Reduce downtime with these tips

When you have a heavy equipment fleet, your machines are your most vital assets. If you want to keep them running for the long term, it's important to have a daily checklist for equipment maintenance.

This daily strategy takes a team effort. Refer to the manufacturer's manual while also trusting the expertise of the team—operators, managers, and mechanics—who are your experts in equipment maintenance. Each person should be checking the fleet before and after use to ensure everything is up to the highest standards.

Equipment maintenance tips

When a massive failure occurs on an engine, it can cause a chain reaction of catastrophic events, resulting in other damaged parts and halting your work. At Pittman Tractor, we developed a daily checklist for equipment maintenance in Alabama to help reduce your downtime.

• Attachments--Attachments are as important to your heavy equipment fleet as the machines themselves. Inspect each attachment for signs of breakage or excessive wear, and sharpen bucket teeth as needed.
• Body--Conduct a daily walkaround inspection, look for damage to the machine's body like rust, dents, chipped paint, and scratches.
• Brakes--Examine the brake line fluid levels, filters, connections, and pressure for each machine in your heavy equipment fleet. The brakes are one of the most critical areas to keep an eye on. Also, check the health of the brake pads, drums, discs, and shoes. Observe the parking brake and fittings.
• Electrical lines--Mechanics should conduct tests for the voltage and amperage of the equipment's electrical lines while examining the cables and fuses. Look for exposed wires and ensure the insulation is intact.
• Fuel--Check that the fuel delivery system is functioning properly. Otherwise the machine won't run, and you'll have to bring it in for equipment service. Investigate the fuel lines and pumps, look at the fuel tank for dents and make sure the cap is on.
• Hydraulic oil--Look at the hydraulic oil level and top it off as needed. Check the hydraulic lines, cylinders, hoses, and fittings for leaks.
• Lift arms--If a machine has lift arms, check for leaking hydraulic lines, weak points, and rust.
• Lubrication--Consistent lubrication of the joints and sleeves is essential to prevent downtime for equipment service. Greasing the machine will lead to smooth operation and lessen any damage. Check grease lines for leaks.
• Suspension--Examine the springs, shocks, struts, and undercarriage of the machine's suspension system. Take note of its condition, looking for corrosion, wear, and damage. Inspecting the suspension is especially imperative in areas where salt is common.

Equipment maintenance in Alabama

At Pittman Tractor, we've been serving Alabama for more than 30 years with two hubs in Daphne and Montrose. Whether it's Hitachi, Dynapac, or Midland Machinery, we've seen what can happen to equipment when it's not properly cared for.

We've included this checklist to get you started with equipment maintenance.

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Know your limits

Every situation will have unique securing procedures, but it is important to know the load rating of your trailer and the weight of your load. Load ratings are typically located on the trailer identification plate, and the weight of the load can be determined by using a certified scale.

Understand the law

The maximum legal load in the majority of states is 80,000 lb. Heavy or oversized loads will need specialized trailers and permits to legally transport. If you are unaware of the law in your state, or not certain of the requirements for your load, be sure to check with the local authorities before transporting your equipment.

Don't overload your trailer

It's best to use a trailer with a maximum capacity that is more than the weight of the load plus the weight of the trailer itself. If your load is close to the capacity for your trailer, use a heavier capacity trailer.

Always use properly rated tie downs

The Federal Motor Carrier Regulations determines the number of tie downs required based upon the weight of your load, as well as the tie down capacity. The basic requirement is that tie downs must have a combined strength equal to at least 50% of the load being secured.

Check your chains

Inspect tie downs and chains before each use, and discard any that have visual signs of wear or damage.

Distribute weight correctly

It is important to place loads so the weight is distributed evenly between the semi-tractor drive axles and the trailer axles. Too much weight on the front can make steering unresponsive, while excessive weight on the back can affect braking and decrease traction.

Don't damage equipment during tie down

Check the tie down points located on your load, and be sure to use them properly to avoid damage. 45˚ tie down angles offer the best protection and should keep your load from shifting or sliding.

Contact Pittman Tractor with any questions about equipment transport!

Using the correct machine lubricants for your machines can make the difference between effective, efficient performance and time consuming, costly downtime. Improper use of lubricants can lead to accelerated component wear and major repairs. To ensure optimal operation, it's important to adhere to the specifications in your owner's manual and follow our tips for choosing the right fluids and lubricants.

