Maintaining your self-loading mixer is crucial. It ensures longevity, performance, and safety. Below I will share the maintenance tips of self-loading mixers from these 5 aspects: cleaning, lubrication, examination and repair, storage, and maintenance records, which I hope will be helpful to you.
Cleaning
Regular cleaning is vital for the smooth operation and longevity of your self-loading mixer. Concrete residues, dirt, and other debris can accumulate on various parts of the machine, causing wear and tear, reducing efficiency, and potentially leading to malfunctions. Below you will find a self loading mixer cleaning videos as well as the cleaning guide to share with you.
Surface Cleaning
Use a high-pressure water jet to rinse away dirt and dust from the surface of the machine, then use a soft-bristled brush to thoroughly remove any concrete left on small parts.
Pay attention to cleaning areas that tend to accumulate mud such as tyres, wheels.Chassis Cleaning
After rinsing the surface of the chassis with water to remove mud and other dirt focus on key parts of the chassis (e.g., driveshafts, suspension, braking system, etc.).
This can ensure that there is no residue in the chassis affecting self loading mixer’s engine.Cab Cleaning
Wipe down the dashboard, door panels and seats using an interior cleaner and a soft cloth. Then use a glass cleaner and wipe the windscreen, side windows and mirrors.
Don’t forget to change the air conditioning filter regularly to prevent peculiar smell.
Lubrication
Lubrication is crucial for reducing friction between moving parts, preventing wear and tear, and ensuring smooth operation. Without proper lubrication, the mixer’s components can overheat, seize up, or fail prematurely.
Lubrication Guidelines
- Daily Lubrication: Lubricate all moving parts in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions for use. This mainly includes engines, brake pads, drums, axles and other critical mechanical parts. Regularly check lubrication points and add lubricant to them using a lubrication gun to ensure smooth operation of all parts.
- Use the Right Lubricants: Always use lubricants recommended by the manufacturer. And different parts may require different types of lubricants, such as grease or oil, so ensure you are using the correct one.
- Check Lubricant Levels: Regularly check the levels of lubricants in the self loading mixer truck, especially in hydraulic systems and gearboxes. Top up or replace lubricants as necessary.
Note that in extreme weather you may need to pay attention to the choice of lubricant. In high temperature conditions, choose a lubricant with a high viscosity index. And in low-temperature conditions, you should select a lubricant with good low-temperature fluidity to ensure that the lubricant will still flow freely at low temperatures.
Examination and Repair
Regular Examination
Regularly examining your self-loading mixer helps identify potential issues before they become major problems. This proactive approach can prevent costly repairs and downtime.
Daily Checks
Visual Inspection: Conduct a visual inspection of the entire mixer before and after each use. Look for signs of wear, damage, or leaks.
Functional Tests: Test all controls and functions to ensure they are operating correctly. Pay attention to any unusual noises, vibrations, or irregularities.
Weekly Checks
Component Inspection: Inspect critical components such as the drum, mixer blades, hydraulic systems, and electrical connections. Look for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage.
Safety Checks: Check all safety features, including emergency stop buttons, lights, and alarms, to ensure they are functioning correctly.
Fixing Issues
Immediate Repairs: Address any issues or defects immediately to prevent them from worsening. Small problems can quickly escalate if not dealt with promptly.
Professional Servicing: For complex issues, consider hiring a professional technician to conduct repairs. Attempting to fix major problems without the necessary expertise can lead to further damage.
Storage
Proper storage of your self-loading mixer when not in use is essential for protecting it from environmental factors that can cause deterioration.
- Clean Before Storage: Always clean the mixer thoroughly before storing it, even for short periods. This prevents concrete residues from hardening and causing damage.
- Cover the Mixer: Use a protective cover to shield the concrete mixer self loading from dust, rain, and direct sunlight. This helps prevent rust and degradation of components.
- Prepare the Mixer: Before long-term storage, perform a comprehensive inspection and servicing of the mixer. Drain any fuel and lubricants if recommended by the manufacturer.
- Choose the Right Location: Store the mixer in a dry, sheltered location, away from extreme temperatures and humidity. Ideally, the storage area should be well-ventilated and secure.
- Periodic Checks: Even during long-term storage, periodically check the mixer to ensure it remains in good condition. Address any issues that arise during storage.
And it is necessary to regularly check the levels of fluids such as oil, coolant, brake fluid and transmission fluid. As well as the battery charge level, and replenish or recharge the battery if necessary.
Maintenance Records
Keeping detailed maintenance records is crucial for tracking the condition of your self-loading mixer, planning future maintenance, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
Record Lists
- Daily Logs: Maintain daily logs of cleaning, lubrication, and inspections. Note any issues identified and actions taken to address them.
- Service History: Record all servicing and repairs, including dates, details of the work performed, and parts replaced. This helps identify recurring issues and plan preventative maintenance.
- Performance Metrics: Track performance metrics such as fuel consumption, operating hours, and efficiency. This data can help identify trends and areas for improvement.
Using Maintenance Records
- Preventative Maintenance: Use maintenance records to plan preventative maintenance schedules. Regularly review the records to identify patterns and anticipate potential issues.
- Compliance and Warranty: Maintenance records are essential for compliance with safety regulations and warranty requirements. They serve as proof of regular maintenance and can be crucial in warranty claims.
- Resale Value: Detailed maintenance records enhance the resale value of your self-loading mixer. Prospective buyers will appreciate the documented history of care and maintenance.
Following these guidelines for the maintenance of self-loading mixers not only reduces repair costs, but also extends the life of the equipment. Invest the time and effort to maintain your self-loading mixer and it will continue to provide you with reliable service for years to come! Feel free to contact us if you have other questions.
