What Should You Know About Maintaining High-Performance Mining Equipment?

The toughest job in mining is maintenance; high performance mining machinery which never stops working, no matter how difficult demands you may have. Dust, vibration, heat and long hours wear even the best of the machines down. 

To ensure that operations run smoothly, you also must care for your gear. And a breakdown can be expensive, both in time and money, and even endanger his wellbeing. 

From routine checks to intelligent upgrades, we’ll guide you through five essential places to look. Before you look for maintenance services for mining equipment, let’s break it down on how you can help your mining machines running at their peak!

Why Those Checks Matter More Than You Think

Men and machinery are subject to severe strain. Heavy loads, rocky ground and, with some, around the clock use, add up to damage that is not easily seen. That’s why regular checkups are an absolute must. 

Inspect your machines daily before use. Search for signs of wear — cracks, rust, bolts that are loose. Often, these little signs are the tip of a much larger iceberg.

Be sure to check the hydraulic lines and filters. These components are prone to clogging or leakage during pressurization. Monitor the oil level, as well. Low coolant leads to overheating quickly. Create checklists so your team doesn’t forget a step or action.

Lube It Up On The Dot

Lubrication can sound simple. But it is a big factor in how well mining equipment works. It is used to help prevent friction between moving parts. Reduced friction, less heat, less wear. So equipment lasts longer and breaks down less.

Select the appropriate lubricant for the task. Oils and greases are not created equally. Some handle high heat better. Still others are better suited to dust-prone spots. Refer to the manufacturer’s guide for each machine.

Stick to a schedule. Oil and grease aren’t to last. They break down, or become soiled. Filthy lube is about as useful as no lube. Clean grease fittings before applying new grease.

Hawk-Eye Their Wear Parts

There are some parts on your mining equipment that wear out quicker than others. These range from belts, to filters, bucket teeth, and cutting edges. You’ll want to keep a close eye on these wear parts. Change them out before they break.

Why? Because the worn parts put stress on the rest of the machine. A blade that isn’t sharp causes the motor to exert more energy. Engines overheat because of restricted airflow caused by a clogged filter. All it takes is one weak link to undermine the entire system.

Set clear usage limits. So, if a belt is supposed to last 500 hours, get rid of it after 450 hours. Don’t wait until it breaks. Keep records of use of the machine using reading hour meters, or service logs.

Clean Machines Last Longer. It's That Simple.

A clean might seem like a hassle. But dirt, mud and rock dust can destroy your gear if not kept in check. Debris enters bearings, vents and cooling systems. This can produce overheating, corrosion and electrical faults.

Clean your machines daily, especially after long shifts, to keep them in good shape. Pressure washers can be picked up and used on the exterior. For delicate areas, a kind of soft brush or air compressors are suggested. Do not leave your equipment wet after washing, to avoid being rusty.

Concentrate on undercarriage, engine covers, and fan cooling. These are the dirtiest spots. An obstructed fan or radiator and your machine’s in the red in minutes.

Train Your Team – They’re Your First Line Of Defense

You cannot be everywhere at the same time. That’s why your operators and technicians require good training. Trained workers do a good job spotting problems early. 

They know how to use the machines correctly and not have habits that are harmful. Start with the basics. Teach how to perform daily checks, use checklists and detect warning signs. 

Run hands-on sessions often. Books and videos can help, but live practice is more effective. Up-date learning every time you buy new products. Each model is different. 

Conclusion

It turns out that mining equipment maintenance services is almost as important as performance for mining equipment it can be tempting to overlook maintenance of mining equipment. 

You heard it a million times: if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. But just like your favorite car, equipment needs maintenance. Your equipment will last longer, and you’ll be less likely to have expensive, major repairs. 

Maximize maintenance of both equipment and parts through FFXI, YC chains, and other wear parts. Mining has its own mythology for equipment maintenance.