issues that can cause mechanical failures, they reduce the likelihood of extended downtime. Consistently completing your tasks on time enables your company to establish a positive reputation that leads to more business opportunities.

3. Increased Productivity

Regular inspections will provide insight that enables you to improve your fleet’s performance. An efficiently operating machine will work faster, allowing your crews to get more done at the job site in less time.

4. Lower Repair Costs

It’s much less expensive to fix a minor problem than a major mechanical issue. By enabling you to detect problems earlier, inspections help you take a more proactive approach to equipment upkeep. Your repair bills will decrease, which frees up more funds to allocate to other areas of your business operations.

5. Longer Equipment Life Span

Purchasing heavy equipment represents a substantial investment for most companies. Combining regular inspections with routine equipment maintenance can keep your machines on the job longer. Less frequent replacement saves money and boosts your business’s bottom line.

When Should You Inspect Your Equipment?

The appropriate inspection frequency depends on the situation. Perform a daily check before using equipment at the job site, and include the following:

• Tire pressure and condition
• Fluid levels
• Seat belts
• Steering
• Horn
• Lights
• Mirrors
• Leaks
• Brakes, including emergency stopping systems

A more in-depth inspection of internal components should also occur. This process is usually part of a regularly scheduled maintenance check. The machine’s owner’s manual should recommend the appropriate frequency of these steps. A professional service technician can provide additional insight based on typical usage patterns and conditions.

Other situations may warrant an unscheduled inspection:

• Several operators have used the machine.
• You’ve exposed the equipment to unusually harsh operating or climatic conditions.
• The alert system is warning you of a potential mechanical issue.
• You notice signs of new damage or a sudden decline in performance.
• You’re looking to sell or purchase a machine and want to ensure it’s in peak condition.

What Are the Benefits of a Professional Inspection?

While an equipment operator can perform a daily inspection, you should consider a professional service technician for more extensive checkups. A well-trained tech can bring several key elements to the process:

• Extensive knowledge of the equipment
• Access to tools and resources to ensure optimal results
• Experience working with your specific machine — many techs have earned brand-specific certifications
• Ability to detect and correct issues the first time
• Faster, more efficient results than when attempting to complete the process in-house

It’s easy to overlook inspections, especially if you’re busy or experiencing staff shortages. However, completing the process on time will provide substantial long-term business dividends. Your fleet will perform more productively and efficiently, and you’ll create a safer work environment for your employees.

Get More Helpful Heavy Equipment Inspection Tips From H.O. Penn

At H.O. Penn Machinery, we’ve helped businesses like yours get the most out of their fleets for over 100 years. As an experienced full-service Caterpillar® dealer, we can meet all your inspection, maintenance and repair needs while minimizing your long-term operating and ownership costs.

Contact us to learn more about our heavy equipment inspection services today.