Routine maintenance 101

by Jeff Keeling, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Brokk Inc.

Demolition robots are built with strong components to promote a long service life and are specifically designed to withstand harsh environments. But, as with any piece of equipment, neglect of regular maintenance can reduce machine productivity, or worse, lead to unexpected breakdowns.

Performing regular inspections and maintenance on the machine can reduce instances of frustrating downtime and ensure the crew has the tools they need to operate at maximum efficiency. These guidelines can help with understanding which preventative maintenance measures to take.

 Daily Maintenance

Certain maintenance functions should be completed every day to ensure safe and effective demolition. Some systems, including the tool mounting and arm system, should be lubricated every 8 hours of operation. It’s also important to check hydraulic fluid and breaker lubricant levels each day, as well as engine oil and coolant levels for diesel machines. Finally, inspect hoses to keep an eye out for any water damage or leaks that could indicate maintenance is needed on hoses or hydraulic cylinders.

Weekly Maintenance

Weekly inspections should be more thorough and require covers to be removed to reach critical maintenance points. Make sure to remove dust buildup in the radiator and inspect systems like the arm, undercarriage and outriggers for cracks or other damage. This will ensure no failures take place during machine operation.

Every 250 Hours

Along with daily and weekly checks, 250 hours is a significant maintenance milestone for demolition machines. Be sure to replace the return filter and the air filter for the hydraulic tank and check the hydraulic pump for proper function at this interval. For diesel-powered models, the engine oil, oil filter and fuel filter should also be changed.

Once a Year

There are additional routine maintenance procedures to follow annually. At least once a year (or about every 500 hours), operators must replace the machine’s hydraulic fluid. Diesel machines should see the air filter replaced at least once a year in addition to 250-hour service items.

Every 1,000 Hours

By 1,000 hours, operators who follow all routine maintenance suggestions should have minimal maintenance-related frustrations and downtime. There are several key inspections to perform at this stage, though, to ensure your machine keeps functioning at optimum efficiency. At this point it’s time to change the slew motor and drive motor oil on the demolition robot. For diesel-powered machines, operators should work with an authorized Brokk workshop to replace the coolant and alternator belt.

Routine maintenance is critical to avoiding unexpected downtime. By following daily, weekly, and other preventative maintenance recommendations, contractors can maximize the performance and reliability of the machine. For more information on preventative maintenance for demolition machines, consult the manual or talk to a trusted manufacturer.