Tips for heavy equipment storage

Tips for heavy equipment storage

Sometimes you need to store your heavy equipment for months or seasons.  Whether you don't use your computer all winter or for months, there are some important steps you should take to protect your computer from damage.  Follow these six tips for storing heavy equipment.  

Prepare your storage area  
To protect your machines, it is best to store heavy equipment in a completely enclosed structure, such as a garage, barn or warehouse.  The equipment room should be insulated, clean, dry, and free of pests and animals.  You should also use floor protection pads to prevent your construction equipment from damaging the floor.  Cover your machine with a durable, high-quality tarp, which will retain moisture and help you avoid rust.  
 
Clean and oil the equipment before storage  
It is important to give your machine a deep cleaning of the outside and inside before storing heavy equipment for long periods.  If you clean the dirt and debris from the moving parts and add lubricating oil, when you start the engine again, it will be clean and ready to work.  Please consult your user's manual for more detailed instructions on moving parts of lubricating equipment.  
 
Fill up your fuel and tank  
The last thing you want is fuel and condensate in the tank.  Fill up both fuels before storage, which will help prevent moisture buildup, which can cause expensive engine problems.  You should also add fuel stabilizers to your tank so that your fuel doesn't degrade over time.  
 
Check tire pressure  
Check all tires for signs of damage or leaks before seasonal or long-term heavy equipment storage.  Check your owner's manual to find the correct tire pressure, but remember that it is a good idea to overinflate your tires slightly when storing them to prevent flat spots, especially if your machine will be sitting on concrete.  
 
Repair thoroughly before storage.  
Repair and maintenance of construction equipment should be carried out before storage.  Once your equipment has been idle for months, small problems can get worse and even become big ones.  By checking them and then completing any service before storage, you can avoid expensive repairs when you start using your machine again.  
 
Take care of your heavy equipment  
If you don't take proper precautions, machine theft will happen.  It's important to lock up your devices and storage space, and invest in anti-theft equipment such as surveillance cameras, alarms and telematics systems.