|
Keep Costs Down and Extend the Life of Your Attachments
Hydraulic Hammers
This three part inspection will keep your hammer healthy.
- Check for fit and check for leaks
A loose or poorly fitting attachment can quickly cause problems on a machine. Regularly
inspect hoses and fittings for cracks or potential leaks. Also, make sure that hoses, fittings
and shielding fit securely.
- Keep them clean and lubricated
Attachments should be power washed on a regular basis to remove dirt, debris, and
other contaminants that can damage connectors. Once clean, apply lube or grease, but
only after consulting the manufacturer's recommendations. Specific machines require
specifically formulated agents. Standard grease is not acceptable for most hammers.
- Lock check
Inspect locking mechanisms for any bending or stiffness that may damage the attachment
or machine. Attachments should go on and come off smoothly. Never pry an attachment
or otherwise force it on or off.
Best Practices
- Keep hydraulic hose ends clear. Never let them fall into dirt or sand.
- Make sure the hammer’s in and out ports are closed on the jobsite to prevent dust and
sand from entering.
- Once a week, or every 10 work hours, take out and inspect the retaining pin and tool.
- Monthly, or every 50 work hours, check the tool shank and bushings for wear. Also inspect
hydraulic hoses for cracks, holes or other damage.
- Service hammers annually, or every 600 work hours.
Buckets & Teeth
Bucket Inspections
Buckets look tough, but they need extra care. A properly maintained bucket is more cost
effective because it digs and breaks out more efficiently, reducing fuel consumption and
boosting work rate. Here are some tips on how to keep your bucket functioning well.
Mounting Hinges
Inspect the mounting hinges weekly. Small cracks grow fast, so they should be immediately
addressed.
Front Leading Edges and Corners
Check for thinning or cracking. If there is any, corners should be replated and thickened to
increase bucket lifespan. Unchecked damage can lead to corner failure during heavy lifts
or, even worse, could tear out the bucket edge, requiring replacement.
Bucket Edges
Look for signs of distress. If there are any, unworn reversible edges can be rotated. If you
don’t have reversible edges, take the bucket in for service to prevent more costly damage.
Bucket Teeth
Regularly rotate your bucket teeth. They will last longer and work more efficiently. Also,
be sure to inspect corner teeth. These wear faster but, luckily, can often be moved to the
center to expand their usefulness. The same goes with lower edge teeth, which wear
faster—these can often be turned upside down to distribute wear more evenly.
Missing Teeth?
Stop. Do not use buckets that are missing any teeth. With these spaces, the adapter nose
erodes, resulting in a poor fit when new teeth are installed.
Correct Bucket Teeth?
There are a variety of bucket teeth for various tasks. For example, abrasive teeth are best
for coal, while penetration teeth work better on rock. Check to make sure you’re using the
right ones for your job.
Lubrication. Again.
As with hammers, buckets must be kept oiled or greased. This practice is the most cost
effective and simplest way to maintain your buckets.
Check Pins and Bushings for Wear
Worn pins and bushings put undue stress on the machine, resulting in less control, which
can lead to expensive and complicated repairs. Inspect them for wear and tear as a
preventive measure.
Call Today
|
