Mechtronik discusses the big wet

It’s pouring in central and eastern Australia at the moment. Which is good news. When the sun comes out and the water recedes there will be lots of work to be done.

But wet weather plays havoc with earthmoving equipment.

Here are some maintenance tips for operators, mechanics and maintenance personnel

Condensation will increase so make sure fuel tanks are full and the condensate is drained from the tank bung and fuel water trap

The hydraulic tank also has a condensate drain bung

Breathers can get clogged with mud check them all

Drain your air tanks

If diffs have been immersed in water it may have contaminated the oil

Get rid of those rock guards that dump truck manufactures insist on placing over the disk brake assembly’s. They make a good barbie plate or crab pot anchor. They trap mud and rocks around your disc pads.

Loosen your track chains while it’s muddy as the mud build up over tightens the chain

Check your air filters as they can be clogged with mud from moisture drawn into a dirty filter

Clean your radiator fins as mud sticks

Remove your cab floor mats and dry out so the floor doesn’t rust

Give your machine a thorough wash down and grease

Some operators run their tyres filled with water for buoyancy or as a counter weight but it only works for buoyancy if you fill the tyre completely with water by welding a tube to the valve fill connection that reaches to the top of the tyre cavity. This will allow all the air out and the tyre can be run at a lower pressure. If you fill to the valve height and top with air you will sink

Finally don’t get bogged or you may end up having to shout the beers come Friday

MECHTRONIK CEO David Armstrong can be contacted on +61 0409641195 for Heavy Equipment assistance
www.mechtronik.com email info@mechtronik.com