Hydraulic oil

Hydraulic fluid is used to transfer power from one component to another while at the same time protecting the entire hydraulic system by lubricating the parts it comes into contact with. Here are some tips for choosing the right hydraulic fluid:

• Be cautious of zinc – With anti-wear and antioxidant properties, zinc is commonly used in a variety of hydraulic fluids. The problem is that it can also cause the corrosion of yellow metals and have a negative environmental impact. For these reasons, many machine owners have turned to synthetic additives that have similar protective properties as zinc without the damaging effects. Always check your operating manual to ensure the metal of your components is compatible with zinc additives.
• Always use water emulsifiers – Water can cause real damage to equipment parts and engines. That's why it's important to use hydraulic fluids that have emulsifiers, which will disperse the water and minimize the risk of damage.
• Always filter before adding – Prior to adding hydraulic fluid to your machine, you should always filter it first. Filtering will help you avoid contamination that can lead to accelerated component wear and system failure.

Choosing transmission oil

Transmission oil is necessary to ensure optimal clutch performance and critical to protect gears and bearings from excessive wear. It also helps keep parts cool while the machine is in use.

When choosing the type of transmission fluid to add to your engine, always check your operator's manual, and consider the weather conditions. If the machine will be working in various types of environments and temperatures, use a multi-season oil to avoid unnecessary changes with each new season.

Changing transmission oil

Different machines and engines require transmission oil and filter changes at different intervals. You should always follow the guidelines laid out in your machine's operator manual to determine the right intervals.

When changing the transmission fluid, you should be careful to not contaminate the system. Wash the transmission tank before removing the cap, drain the oil as quickly as possible, keep filters sealed in their package until you are ready for them, and install filters carefully without dropping them.

Grease

Grease is required to minimize friction and wear and help ensure optimal machine performance. When deciding on which grease to use, check your owner's manual to learn the specifications that meet the engine's minimum operating needs. Choose a grease that exceeds these requirements to maximize life and performance of its parts.

Contact the experts at Pittman Tractor to ensure you use the right machine lubricant and oil!

Once your asphalt material is laid down, follow the best practices below to ensure it is compacted properly.

• Mix Temperature – In general, the hotter the mix, the better the compaction result. However, the ideal rolling temperature varies based on a variety of factors, like mix composition, layer thickness, and the binding agent used.
• Roller Passes – The best way to complete asphalt compaction is to start at the seams and then move along the edge of the pavement. In bends or turns, the compactor operator should compact the lane that has the smallest radius first and press down the pavement on the next pass. Dynamic compaction is used for subsequent passes with the whole operation completed by a final roller pass to remove any remaining imperfections.
• Base Conditions – Base type and condition alter the level of compaction required in a new layer of asphalt. The amount of compaction needed depends on if the asphalt layer is on top of sub grade soil, aggregate base course, cold mix asphalt, cracked asphalt pavement, new asphalt concrete, or Portland cement concrete pavement. 
• Environment – The temperature of the air and base, wind speed, and cloud cover all affect the cooling rate of the mix and the level of compaction required.

3 factors that affect your screed depth

• Speed – The faster you travel the less your screed will rise up on the head of material, so you will need to increase your attachment angle. Similarly, if you are slowing down to make a turn or a tie in, the screed will ride up on the head of material more.
• Mix – The asphalt you put through your spreader changes day to day and even truck to truck. It may have more aggregate, more liquid, or it may have sat longer. With this in mind, you always need to watch your depth and match height and make fine adjustments as needed.
• Screed angle - The attachment angle on your screed controls the depth. When starting a new job for the first time, make sure you null out your screed on a flat surface. Once you set down on the mat for your first pull, then adjust your screed. It is typical for one turn of the screw to increase or decrease the material height by ½ inch.

Most common screed error: dropping the match height lower than the main screed

The match height adjusts the extension up or down in relation to the main screed. It needs to be adjusted in order to get the perfect mat. However, if you drop it lower than the main screed, you will get material starvation on your main screed. Soon after you will see shadowing or tearing behind your main screed and the screed will start to dive because it doesn't have any material to ride on.

To avoid this from happening, you should set the extension match height to the point where you start to see a small line coming off the corner of your main screed. Once you have that, you can leave it there, because this will typically roll out easily. However, if you want that perfect look, bump your match height down slightly to remove your line. Don't go too far, however, or you will have the same problem stated above.

Contact Pittman Tractor for more information on asphalt paving and asphalt compaction!

Conduct daily walkaround inspections

It is essential that operators perform daily walkaround inspections for any equipment that is used on a jobsite. A careful inspection will allow small issues to be addressed before they become larger, more expensive and potentially dangerous problems. If any issues are noticed, operators should report them immediately and should not use the machine.

