Why are equipment inspections so important?

Even though you may already be aware of the condition of your fleet, it’s still a good idea to perform regular equipment inspections. With regular inspections, you can ensure your equipment is in top condition and up to the toughest jobs. A trained technician can tell if a minor repair will have a major impact and recommend repairs to make your equipment run more efficiently. An equipment inspector may point out details that your team easily overlooks. Most importantly, regular inspections ensure worker safety. You can have peace of mind knowing that your equipment is in good condition and on schedule. At the end of the day, there’s no reason not to perform regular inspections to maximize your investment in heavy equipment. Still not convinced? Read on to learn more about inspections and why they’re critical to the life of your heavy equipment.

What is checked during an equipment inspection?

Heavy equipment inspections combine data collection and analysis with actual testing and inspections to get a comprehensive picture of the equipment’s condition. A comprehensive inspection is an important preventative measure to ensure that the equipment is safe to use and all systems are functioning properly.

Damaged or broken equipment requires immediate repair to prevent problems. All heavy equipment must have the following:
• An effective braking system, including emergency and parking brakes
• Effective headlights, taillights, and brake lights
• Audible warnings, such as a horn
• Good windshields and wipers
If properly maintained, heavy equipment can last for years. Considering that some heavy machinery can cost more than a house, it’s wise to take good care of these powerful tools. You can maximize your investment by performing regular inspections yourself or by entrusting a trusted technician.

Kyotechs Machinery uses cutting-edge technology and hands-on experience to inspect, collect, analyze, diagnose, and monitor equipment. Combined with other information such as machine history and usage, we have all the tools we need to make repair and maintenance recommendations for optimal safety and performance. Inspection results are also easy to access and review.

What Does the Inspector Look For?

Heavy equipment inspectors examine all components of the equipment, with a particular focus on safety. Not only do technicians test for safety, they also consider how to improve the productivity and efficiency of the equipment. Once safety is determined, it’s up to you to decide how to use your equipment. Our inspection services are tailored to your specific needs.

Generally, equipment inspectors use a combination of diagnostic tools and a professional eye to check the following components:
• Rollover protection structures, including seat belts
• Gauges and indicators
• Batteries
• Engine performance
• Safety devices, such as deflectors and front bumpers
• Steering components
• Braking systems
• Exhaust systems
• Cooling systems
• Fan belts
• Engine mounts
• Radiator shrouds
• Transmission functions
• Tracks and rollers
• Rear hitch
• Oil level and condition
• Tires and wheels
• Glass and mirrors
• Undercarriage
• Hydraulic systems

Heavy equipment is a major investment, so it’s worth incorporating maintenance and inspections into your work schedule. You can save thousands of dollars in repairs this way. Be prepared ahead of time and avoid the hassle of dealing with a broken piece of equipment.

Sometimes an expert is more likely to spot damage to a part or system that an untrained eye wouldn’t be able to detect. It’s not uncommon for heavy equipment to break down, and most of the causes are preventable. Here are some of the top reasons heavy equipment breaks down:
• Improper maintenance: For example, not replacing a belt or forgetting to check the oil level.
• Bad electrical connections: Inspectors can detect electrical problems early on, before the equipment fails and causes you to lose work.
• Not replacing worn parts: Repairing just one damaged part will only temporarily solve the problem. Other worn parts need to be checked to prevent further damage and future costs.
• Ignoring warning signs: Always have a technician investigate warning signs. Ignoring warning signs can result in significant equipment damage or serious injury.

Inspectors will run tests, collect diagnostic codes, analyze data, and visually inspect the equipment to check for leaks, damaged or loose parts, excessive wear on parts, or any potential problem areas. Technicians have inspection checklists on hand (either on the equipment or on paper) to ensure nothing is missed, and they will teach your team what to look for during daily inspections.

What are the benefits of equipment inspections?

Regular inspections can take productivity and safety to the next level, beyond mandatory inspections.

Heavy equipment is a powerful tool that is able to withstand a variety of different environments and accomplish amazing tasks. Because equipment is capable of doing incredible things, such as lifting tons of objects, wear and tear is inevitable. Worn or damaged parts are not always obvious.

Considering the cost of repairing and replacing heavy equipment, the benefits of frequent inspections far outweigh the disadvantages. If you are wondering about the condition of your equipment, contact a qualified technician immediately. Here are the reasons:

1. Reduce the risk of workplace injuries

Regular inspections can reduce the risk of injury to your employees. Unfortunately, workplace injuries do happen, and most of the time they are preventable. Inspections are a preventative safety measure for you and your employees.

Now, let's consider the role that equipment failure plays in these statistics. A malfunctioning horn, brakes, or any other important component can cause a car accident or the driver of the vehicle to hit another worker. A collision or system failure can cause a heavy object to fall, resulting in injury or death. Or, a worker may be distracted by a malfunctioning equipment and ignore the workers around him, thus endangering his own safety. If brakes fail or equipment suddenly stops, it can easily set off a dangerous chain reaction.

