4 maintenance tips to improve construction equipment reliability

From budget constraints to ensuring that projects are completed safely and on-time, fleet managers have plenty to watch over to meet contract expectations.

Although already a priority for any fleet, heavy equipment maintenance can go a long way to meet and exceed the daily challenges that fleet managers face. When you develop a lubrication program properly, it can safely extend equipment life while preserving equipment. In turn, this can save significant costs related to maintaining and replacing equipment, ultimately giving back the time to think about other essential business priorities.

Below are our best lubrication tips and advice from our experts that you can easily incorporate into your maintenance program to improve heavy equipment productivity immediately.

1. Choose the right lubricant for the right job

Construction equipment operates in some of the most rugged environments, and so your business relies on you to choose the right lubricant for optimal performance. But just as some projects are better suited for an excavator versus a dozer, certain lubricants are better suited for specific conditions.

For instance, lubricants come in different viscosity grades that not only take into consideration the ambient temperature range, but also are designed to perform at elevated operating temperatures. Some lubricants are designed to be used in colder temperatures, while other heavier-grade lubricants are designed for warm weather:

• In cold climates, you need a lubricant that will pump and flow during startup while it maintains viscosity at operating temperature to protect moving components.
• In hot climates, it’s important to choose a product with a viscosity range that prevents the lubricant from thinning out under elevated temperatures, which can cause metal-to-metal contact.

Regardless of your situation, Mobil™ has developed a wide range of reliable lubricants, so you can find the right lubricant that will keep your equipment running strong.

2. Consider taking advantage of the latest advances in lubrication technology

As construction equipment has continued to evolve over the decades, so too have the lubricants that help keep them running efficiently. Lubricant technology has many proven benefits, including improved machinery performance, reduced maintenance costs, and extended equipment life.

Today's engine oils can increase operational efficiency by reducing overall oil consumption and provide longer drain intervals, reducing the amount of used oil to dispose. Greases resistant to deterioration and washout decrease the risk of workplace contamination. And hydraulic oils can reduce fuel costs and emissions while improving hydraulic responsiveness.

So if you haven't reevaluated the latest advances in lubrication technology for your construction operation, it might be well worth the effort as it could extend the life of your equipment and help your bottom line.

3. You can digitize your maintenance processes, too

The construction industry is rapidly digitizing - you know that. But there are new technologies that are making it easier to simplify and manage your maintenance program, too.

For example, you can take advantage of data-driven insights that help monitor your lubricant health and equipment condition. Our Mobil℠ Lubricant Analysis platform provides you with 27 different measurements that can help you avoid breakdowns and repairs and scan-and-go technology to scan samples, eliminating the need to print labels.

4. Sometimes, you need a custom lubrication solution

Different construction fleets have different needs. So you might want to consider a custom lubrication program that is tailored to deliver the results that you need. For example, our Mobil experts can help you consolidate your lubricant product mix to streamline logistics as well as storage and handling. We can help you pick the right products for your fleet and work with your maintenance team to determine optimal maintenance service intervals that keep your equipment running smoothly on the jobsite – which ultimately helps you deliver jobs on budget and on time.