Simon Dickinson, manager of Branch Hydraulic Systems in the North (based out of the Leeds branch) describes why your hydraulic maintenance is so important.
Maintenance is key for ensuring efficiency and reliability of all machinery. It reduces unscheduled downtime and premature failure which results in a significant reduction in the total cost of ownership. Regular inspection presents the opportunity to make informed decisions on scheduled and planned repairs and efficiency or reliability upgrades. By applying proven maintenance analytical techniques it is possible to derive an appropriate maintenance, repair and spares holding regime. Parameters to consider when applying a maintenance programme are as follows:
- The application of the equipment
- The environment
- FFP – Fit for Purpose, this is the integrity and quality of a systems ability to successfully perform the task(s) over a period of time.
- The usage in terms of how often, maximum and average
- The consequence of failure
- PPM, RM, CBM – planned preventative maintenance, reactive maintenance, Condition Based Maintenance.
All of the above help to set up the best maintenance regime that suits a given system; it is extremely important to asset grade the system when starting a maintenance regime, then the specification can be followed with the desired maintenance plan.
By using a chronological approach to maintenance; the following should be significantly reduced:
- Equipment downtime is decreased and the number of major repairs are reduced
- Better conservation of assets and increased life expectancy of assets, thereby eliminating premature replacement of machinery and equipment
- Reduced overtime costs and more economical use of maintenance workers, due to working on a scheduled basis instead of a crash basis to repair breakdowns
- Timely, routine repairs circumvent fewer large-scale repairs
- Improved safety and quality conditions for everyone, this results in a happier more proactive workforce.
If you would like to schedule some maintenance work or talk to the experts email enquiries@grouphes.com or call Leeds 0113 2707295 or Gloucester 01452 730562.
For more information see the Branch Hydraulic Systems' Hydraulic Service and Repair Site
