Heavy machinery is expensive to buy, specialized to use, and costly to fix when broken. It’s the most significant investment your company makes.

As a member of an industrial team, you understand how vital equipment is to keep the team running. Equipment breakdowns cause the whole process to grind to a halt.

But there are things you can do to keep your heavy industrial equipment in prime condition. Regular maintenance and proper care may add years of useful life to your equipment.

Check out our industrial equipment service and maintenance guide below.

1. Cleanliness Is King

Creating a clean environment for your machinery improves the lifespan of the machine. And it’s good for your workers too. Employees work better in clean work environments.  

Filters and seals keep sensitive parts and electronics free from debris. Make sure you check and clean them every day.

Keep your machinery cabins clean. Dirty breathing filters inside the cabin put your employees at risk. Educate employees that cleanliness is king when it comes to keeping equipment safe.

2. Stay on a Schedule

Set up a regular maintenance schedule that includes daily cleaning checks.

Check oil and lubricants often to ensure they aren’t running low or running dirty. Tighten bolts on a regular basis as they tend to slip over time. Any area of the machine that involves a lot of friction needs a thorough inspection on a daily basis.

Keep a good log of your checks. Include the date, all tests made, and record what was fixed or replaced. This log comes in handy if you ever have any big breakdowns.

3. Heed the Manufacturer’s Suggestions

When you’re making out your maintenance schedule, consult with your manufacturer for timelines.

Standard equipment should come with a manual. For specialized equipment, call or email the rep at the manufacturer. They will give you a timeframe to replace parts. And how often to check lubricants, seals, and filters.

Don’t push it to the end. Keep your routine maintenance schedule up to date and stay on top of issues before they worsen.

4. Keep Your Eyes and Ears Open

A critical part of preventative maintenance is the eyes and ears test. How does your machinery look? Does it sound okay?

Every machinery inspection should begin with a visual once-over of major systems. If you’re familiar with your equipment, you’ll spot wear and tear right away. If you hear strange sounds like brakes squealing, you know there’s a problem.

Don’t wait until scheduled maintenance if something doesn’t look or sound right. Report the problem and get it fixed right away.

5. Use and Store It Properly

Never use equipment for anything other than what it was made to do. Again, consult your manufacturer if you have questions. Improper use of equipment will most certainly shorten the lifespan of your industrial machines.

At the end of the day, store your machinery in a safe place. Avoid rust and deterioration from the elements by storing inside. If your machines are sensitive to heat and cold, store them in a temperature-controlled environment.

Maintain Industrial Equipment for a Longer Life

A little maintenance goes a long way with industrial equipment.

Make your employees aware of the importance of clean machinery. Create a routine maintenance schedule and stick to it. Consult your manufacturer to determine how often parts and fluids need replacement.

Not only do you need a schedule, but you need to keep your eyes and ears open for signs of wear and tear. Fix things before they get out of hand for better results. And always use your equipment correctly and store it in a safe place when not in use.

Follow these tips and your industrial equipment will give you years of excellent performance. If you’re in need of machinery repair or service, check out our services page to learn about all that we do at Kor-Pak.

Choosing the wrong industrial fan can be a disaster for both your finances and your sanity!

There are many details you need to check and double check. Ensure high quality before you run off to check on large industrial fans for sale.

But, don’t worry! We have you covered. Below, we have some tips and tricks to finding the best industrial fan.

Finding the Right Materials for Your Industrial Fans

Getting the right material for your fan seems obvious. Materials have a wide variety, and each can have a list of positives and negatives.

Research into what environment and job you will need your fan for.

Major things to look for when avoiding problems for your fans? Certain chemicals, temperatures, and other environmental concerns are at the top of the list.

For example, did you know that chlorine gas can dissolve aluminum?

The expense can also be a substantial consideration. Expensive doesn’t always mean good. Quality carbon steel can be quite cheap, but may not be the best fit for your needs.

Be wary of “coated steel.” This is a marketing trick to make it sound like the coating protects against anything. It often uses epoxy or paint to coat the metal.

The problem here is that your protection only lasts as long as the paint does!

Know Your Type

Before rushing into buying anything, you need to consider not just the what but the why and how. Do you need some sizeable industrial shop fans? Or will the more simple industrial fan blowers suffice?

Size is important for industrial fans. Too big, and they might not fit where you need them, too small, and they won’t do the job you need them to.

Plenty of small details get lost in the shuffle. Propellers, often known as props, should be a single piece cast, or at the very least welded together.

This keeps your fan altogether running longer and breaking down less. Wheels and bearings also get overlooked all too often. Don’t get different materials for the little pieces.

While it may be obvious, a fiberglass fan does not want metal bearings.

