Industrial equipment is a vital part of many different industries, including construction work and manufacturing. It’s also expensive. While you can rent heavy machinery and other equipment, if you need to use something all the time, you’re better off buying it.
There are a few ways to save money when using industrial equipment, including procuring second-hand, or only investing in equipment that your company actually needs. But one of the most effective ways to not only save money but also ensure that your business maintains a high level of productivity is to make sure your equipment lasts as long as possible.
Here are a few ways to extend the lifespan of your tools.
1. Purchase Appropriate Equipment
Improving the lifespan of your equipment starts with purchasing. While second-hand products are cheaper, it’s important to check the history of what you buy to make sure you won’t need to replace it soon.
Only invest in equipment that has a good reputation for reliability and is suited for the task at hand.
2. Proper Equipment Storage
There will be times when you aren’t using certain equipment. Proper storage can keep your machinery going for longer by preventing rust and other damage.
Always clean machinery that will be stored, then keep it in a clean, dry, and indoor location. Secure any loose attachments and, if it contains a battery, remove the battery to prevent unnecessary discharge.
Finally, lock it up. Heavy machinery and expensive equipment are attractive to thieves, so keep them secure.
3. Employee Training
If heavy machinery is misused, it can be dangerous to the user, anyone around the user, and the machinery itself. Always make sure that any heavy machinery is operated by someone who has the appropriate training. Otherwise, you could be considered liable for any damages.
4. Regular Maintenance Schedules
Over time, machinery and equipment will suffer wear and tear. You can’t use it constantly and expect it to be fine. Breakdowns can be expensive, as they put necessary machinery out of commission for longer periods of time and they can also be more difficult to repair.
While you may have been able to repair minor damage and keep something going by shutting it down for maintenance, when it breaks down, you may need to replace parts or even a whole piece of equipment.
5. Replacement Parts for Quick Repair
During your regular maintenance checks and repairs, or perhaps if something has broken down, you might notice some parts are damaged or even missing. Screws are a very common part that have a bad habit of disappearing, which makes your equipment less durable. When it comes to industrial equipment, even a few small screws can make a lot of difference.
It’s best to be able to order parts like socket head cap screws as quickly as possible or even to keep a supply of these screws, especially if you know they’ll be needed. If you’re manufacturing or designing custom machinery, you can also order custom screws for the best possible fit.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov
