Heavy equipment is one of the largest capital investments most construction and manufacturing companies have to make. Maximizing the return of investment on these assets means performing constant maintenance, changing lubricants, and having industrial chrome plating replaced on a regular basis. The tips below will help extend the life of your heavy equipment and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

4 Tips for Maintaining Heavy Equipment

1. Check & Refill Lubricants

Any machine with moving parts depends on a lubricant to disperse heat and reduce friction. Checking oil levels on a regular basis, repairing leaks, and changing the lubricant on time are the best ways to add life to your equipment. 

2. Train Your Operators

Any employee tasked with operating heavy equipment should also be trained in identifying problems and noticing signs of wear. Well-trained operators will know how to protect the equipment from accidental damage and alert you of any maintenance issues as soon as they arrive.

3. Prevent Wear & Update Chrome Plating

Even with regular oil changes and routine maintenance, some amount of wear is unavoidable. Worn-out chrome plating and issues with slipping gears tend to escalate quickly once the protective coating has worn off of parts. In this case, have any worn-out parts refurbished or replaced as soon as possible. Call a finishing specialist to re-coat your chrome plating when you start to see signs of deterioration. 

4. Change Filters on a Regular Basis

Most pieces of heavy equipment have a variety of filters and seals to keep oil, fuel, and air in the machine clean. Dirty filters make the equipment work harder than necessary, and allow contaminants into the system that can build up and cause premature breakdowns.

For nearly 50 years, businesses across the Cincinnati area have relied on LWG Finishing for high-quality industry chrome plating for a variety of applications. Their team has the experience and equipment to increase the durability of almost any component, helping you get the maximum return on your mechanical investments. Visit their website for an overview of their electroless nickel and chrome plating services, or call (513) 860-1156 to discuss your project and request a quote.