Summer Construction Best Practices
Equipment Best Practices for Summer Construction
Summer is the busiest time for construction projects. The issue is that the excessive heat and intense sun will add extra strain on your machines, potentially causing performance problems and costly downtime. To help ensure productive and efficient equipment operation on summer construction jobs, follow our tips and best practices for working during the hotter months.
Operate your A/C correctly
A/C is critical for productive equipment operation during the heat of the summer construction season. A common culprit behind machine air conditioning problems is running them with the windows down. This practice will place unnecessary strain on your A/C system, making it work harder than necessary and leading to accelerated wear and worse performance.
Store out of the sun, if you can
When they are not in operation, we suggest storing your machines out of the sun, if possible. Constant sun exposure can be hard on your hydraulic hoses, paint, and especially your tires, leading to cracking and excessive wear.
Work within your equipment’s parameters
A key part of heavy equipment operation on summer construction projects is to not push your machine too hard in the heat. Overworking your equipment can lead to overheating, damage to the engine, cooling system, and A/C components, and eventually, costly breakdowns. We suggest remaining within the limits of your machines to ensure the best performance possible. It’s also crucial to pay careful attention to all displays and warning signals for signs of overheating.
Use the right shutdown processes
Very important for heavy equipment maintenance during the hot months is to give your machines enough time to cool down after completing each shift. Before shutting down your engine completely, let it idle for several minutes. If you happen to have access to shade, handle this cooldown process out of the sun. A phased shutdown will give your machine the chance to cool down and turn off correctly, helping prevent damage to components.
Protect your crew
More than just properly completing heavy equipment maintenance, you also have to make sure your team remains cool, hydrated, and productive on summer construction projects. We recommend avoiding long periods of work in direct sunshine, always wearing sunscreen and breathable clothing, going on regular breaks in the shade, and drinking plenty of fluids. Each person in your crew has to be able to recognize the signs of heatstroke; dizziness, nausea, confusion, slurred speech, throbbing headaches, and the immediate stopping of sweating. If you see any of these symptoms in yourself or other workers, seek medical attention quickly.
If you have any questions about equipment operation during summer construction or heavy equipment maintenance in general, contact our team today.