Particularly when new heavy equipment is added to the fleet, operator training becomes even more crucial. When utilizing heavy equipment for the first time, an operator might not even be aware that they’re not using it appropriately. They are probably going to operate the loader in the same manner as any other machine if they are not educated on its quirks, features, and technology.
However, as technology is evolving so quickly, improper usage can lead to several problems that can result in heavy equipment wear or damage. Regardless of whether you buy a quality used wheel loader for sale for increased business profits.
Another great resource is the operator’s manual. One of the best ways for an operator to ramp up rapidly and increase productivity, in addition to receiving basic operator training, is to study the manual. These actions can have a big impact on your company’s ability to complete more work.
Here are a few more typical wheel loader trouble spots along with solutions.
Bucket Care
The most often worn parts on loaders are the teeth, bucket wear plates, front pins, and buckets; normal wear and tear accelerates this wear.
Before they begin to destroy the bucket itself, keep an eye on the buckets and rotate or replace any damaged plates on the front. If you allow the wear plates to become so worn down that you start to rub on the bucket too soon, it can get extremely expensive.
The machine’s front-end wear and tear may also be impacted by the bucket selection. Select buckets based on the material and application.
Brakes Maintenance
Except for hydrostatic heavy equipment, all loader brakes operate through friction, which produces heat. Overuse of the brakes can lead to overheating and early wear, which can cause the brakes to fail prematurely.
Some examples include:
- inexperienced operators traveling too quickly and then halting abruptly
- accidentally applying brakes by “riding” the pedals
- rushed workers (under time constraints to increase output) applying forceful brakes after applying forceful throttle to stop quickly or within a short distance
Train drivers to reduce speed sooner and let the load and machine’s weight bring the wheel loader to a close stop before deploying the brakes to prolong the life of the brakes.
Shifting Shortcuts
Depending on how the wheel loader is being used, wear on the gearbox and transmission clutch may be a problem. The gearbox and clutch sustain additional damage as a result of improper shifting.
Shifts made quickly are the most frequent offenders. Put another way, the operator shifts the loader’s direction by reversing it, “shoving” it into front gear, and then using the brakes, or vice versa, using the transmission and traction converter.
The engine and torque converter will overheat if someone loads trucks all day without ever applying the brakes. This extra force goes into those parts.
Warm-Ups And Shutdowns
Although loader operators are tempted to forego the warm-up phase during engine and hydraulic startup, doing so can have negative effects. Bringing components up to working temperature before operation will prolong their life because cold oil does not lubricate as well.
In the end, stops are just as significant. Large diesel engines have turbochargers that can run at average rates of 40,000 to 50,000 rpm.
The turbo will continue to spin for up to thirty minutes without any oil reaching the bearings if the machine isn’t allowed to idle and cool itself down for a minimum of two or three minutes.
This produces a great deal of internal wear in addition to heat. The turbo will spin less after shutdown if you let the machine cool down before turning it off.
Tire Care
One of the most damaging hazards for a wheel loader is when an inexperienced operator spins the tires.
All that force travels to both front tires rather than one of them, which would lessen the spinning because the machine fails to use the gap locks as they should hold the front wheel up. The outcome is premature tire wear.
In some scenarios, tire spin is the tire’s fault and not the operator’s. One common reason is selecting the wrong wheel loader tire range irrelevant to the construction operation.
So ensure that you are selecting the right tread pattern. Use the tire as per the terrain and operational necessity.
Summary
When it comes to increasing the productivity of construction operations, the main heavy equipment to look after is the wheel loader.
Above mentioned tips can help you maximize the efficiency of a used wheel loader while minimizing downtime.
Additionally, by buying a used wheel loader for sale you can maximize the invested capital yet gain an increased total revenue.