Due to the demands of pile driving and drilling projects, preventative equipment service, regular inspections, and repairs are necessary to keep all equipment operating at peak performance. These present considerable challenges and are one of the primary reasons many contractors and operators choose to rent pile driving and drilling equipment instead of investing significant capital in the purchase of heavy construction equipment.
Deep foundations and other pile driving projects require specialized equipment that can handle the engineering capacities without damaging materials that are causing an equipment malfunction. Not only is regular service and repair necessary for proper function, but it also ensures crew safety and OSHA compliance.
A straightforward checklist and appropriate forecasts are the best ways to ensure all equipment is in top shape and avoid costly downtime or expensive repairs that can be mitigated with preventative maintenance and regular service. Many pile driving and drill rig rental companies also offer repairs and service, and you should always have a licensed technician troubleshoot and inspect machinery for potential breakdowns.
Normal wear and tear on construction equipment can lead to significant failures if not addressed before any significant damage occurs, and regular inspections help reduce the risk of breakdown or injury when conducted properly.
One of the most common ways equipment and materials are damaged is when they are not adequately suited for the capacity or scope of the job. Pile hammers or drills that are not equipped with enough power can be damaged if they are not rated for the proper capacity. On the other hand, materials and piles can be damaged if the equipment is too powerful for the load-bearing or soil specifications.
Preventative Equipment Service vs. Repair
This is the number one way to ensure proper operation and avoid downtime. By conducting preventative maintenance before a malfunction, operators can keep their crews and equipment in the field instead of waiting for parts or extensive repairs to be completed.
This makes pile driving equipment rental an attractive option as it removes the burden from contractors and operators and ensures that their equipment is operating at its peak performance for the duration of the project.
Part of a regular maintenance schedule should include a thorough analysis of lubrication systems. Not only does this extend the lifespan of pile driving and drilling equipment, but it also prevents mechanical failure. That said, lubricants are a variable cost, and in heavy construction equipment, it can be a considerable expense to completely change lubricants.
We recommend having a thorough oil analysis conducted as it can not only save you money in the short term, it’s an effective tool for monitoring your equipment’s performance and forecasting its lifespan. This is especially important when operating in extreme heat or cold, as this can impact the way your lubricant is performing.
Scheduled Equipment Service
While maintenance schedules will vary depending on the specific demands of the project, developing and implementing a comprehensive checklist allows crews and service technicians to evaluate lubrication and mechanical systems to ensure proper operation.
Additionally, pile driving and drilling rigs can undergo significant stress from extreme heat or freezing temperatures depending on the local climate. Marine environments also pose more need for inspection and maintenance as the exposure to corrosive elements can accelerate breakdown, especially while performing repetitive actions associated with driving piles.
Operators and contractors can work with local vendors to develop and implement a comprehensive schedule for maintenance based on inspections. Inspections should be conducted on a daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
Scheduled maintenance is imperative and will help save money in the long run opposed to repairing issues as they arise. Working with a trusted technician to get ahead of problems before they occur is the best way to ensure that all systems of your equipment are operating at their peak performance while avoiding expensive repairs or breakdowns.
Documentation
Maintaining comprehensive documentation of all servicing, repairs, and maintenance will allow technicians to increase the lifespan of drilling rigs and pile hammers. One of the primary benefits of pile driving equipment rental is that operators and contractors don’t need to worry about equipment maintenance documentation, as the vendor will have thorough records should an issue arise.
Having crews complete checklists will ensure proper operation and help identify any potential malfunctions before they become significant problems that result in downtime. This can also help with forecasting any parts that may be wearing down and getting them ordered in advance of malfunction. Proper documentation will also offer valuable insights into the lifespan of equipment. RPI Equipment has over fifty years of experience renting and selling drilling and pile driving equipment, and our team of experienced technicians can help troubleshoot potential malfunctions, develop a comprehensive schedule for inspection, conduct an oil analysis, and even complete repairs on site. Our knowledgeable sales team can help identify the right equipment for projects of any scope to get the job done right the first time.
