Every minute that an equipment is down is costing money. This could be anything like an excavator at a construction site, mining drill, a generator, an industrial engine or any other kind of equipment. While most equipment owners pay attention to changing the parts of the equipment which have been affected by the breakdown, some of the break downs can be easily avoided by doing one thing, that is, lubricating the equipment properly.

While lubrication might seem to be one of the most ordinary things that could be done, but its importance is much greater than it appears. Lubricant which is used properly and at the right intervals will save your equipment from various problems like wear and tear, over-heating and contamination. For those businesses who use heavy equipment on a daily basis, lubrication means much more than just maintenance.

Why Lubrication is More Important Than We Think?

All the components that move within a machine generate friction. There is continuous motion of the bearings, meshing gears that experience great weight, hydraulic systems that work under high pressure, and engines that generate very high temperatures. When there is no sufficient amount of lubricant, there is direct contact of metal surfaces, which generates friction, causes excessive wear, temperature increase, and ultimately results in the failure of the components.

Good lubricant forms a protective layer between the moving components, reduces direct contact, and allows for smooth motion of the components. Also, it removes heat, reduces corrosion, and keeps contaminating substances away from the system. The above factors led directly to increased equipment lifespan and fewer unforeseen repairs. Mechon International, the heavy equipment spare parts suppliers in UAE, gives a lot of attention to equipment performance, quality components, and minimizing downtime.

The Connection Between Poor Lubrication & Machinery Downtime

Unexpected breakdowns in equipment do not occur from nowhere, usually there is a gradual build-up of the problem that leads to expensive breakdowns.

Some of the common lubrication failure problems are:

* Bearing failures due to inadequate grease

* Worn gears as a result of contaminated oil

* Hydraulics failures because of degraded fluids

* Overheating of engine as a result of inadequate lubrication

* Seal wear and tear because of inappropriate lubricants

Each of these problems can cause unexpected shutdowns which lead to high repair costs, late delivery of goods, and reduced production.

Benefits Of Proper Lubrication

Extends Component Life

Heavy equipment is a huge investment of money. It is important to protect parts such as bearings, gears, pumps, shafts, and hydraulic components in order to make this investment pay off. By using proper lubricants, friction can be minimized, thus reducing wear on the metal and increasing efficiency. Valvoline and Kluber lubrication distributors in UAE, Mechon has been providing lubricant solutions needed for every purpose for the past 6 years, we know what your machine parts need.

Reduce Unplanned Maintenance

Maintenance performed on schedule is always cheaper compared to emergency repairs. If equipment lubrication is done regularly without delays, problems will be detected by the maintenance team during inspection. This will ensure that the equipment will not be down for long periods and will remain productive.

Improves Equipment Efficiency

A machine that runs with proper lubrication will have less internal resistance. The reduced friction will make the engine and the transmission work better without using much energy. The lowered running temperature will lower the pressure within the components.

Protection Against Contamination

Machines operating at construction sites, mining facilities, and factories encounter dust, water, mud, and grinding materials daily. Lubricants available for use in industrial conditions assist in keeping the contaminants out of contact with critical components. This process protects machinery from any damage inside.

Choosing The Right Lubricant is a Necessity

Lubricants are recommended by manufacturers in accordance with their viscosity, working temperature, pressure, and design. An inappropriate choice of lubricants may decrease rather than increase the protection level. When choosing industrial lubricants, keep in mind the following aspects:

* Manufacturer's recommendations regarding the equipment

* Working temperature

* Load

* Environmental impact

* Servicing intervals

* Compatibility with seals and other lubricants

The use of high-quality lubricants from reliable manufacturers will ensure the consistent protection level as well as warranty compliance and proper functioning of equipment.

Methods for Effective Lubrication

Lubrication works to its fullest advantage when incorporated into a systematic preventive maintenance program instead of being an intermittent activity.

There are some simple tips that benefits:

1. Adhere to the recommended lubrication intervals as per the manufacturer’s recommendations.
2. Keep the lubricants in clean and sealed containers.
3. Change any dirty oil right away.
4. Do not over-lubricate the bearings because too much grease causes breakdowns too.
5. Check for any leakage from the seals.
6. Keep a check on the quality of oil using oil analysis wherever possible.
7. Maintain maintenance records of each machine.

Genuine Spare Parts & Lubrication Works Together

No matter how good the lubricants are, they can never make up for worn out or poor replacement parts. If the replacement parts start wearing out, lubricants alone cannot help you get back to good performance. Similarly, the use of authentic spare parts without the use of proper lubrication is not going to help extend their lifespan.

The best maintenance practice will be one where proper lubrication technique and high-quality replacement parts are used together. Companies that practice this usually see better lifespan for their machines and reduced downtime. As an international manufacturer and heavy equipment spare parts supplier in UAE, Mechon International helps companies with components for maintaining their equipment’s in a better form.