This month, I want to focus on factory recommended service intervals as this pertains to every kind of equipment, on or off road.
Typically, the interval chart is located in the operator's manual that should have come with the equipment when first purchased. If yours is missing, any dealer for the specific brand should be able to provide a hard copy for you, and I have found that most are readily available online and easily found with a quick search. Some older model machines have a decal "under the hood" or inside an access panel with the basic intervals listed.
And how does this tie into safety and not just become a cheap maintenance sales ploy?
I will try my best to keep the sales pitch to a dull roar!
Simply stated, maintenance and factory maintenance intervals SHOULD be utilized to keep things in check so there is a clear communication of what is functioning correctly, and what needs to be addressed. I believe in doing what is best for the equipment while factoring in actual usage and keeping a customers budget in mind - planning repairs in the future when possible to buffer costs, coordinate with downtime, etc.
Now I have mentioned two different types of maintenance practices, so I will break those down:
1. Maintenance: AKA preventative maintenance, scheduled maintenance, etc.
This is the basic, meat and potatoes service that should include oil change, filter replacement, chassis lube, a basic safety and operational inspection, etc. This type of maintenance is performed on a schedule based on equipment hours/miles and/or an agreed upon time table with respect to operational demand. This type of maintenance can be used to set the time frame for factory service interval work and other repairs.
2. Factory Service Interval Maintenance: These standards are set by the equipment manufacture to achieve the optimum overall life and efficiency. The intervals set a time frame (hours/miles and/or time) for inspection and/or replacement of crucial systems, wearable parts, oils & fluids. By nature, this helps to prevent "over maintaining" by setting time frames for items to be serviced. Also to note, these interval charts do include the oil change (maintenance #1) time frames as well.
I have found that using these types of maintenance practices together is a good way to maintain equipment, with the benefits of scheduling simultaneously to maximize downtime and budgeting (both monetarily and time) interval maintenance together.
And the safety angle in all of this...
With a preventative maintenance program in place, monitoring and planning interval maintenance before a breakdown occurs, will prevent unsafe conditions before they can happen - which will always be when you need that piece of equipment the most!!!
We would love to help you with your preventative maintenance and Interval maintenance needs!
Please contact us to schedule your next service! (509) 939-0926
Thank you for your time!
As always, I welcome a discussion about this or any other safety topic!
Tom Kassen
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