Even though your equipment may be in good shape in the future, you still need to inspect it after completing a tough job. If repairs do need to be done, don’t delay—get them done now to be safe.

A. Lost Time
If a worker is injured because of broken equipment, they will most likely be out of work for some time. Common injuries associated with heavy equipment are often serious, such as amputations, spinal injuries, sprains, fractures, and cuts.

B. Rehiring Costs
If a worker is seriously injured, they may take a long time to recover or may never return to work. In this case, you will need to replace that worker with a new employee. Whenever you hire a new employee, you take a risk. Even if the new employee is a great fit for your company, there is almost always a cost. New employees often require training and time to adjust. Finding the right employee can also take a while.

C. Higher Workers’ Compensation Premiums
Workers’ compensation refers to the legal requirement that employers pay workers’ compensation benefits when workers are injured. Work injuries can be the result of a one-time event or a recurring injury, such as one caused by regular exposure to chemicals or noise. Sometimes, workers’ compensation even covers psychological stress.
When an employee files a workers’ compensation claim, your workers’ compensation premiums increase. Workplace injuries also affect health insurance premiums. However, if your claim costs are lower than the average for similar companies, your premiums may be lower—even more incentive to keep your equipment in good condition.
Regular inspections allow you to take better care of your equipment and even take better care of your employees.

D. Possible Fines
By regularly inspecting and ensuring safety at all times, you can avoid fines and serious violations.

E. Possible Liability
If equipment breaks down and causes an injury, you could face a variety of legal liabilities.

2. Increase Productivity

While safety is a top priority, also consider that equipment breakdowns can also affect productivity. Equipment breakdowns can disrupt workflow and bring projects to a halt. If even one piece of equipment breaks down, work can’t be done.

When a project is interrupted, you may not be able to stay on schedule and meet deadlines. It’s critical to let your clients know they can count on you, and regular inspections help ensure your equipment is reliable for you, your employees, and your clients. To stay on schedule and meet your goals, you need to make sure all your equipment is in top condition. Failure to inspect equipment before use is the biggest cause of equipment failure.

Generally speaking, mechanical failures are usually caused by one of the following reasons:

• Thermal failures: Overheating or extreme temperatures that damage the equipment.

• Mechanical failures: Easily preventable by inspecting and replacing parts. Mechanical failures are often caused by excessive force, collisions, and misuse or abuse.

• Erratic failures: Occur randomly due to hard-to-detect reasons such as electrical problems or software glitches. Erratic failures can be prevented with the help of diagnostic equipment used during the inspection process.

Equipment failures can be sudden or gradual. Inspections are important because you may not notice the severity of the problem until it is too late. Having your equipment inspected by professionals regularly will allow you to avoid disasters and make smart choices. You can replace parts when necessary instead of waiting until the equipment breaks down in the middle of the workday. As a result, you can reduce unplanned downtime and increase productivity. Your customers will be happy when projects are completed safely and on time.

3. Reduce repair costs

By having regular inspections by trained technicians, you will be able to repair problems before they lead to more expensive problems. With inspection and maintenance, your equipment will run better and last significantly longer. The better the equipment is, the less time you need to spend repairing it and the more work you can get done.

When and why should inspections be performed?

Inspections should be performed daily and should cover the following:
• Brakes and lights
• Tire pressure
• Fluid levels
• Mirrors and glass
• Seat belts
• Horn
• Emergency brake system
• Safety devices
• Steering
• Tire condition
• Fuel and oil leaks

Team members should make sure the equipment is safe every day and before every use. However, some situations require a more thorough inspection, which is best performed by a trained technician. You should have your equipment professionally inspected if:
• Your equipment has been exposed to conditions that could cause damage and injury
• Damage is suspected
• Your equipment has been subjected to harsh environmental conditions, such as dusty, wet, muddy, or corrosive coastal environments
• Your equipment has been driven on unpaved roads or in mountainous areas
• Your equipment has been operated by multiple operators
• It shows any signs of needing repairs through signals, noises, or obvious damage
• You are about to perform a demanding job
• Your job site is a long way from your shop
• You are about to purchase a used piece of equipment or sell your equipment
When in doubt, have your equipment inspected by a trusted professional.

Equipment Inspections Are a Must

Kyotechs Machinery makes it easy to schedule inspections with Equipment Management.

Combined with your customized equipment monitoring program, you can schedule, manage, and document equipment inspections performed by your team or a Kyotechs Machinery expert.

By partnering with Kyotechs Machinery for equipment inspections, data collection, and analysis, you’ll gain:
• Improved equipment performance
• A safer workplace
• Increased equipment availability
• Reduced costs of owning and operating heavy equipment
• Advanced monitoring technology
• Greater peace of mind

We streamline the inspection and data collection process, giving you more time to focus on your business and the actual use of your equipment. Our technicians will:
• Inspect your equipment for you as an extension of our Customer Value Agreement
• Train your team to identify serious equipment issues
Don’t wait until it’s time for a critical repair to inspect your equipment. Contact Kyotechs Machinery today for an inspection.