Motors to Keep You Going

Motors should always be the most reliable part of your fan. If that goes, you have nothing.

Easy to maintain can mark the design of a good motor. Easy to re-lubricate bearings that are tight tolerance shafting are significant signs of quality.

Easy to access maintenance services are a key to a long lifespan of any equipment.

Sound levels of your motors are also critical. A loud motor can cause all sorts of problems, especially in environments already overloaded with sounds. Be careful; many competitors will try to do minimal testing for sound and function. Make sure what you buy has been thoroughly tested.

Whatever You Need

Whatever industrial fans may suit your needs, we can answer all your questions and get you fitted with the product you need.

We pride ourselves at our resourcefulness and knowledgeability. Contact us today, and we’ll get you sorted!

Compaction is one of the most critical parts of any construction. Without proper soil compaction, you can have foundation erosion, slab cracks, and pipe leakage and breaks. This results in unnecessary maintenance costs and structural failure.

They say a building is only as good as its foundation. Different types of compactors like the plate compactor and compactor roller have different purposes. But their primary function is to strengthen and stabilize the foundations of almost all projects.

Here, we’ll list the most common types of compactors to help you select the right tool for the job.

Types of Soil Compaction Equipment

We divided compactors into two groups depending on the type of soil they’re suited for.

1. Light Soil Compacting Equipment

These are used in confined areas where the forces needed for compaction are much smaller. They’re usually hand-operated.

Vibrating Plate Compactor

You can use the vibrating plate compactor in narrow areas where it’s hard to maneuver large equipment. It has a vibrating base plate that creates a downward force in addition to the weight of the machine.

The vibration penetrates through the soil to move particles closer together. This will increase the density of the soil.

Rammers/Jumping Jack

This device delivers a series of blows to the surface of the soil. It works just like a jackhammer, but instead of a pointed end, a flat surface provides the impact. Rammers are commonly used in creating trenches.

2. Heavy Soil Compacting Equipment/Compactor Roller

You see this type of construction vehicle flatten Wile E. Coyote comically. These machines look like big rolling pins and compact the soil by kneading and pressure. They’re used in large, open areas.

Smooth Roller (Static)

Also called road rollers, these are the most commonly used type of compactors. They’re preferred for flattening asphalt roads, but they also work great for graded sand, crushed rock, and gravel.

One large steel drum is located in the front of the vehicle. You can have one or two drums in the rear.

They rely on the weight of the drums to compact the soil. To compact a twenty-centimeter layer of soil, eight passes are often adequate.

Smooth Roller (Vibrating)

Instead of just relying on static force (weight of the drums), a vibratory roller uses vibrating force to deliver a more powerful effect. A rotating or reciprocating mass enable the drums to vibrate.

The addition of the vibrating force allows for more efficient work and higher compaction levels. You can also compact greater depths of soil.

Sheepsfoot Roller

The main difference between sheepsfoot rollers and smooth rollers is the presence of projecting lugs or foot on the steel drum. These lugs are rectangular shaped and arranged in a hexagonal pattern. They come in the static or vibrating variety.

Also known as tamping rollers, they’re capable of compacting fine-grained soils. Sheepsfoot rollers are suited for compacting the sub-grade layers in road and rail projects.

Pneumatic Roller

Instead of steel drums, pneumatic rollers have rubber tires. Their best use is for compacting coarse-grained soils such as in pavement sub-grade projects.

Need a Compactor Roller?

We can help. We serve a wide range of industries including construction, agriculture, mining, and so on.

Whether you’re looking for a compactor roller or already have one and need parts, you can trust us to source it for you. Contact us today so we can talk about your equipment needs.

Over 33% of all workers’ injuries and illness cases are related to heavy lifting.

For the safety of your workers, it’s crucial to get rid of workplace safety hazards like the use of wooden ramps to load heavy items on trucks.

Instead, invest in safer and more efficient equipment like tilt deck trailers. While it may seem more expensive, you’ll save more money in workers’ compensation.

If you’re thinking of getting a new tilt deck trailer, here’s everything to know before making a purchase.

What Are Tilt Deck Trailers?

Unlike conventional car and equipment trailers, tilt bed trailers have a tilting deck for loading and offloading heavy equipment and machinery.

They come in two types: full and industrial tilt deck trailers.

As the name suggests, the deck of a full tilting trailer completely tilts when loading and unloading equipment. It’s ideal for trucks with forklift attachments or scissor lifts.

For industrial tilting trailers, the front part of the deck doesn’t tilt. This feature is perfect for hauling a piece of equipment with several attachments. These trailers use hydraulic cylinders to operate and come in various lengths to suit all hauling needs.

How Do Tilting Trailers Work?

