Prepping Your Construction Fleet for Spring: Essential Maintenance Tasks and Tips

Spring is quickly approaching, and the warmer weather will bring job sites back to full strength. Now is the time to make sure your construction fleet is ready.

Regular maintenance will extend the lifespan of your heavy equipment and help you avoid downtimes and costly repairs.

Here are some essential heavy equipment maintenance tasks and tips to prepare your fleet for the upcoming season.

Inspecting & Cleaning Equipment

• Engine: Thoroughly inspect the engine for signs of wear, leaks, or corrosion. Regularly clean the engine compartment to prevent debris accumulation, which can lead to overheating or damage to components.
• Batteries: Check battery terminals for corrosion and that connections are secure. Test each battery’s charge and replace any that are weak. When it’s time to work, you want every piece of heavy equipment to start and be ready to go.
• Tires/Tracks: For equipment with tires, check the tire pressure, note tread wear, and check for damage or punctures. For tracked equipment, inspect the tracks for signs of wear or damage and ensure they are properly tensioned.
• Hoses/Fittings: Inspect all hydraulic and fuel hoses for cracks, leaks, or signs of wear. Ensure fittings are tight and replace any damaged components to prevent system failures.
• Fluids/Hydraulics: Check fluid levels, including engine oil, coolant and hydraulic fluids and replace whatever has been depleted.

Performing Safety Checks

• Condition: Do a walk-around inspection to identify any wear or damage that could pose safety risks. Address any issues before returning the equipment to the fleet.
• Lighting/Visibility: All lights, mirrors, and cameras should be functioning correctly. Clean lenses and replace any faulty bulbs, especially if your fleet will be operating in the early mornings or late evenings.
• Cabin/Control Station: Inspect the operator’s cabin for cleanliness and functionality. All controls, gauges, and safety features should be operational. A well-maintained cabin enhances operator comfort and efficiency.
• Testing: Before full operation, test all equipment functions in a controlled environment to ensure everything is working correctly. This includes hydraulic responses, brake systems, and any attachments.

Professional Servicing

Partnering with a trusted professional for heavy equipment service is just as important as routine inspections. Yancey offers extensive machine services, including hydraulic system repairs and parts replacement, at convenient locations throughout Georgia — plus a mobile service unit — to keep your equipment running smoothly. Yancey also supplies fluids and lubricants in bulk to keep your large equipment fleets going strong. Our bulk fluid program can service your entire fleet, whether you have equipment from Cat or other manufacturers.

Trust Yancey for All Your Service Needs

For high-quality services and parts, reach out to Yancey to ensure your fleet is ready for the demands of the spring season. We’ve built our business with the goal of providing unmatched facilities and technicians certified to handle everything from equipment rebuilds to preventive maintenance.

Get in touch today.