As we dive into March for season startup ideas, let’s look at what equipment operators can do as they return to the job to ensure best paving this spring. By taking extra time right now to clean and shore up the machines in your fleet, you invest in the upcoming paving season’s success. The online training course we offer at link gives an in-depth look at equipment maintenance, but let’s get a quick-and-dirty overview right here.
Make sure the roller operators and mechanic working on the rollers check for worn coco mats, broken scraper bars and missing water spray nozzles on drums. This is the ideal time to replace them.
When the screed operators check in for spring-refresher training, talk to them about the feed sensor attached to the endgate. Make sure they, and laborers, know to shovel with care when grabbing mix from the head of material. You don’t want rogue shovels cutting the feed sensor cord. And that’s a bit of maintenance to make sure you’ve covered before season startup. Has the sensor’s wire been damaged during storage? Get it fixed. Was the sensor’s eye plugged with material before storage? Clean it with biodegradable release agent.
Look at the skid steer loader’s joints for caked material that hinders movement. Maybe you need to replace its fuel tank cap or something else that’s simple now, but could create a nightmare later. Whatever the point of concern, now is the time to address it.
Every piece of equipment has a maintenance regimen you want to help the mechanic stick to. When in doubt, check with the OEM about components and flaws. Companies have guidelines to help you troubleshoot. Get the troubleshooting out of the way before the plant fires up and trucks bring mix to the first project of the season.
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