To get the best and longest use out of your heavy duty construction equipment, it is important to follow proper maintenance practices before, during, and after use. The importance of routine cleaning and repairs is frequently emphasized, but it is just as important to follow proper guidelines when you are placing your equipment into long-term storage. Whether you are in between contracting projects, or looking to store your equipment for the winter, make sure you follow these tips to keep your equipment, tools, and materials well protected.
Prepare Equipment For Long-Term Storage
Before storing any heavy duty construction equipment, tools, or materials, it is important to make sure they are prepared to be idle for a long period of time. Damaged equipment that is placed into storage can be at a higher risk of rusting, developing further complications after storage, or placing the user at risk of injury. It is recommended to restore all paint and finishes, fuel tanks, gears, and batteries back to as close as possible to their original condition before placing any pieces of equipment into storage.
Perform Necessary Repairs
If you store a damaged item, it will be more susceptible to further damage and complications. After you take the item out of storage, it can also be more difficult to repair after being idle and untouched for a long period of time. Damaged tools and equipment made of metal, such as excavators, chain saws, mowers, and more, are at further risk of rusting in the crack and exposed areas when left unrepaired. If any of your equipment is severely damaged, or if you are uncertain about how to perform the repair, it is always a good idea to contact a professional for further assistance. Tri-Rent-All has a team of skilled technicians that are equipped to restore all construction equipment, materials, and tools back to mint condition. For more information about our repair services, visit our website, or fill out our contact form.
Thoroughly Clean All Machinery
A complete and thorough cleaning of all machinery and equipment before storage can help prevent rusting, discoloration, and excess build-up of debris. Similar to any previously existing damage, any areas that are in need of cleaning are at a heightened risk of rusting or facing complications during use. Machinery used for digging and landscaping are often caked with soil that must be removed before storage. As dirt, dust, gravel, and debris start to build up in your equipment, different mechanisms can stick together or jam, making them difficult to manage and more dangerous to the user. Depending on which material the tool is made of, there are a wide variety of cleaning sprays and solutions available for a simple cleaning process.
Fill Up All Fuel Tanks
To keep your construction machinery running smoothly after taking it out of storage, it is a good idea to refill all fuel tanks. If your equipment is battery-powered rather than running on fuel, it is recommended to check all power levels and make any necessary replacements. On the contrary, if you plan to store your equipment for longer than three months, it is advisable to empty all fuel tanks to avoid any gasoline expiration.
Paint Over Chipped Surfaces
When placing construction equipment in long-term storage, it is important to make sure that any chips or cracks in the paint are properly restored. As a result of being exposed, these areas are more vulnerable to rust and corrosion. If you do not already have the original paint color, most hardware stores offer a large selection of shades and opacities to match the exact hue you are looking for.
Read Product Manuals for Any Specifications or Instructions
When purchasing any construction materials, it is always a good idea to keep the original product manuals. These can come in handy when it comes to maintenance instructions, cleaning specifications, and storage guidelines. Before placing any tool into storage, either for a short or long period of time, the first step taken should be to check the manual for any specific directions or things to avoid. Some types of equipment might require a specific temperature or degree of disassembly when they are not in use. If you have misplaced the original handbook, many manufacturers offer product manuals for download on their websites.
Avoid Areas With High Levels of Moisture, Humidity, and Dust
Environmental agents, such as moisture, dust, excessive UV exposure, can pose huge threats to your construction equipment, materials, and tools during long-term storage. When looking for a long-term storage location for heavy duty construction equipment, it is recommended to find an indoor space that can be temperature controlled, constantly supervised, and allows easy access to each machine. Examples of ideal locations for storage would be a warehouse or storage yard.
Provide Access to All Equipment for Easy Removal
People who are currently looking to place their construction tools, equipment, and materials will also be looking to remove them at some point. The most common mistake people make when storing heavy equipment is placing the equipment in a layout that makes it difficult to remove from the storage area. It is important to remember to maintain accessibility when storing heavy machinery to avoid this complication as well as potential damage during removal. Also, when items are arranged too close together, they are more likely to collide and cause obstructions.
Contact Us for Heavy Duty Construction Equipment Sales, Rentals, & Repairs in Portsmouth & Hampton, NH
Before placing your heavy duty construction equipment, tools, and machines into storage, make sure they are well prepared, restored, and cleaned to avoid any damage or rusting. If any of your machinery has been previously damaged, it is recommended to make any repairs or replacements before keeping it idle to avoid further complications after storage. Once your equipment is prepped and ready to be put away, it is important to find a location that is free of moisture and allows for easy accessibility and removal. If you are looking for new equipment to rent or purchase, or your old equipment is in need of professional repair, Tri-Rent-All offers a wide variety of available inventory and restoration services for Portsmouth and Hampton, New Hampshire. For more information, visit our website, or fill out our contact form to get in touch with one of our experts.