Examinations should include:

• Looking for any fluids on the ground around a parked machine
• Fluid and battery levels
• Tire condition and inflation level
• Horns and lights
• Safety gear, including seat belt and backup alarms

Look and Listen for Equipment Irregularities

It's important for operators to be alert for potential equipment malfunctions on the jobsite. Things to look for include intermittent electrical failures, inappropriate noises, cracks or other signs of impending breakage, and any damage to a machine.

Know what situations increase the risk of tipping or overturning

Fast swings of a load put machines at risk. Be sure operators are moving loads carefully and adhering to prudent speed limits. Never exceed the working range or lifting capacity of a piece of equipment and keep the machine as level as possible when operating.

Test drive before purchasing

Renting is an easy, obligation-free way to try out a piece of construction equipment that you aren't certain about buying. It's also a great method of determining whether or not a machine meets your size, power, productivity, and fuel-efficiency needs.

Rent on your schedule

Pittman Tractor's flexible rentals offer daily, weekly, and monthly rental rates, making it easy to only pay for construction equipment rentals when you need them. Return the machine when you don't need it, pick it back up again when you do. For added convenience, we offer jobsite delivery and pickup via our fleet of delivery trucks and trailers.

Perfect for specialized and short term projects

If you need a specialized piece of construction machinery for a short-term or one-time job, renting is very likely your best option. Instead of having to buy a new piece of equipment that may do more or less than you need it to, renting allows you to operate the specific type and size of equipment that best fits the job.

» Check Out Our Rental Fleet

Tips and Best Practices

General safety instructions

• Always conduct a complete safety check and daily walkaround to identify potential hazards.
• Only trained and experienced drivers should operate rollers and other road construction equipment.
• Find out where fire extinguishers, first aid supplies and alarm telephones are located before beginning work.
• Drive slowly in sharp bends and avoid driving across slopes. Always drive straight up or straight down the slope.
• No crew members should ever position themselves between the paver and a hauling truck backing into the hopper.
• Ensure there are no obstacles or obstructions in the direction of travel of paving and compaction equipment, either on the ground or overhead.
• Always use the machine's ROPS (roll over protective structure) when operating on uneven or unsafe ground.
• Use steps and handholds to climb safely into trucks and equipment.
• Inform the operator before climbing into a truck bed.
• Do not climb onto truck running boards, unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Do not distract equipment operators with excessive talking.
• Keep other vehicles that aren't in use parked out of the way of traffic.
• Use hearing protection if the noise level exceeds 80 dB(A).
• Avoid operating rollers near edges and ditches, as the ground conditions and bearing strength may not support the roller.
• Always drink plenty of water when working on a road or paving job during the summer, as heat exhaustion can set in suddenly.

What to wear

• Always wear long sleeve shirts and full length pants to protect arms and legs. Clothing should not be loose fitting, however, as loose clothing can get caught in moving parts.
• Ensure your crew uses safety vests and colored jackets so they are easily visible while working on the road.
• Hard hats should be worn at all times in order to prevent falling or flying objects that could result in serious or life threatening head injuries.
• ANSI approved safety glasses should be worn at all times to avoid eye injuries. Approved glasses are marked on the frame, lens or both.
• Wear steel toe work boots that extend above the ankle and have non-skid holes.
• Use gloves to protect hands while climbing in and out of equipment.

Diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) is sprayed into the exhaust stream of diesel vehicles to reduce emissions by treating exhaust gases after they have left the engine.

DEF makeup and purpose

DEF is a non-hazardous solution made up of purified water and urea. It is not a fuel additive. Colorless and similar to baking soda in its alkalinity (pH), DEF breaks down nitrogen oxides in the exhaust stream in order to meet emissions control standards. This technology is called Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) and is used in select models of Tier 4 equipment to meet applicable standards.

Tips for use and storage

• Store DEF at a temperature between 32°F and 86°F.
• Keep DEF out of direct sunlight.
• DEF should only be stored in a plastic or stainless steel container, as it can cause rust to form in raw steel containers.
• Use only a DEF nozzle. DEF tanks are sized to allow only a DEF fill nozzle to be inserted, ensuring that the proper fluid is pumped into the tank.
• Keep a supply of DEF available, because equipment will cease to operate once the DEF tank is dry. DEF tanks will hold between 15 and 50 gallons, depending on the size and horsepower of your equipment.

Fluid level indicators

• A DEF gauge shows the fluid level and indicates when it is time to refill.
• A series of warnings will alert the operator when the DEF fluid level is at less than 10% of capacity.
• Engine power is reduced if the DEF tank contains less than 5% of its capacity, although you will typically have enough power to travel a short distance and add more fluid to the tank.
• The DEF tank needs to be filled once for every 3 to 4 times that you refuel with diesel fuel. This frequency will vary with operating conditions.

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