There are two types of tilt deck trailer plans: sliding and hydraulic trailers.

Hydraulic tilting trailers use hydraulic power units to operate. To load equipment, you have to pressurize the deck to set it in the right position for loading and offloading.

For sliding trailers, the vehicle has to move the deck and set it the right position for loading.

What Are Tilting Trailers Used For?

From cars to construction materials, tilt bed trailers can handle any load.

Because of their ease of use, these trailers appeal to people involved in loading, hauling, and transporting heavy equipment.

Pros of Using a Tilting Trailer

Several benefits come with using a tilt bed trailer including:

Safety of Workers

Since tilting trailers eliminate the need to lift or slide out loading ramps, workers won’t be exposed to occupational hazards related to heavy lifting. As a result, they’ll become more productive in the long run.

Work Efficiency

With a tilting trailer, you don’t have to tilt the deck manually. Simply pull the lever and all the work is done for you. This enhances efficiency and saves a lot of time.

More Space for Your Load

Loading ramps fold up onto the trailer, taking up significant space that should be occupied by your load. With a tilt bed trailer, your equipment can utilize all the space on the truck.

Cons of Using a Tilting Trailer

Tilt bed trailers need more maintenance than standard trailers. Those with hydraulic systems need to have frequent oil and filter changes.

Additionally, the moving parts should be oiled often to prevent rusting, while enhancing efficiency and durability.

Haul More Efficiently with a Tilt Deck Trailer

Hauling and transporting heavy machinery and equipment is quick and easy with a tilting trailer.

Looking for a tilt deck trailer for sale?

Feel free to contact us at Kor-Pak Corporations to make an order and improve the efficiency at your worksite.

Did you know that putting off routine equipment maintenance is actually costing you money?

It is, in the form of downtime.

In fact, we’re talking about six figures. If you’re one of the 30.2 million small businesses in the U.S., this can be catastrophic.

The good news is, you can prevent costly downtime. Even better news? We’re going to explain how.

Check out five items that must be on your industrial maintenance checklist.

1. Training is Power

Not only is keeping your employees well-trained good for production, but it’s also useful for safety purposes.

When you provide routine equipment training, your operators won’t cut corners. They’ll understand the importance of operating the machinery properly. They’ll learn that performing an inspection before every use benefits everyone.

For starters, operating the machinery will be safer. They’ll respect the equipment more, which eliminates improper use.

Make sure you hold your operators accountable for the machine. You likely have more than one operator, so each one will know they’re responsible for the equipment during their shift.

Accountability is a valid form of maintenance. Your employees will operate the machinery with more care.

2. Keep a Routine Checklist

Write a maintenance checklist for each piece of machinery. Train your employees to know how to check fluid levels, brakes, battery, wheels, and the electrical system.

Whether it’s a forklift or an overhead crane, each piece of equipment needs to be checked at the start of each shift.

3. Check for Signs of Wear

Checking for signs of wear and tear is the easiest form of maintenance. This includes inspecting tire tread and making sure there aren’t any warning lights on.

They need to check brake pads, and other perform other routine brake maintenance (click here for a comprehensive list).

Your employees must also make sure all fluids are topped off and that there aren’t any leaks.

Finally, they should inspect any forklift batteries for corrosion or leakage.

4. Clean Your Equipment

An industrial building is dirty and produces dust and other particles. It’s part of the job. No one expects your building to be as sanitized as a hospital.

But, your operators need to clean the equipment before their shift ends. When dust builds up in filters or your machinery, it can lead to breakdowns.

Furthering the issue is that dust doesn’t do damage on its own. When moisture comes into contact with dust, it can destroy vital parts of the machinery.

Wiping up any fluid spills is also essential. While your equipment needs certain fluids to operate properly, liquid isn’t your machine’s friend.

5. Store Everything the Right Way

When a shift ends, what currently happens in your facility? Do your operators leave the machines where they are? Do they even turn them off?

Some manufacturing equipment needs to run continuously for production purposes. But forklifts, cranes, and other machinery needs to get shut down after every shift.

They also need to get appropriately stored. Large machinery should always get stored in a covered, moisture-free area. If possible, climate-controlled is ideal.

This prevents moisture from getting to the components, causing corrosion or rust. It also keeps your machinery out of direct sunlight, which also will help it last longer.

The Key Factor in Industrial Maintenance

When it comes to industrial maintenance, several factors will keep your equipment in good working order. The most critical factor is scheduling routine service.

For example, at Kor-Pak, we perform overhead crane inspections to ensure heavy machinery is running at optimal performance.

This saves our clients money while also ensuring they’re compliant with safety regulations.

To learn about what other services we provide, visit our services page.