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Jan
Jan
Few things are more frustrating on site than when your machine breaks down and becomes unusable. This is why regular servicing and maintenance are both very important to avoid machine downtime, which as we know can be costly to a business. If machines are not regularly serviced, a sudden problem is more likely to occur. This can be very annoying and does not only mean halting procedures on the current job but also causing delays on future jobs, particularly when you factor in that you may not be able to get your machine assessed and repaired immediately.
Having a machine maintenance plan is even more important during the colder months as breakdowns on machines can become more common as the harsher weather conditions can take their toll on your machine and if they are sat not working for a while due to freezing temperatures this can affect them further. There are steps you can take to avoid mechanical issues and keep working throughout the winter and planned maintenance and regular servicing is one of them. View our service plans here.
Types of Servicing/Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is servicing that is carried out regularly even if your machine is working absolutely fine. This will mean inspecting your machine for wear and tear and repairing/replacing parts as necessary. Maintaining your machine in this way helps prevent major failures which can be more costly and disruptive.
Predictive Maintenance plan for machines may require you to be in tune with your machine and its capabilities to
foresee when a service may be needed. This may be based on number of hours or the number of jobs completed. Again, this is a planned service so you are in control and will be able to consider a time that suits you and your workload.
Corrective Maintenance occurs when machines break down, usually without warning, these machine repairs are often more expensive. A sudden breakdown can be very disruptive to your installation process. Not to mention you may not be able to be fitted in immediately for a repair. A break-down mid spray could also cause inconsistent render/plaster/paint finishes. An unexpected breakdown may also incur further costs if you need to hire alternative equipment to keep up with your workload.
Why is service and maintenance important?
- Lengthens the lifespan of your machine- Regular service and maintenance keeps it working at optimum level for longer. Become familiar with the wear parts such as mixing paddle and/or rotor and stator and assess these regularly. Also, keep grease- points lubricated so your machine runs at its best in between services.
- Saves you money in the long-term- Skipping a service may seem like a good idea to save some money, but if you’re running a machine that is damaged, it will not be working efficiently. This will cause further damage costing you more when you eventually decide to service or it breaks down and needs repairing.
- Lowers the risk of breakdowns- Keeping on top of your machine maintenance should reduce the risk of a sudden and unplanned breakdown. We recommend servicing every 150 to 200 hours, however you can find full service intervals within your operators manual.
- Avoids Unplanned downtime- If your machines don’t have a regular servicing, a sudden problem is more likely to occur. This can be frustrating mid-job and does not only mean halting procedures on the current job but also causing delays on future jobs, particularly when you factor in that you may not be able to get your machine assessed and repaired immediately.
- Increases machine efficiency- When your machine is thoroughly serviced and maintained, it will run more efficiently. Consequently, this means quicker application and less material wastage; all positives for the contractor and customer.
- Boosts customer satisfaction- Running to time on jobs, showing up with clean well-maintained machines and showcasing a slick spray/pump process will create a great impression on customers. They’re also more likely to positively review and recommend you.
- Ensures better finish- With plastering, rendering and flow screed, it’s all about the smooth perfect finish. If your machine is running at optimum level, it is going to create the desired flawless outcome whilst spraying or pumping efficiently and wasting less material.
- Improves company image- Sites are often dusty and dirty places and can leave machines in a bit of a mess plus the dirt is abrasive and can impact your machine mechanisms. Maintaining your machine by keeping it clean is a priority and will enable you to spot faults more easily as well as improve your company image.
- Promotes health and safety- Health and safety is of utmost importance when on a site with plant machinery and a damaged or deteriorating machine could cause an accident. Equipment to look out for include perished hoses which under pressure can split and cause an injury. Tow bars (for road towable units) are also important to check for road safety.
What Can I do?
As well as having a machine maintenance plan, booking your machine in with a reputable servicing company (don’t forget CES service many machines even if you’ve not purchased from us), there are measures you can take to maintain your machine in excellent condition:
Daily checks- Regularly servicing your machine is crucial for its health but taking just 10-15 minutes each time you use it to inspect the basics is a straightforward yet powerful method to guarantee its longevity and peak performance. Performing these regular inspections enables you to easily spot any potential issues like clogged filters, low oil levels, worn rotor and stator parts, deteriorated hoses, or missing seals. This proactive approach not only helps prevent costly breakdowns but also allows you to promptly address any issues, ensuring your machine stays in optimal working order.
Cleaning-Keeping your machine clean not only improves the professional image of your company but also benefits the performance of your machine and prevents unnecessary strain on your machine and keeps its wearable parts in great condition. Each machine has different cleaning techniques that you should follow to keep it running at it’s best, you should refer to the specific instructions for your machine. For example, cleaning out plaster/render before it hardens and sets in a plaster/rendering machine and then cleaning the pan between each resin bound mix on a forced action mixer, removing the excess resin so it doesn’t stick and set on the mixer. We sell the all important cleaning sprays and materials here at CES.
Spare parts- It is important to replace/fix parts before they deteriorate or break completely. Keeping a machine running with worn parts will cause more damage and further costs in the long term.
Operating a machine with damaged parts means it will not work so efficiently and can cause product waste too, adding further unnecessary cost. An example of this is changing the rotor and stator when it needs to be changed. It's also wise to keep spare parts readily available in case they're required during your work sessions, such as rotors & stators, and other essential components. Make sure you’re greasing parts, topping up oils, checking hoses and filters.
Our team at CES will customise the service to cater to your specific needs, taking into account whether your machine operates on diesel or electricity, and its current condition. We offer a variety of service packages to suit your requirements, tailored to ensure optimal performance, each including essential tasks such as inspecting the rotor & stator, checking safety features, applying lubrication, examining tyres, changing engine oil, replacing filters, cleaning components, and more. Regardless of where you purchased your machine, our service and maintenance packages are accessible to guarantee its peak performance. Make the most of our hassle-free collection and drop-off service to simplify the process of scheduling maintenance in for your machine. Feel free to give us a call at 01494 715472 to schedule your service or inquire for more information. Alternatively, you can reach out to us via email.
