Wear and tear is a fact of life. Even in the 21st century, we lack the technology to create machines that never break. Leading-edge lubricants and superior modern alloys are making a difference for sure. But even with these advancements, our machines still need a bit of TLC now and then.
Until we can create a machine that never breaks, we’re stuck planning for breakdowns. But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless to ensure productive days and smooth operations. Preventive maintenance relies on one simple and generally true assumption: that our machines will fail soon or are on the verge of failing as we speak.
Naturally, a preventive maintenance program has dozens of obvious benefits, but to hammer home how helpful this simple exercise can be, let’s explore the top benefits of preventive maintenance in Dallas and Fort Worth, TX.
Exploring the Top Benefits of Preventive Maintenance in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex
Since 1995, Cornerstone Mechanical, Inc., has used preventive maintenance to keep the wheels of industry turning throughout Dallas and Fort Worth. After nearly 30 years of service, we’ve learned a thing or two about why and when machines fail.
While nearly every piece of equipment stands to benefit from preventive maintenance, the practice is especially advantageous for safety equipment or centrifugal machinery—two high-risk categories of heavy equipment.
If you haven’t had your machinery inspected in a while, or if you suspect a component is on its last leg, schedule your preventive maintenance today by calling (214) 570-9498 or contacting us online!
What Can Preventive Maintenance Do For You?
As the name suggests, preventive maintenance is defined as regular tune-ups and inspections performed to prevent failures or breakdowns. Corrective maintenance, meanwhile, fixes machines and components after they fail.
At Cornerstone, we believe that the best kinds of emergencies are the ones that never happen. That’s why we emphasize the importance of preventive maintenance at every chance we get.
Here are the top 5 benefits of preventive maintenance for heavy machinery of all kinds in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX.
1. Preventive Maintenance Prevents Work Stoppages
If the owners/operators of heavy machinery lose sleep at night, it’s because they’re thinking about work stoppages. Even the best businesses in the world can be profitable, productive, or lucrative without opening their doors for the day.
When our equipment makes strange noises or smells, or if it’s operating at a high temperature without good reason, it’s easier to see a breakdown coming. But this isn’t always the case. Some machines give no signs at all that they’re nearing failure.
Preventive maintenance assumes that something is on the verge of failing right this second. As such, it’s more likely to find, repair, or replace the at-risk components before a work stoppage occurs. By planning for maintenance, you’re preventing the need for emergency repairs—saving you both time and money in the long and short terms.
2. Preventive Maintenance Increases Efficiency & Safety
If you’ve worked alongside heavy equipment for years, you know that “fixed” and “broken” aren’t the only states that machines exist in. In fact, between fixed and broken, a machine may be operational, struggling, barely making it, or a hair away from complete meltdown.
Poorly maintained equipment works twice as hard to complete its task. High operating temperatures, wobbles, and excess friction can result from faulty components. While these issues may not prevent operation, they can sabotage it. And sick machines can only work so hard before they give up the ghost, endangering your bottom line and your employees.
Preventive maintenance increases both efficiency and safety by giving machines every advantage. When they’re taken care of, our machines work better and safer each and every day.
3. Preventive Maintenance Increases Equipment Life Spans
Ailing equipment may still operate, but when it’s poorly maintained, it operates at a cost. Generally speaking, components near the end of their working lives can have a knock-on effect on the rest of our machine.
A faulty blower can lead to exhaust buildup. Improper installation can quickly lead to wobble. When machines operate under less-than-optimal conditions, the strain can take a toll on other internal systems. Over time, this leads to more and more parts that need maintenance or replacement sooner than they might have otherwise.
In short, preventive maintenance allows you to get the most out of your machines. When cared for, your equipment could last years or even decades longer. But when they’re neglected, our machines have a way of giving up before their time. To avoid replacement, consider preventive maintenance scheduled around your needs.
4. Preventive Maintenance Saves You Money
The old adage, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” can certainly apply to scenarios in our personal lives. But when it comes to operating heavy machinery, this philosophy can be dangerous and costly. If you only wait until your equipment breaks to have it fixed, you’re risking your time, money, and productivity.
When machines fail mid-shift, they do so spectacularly. If a misaligned fan is already causing temperatures to spike, imagine what will happen when it fails outright. Preventive maintenance is far cheaper than machine replacement or emergency machine repairs.
5. Preventive Maintenance Fosters Predictable Operation
After particularly productive or profitable periods, expectations can only rise. When you have quarterly or annual goals to hit, even a day out of step or a week out of whack can sink our best efforts before we hit our stride.
To improve on your performance, you need a control similar to those in scientific experiments. In other words, you need your output to be predictable if you have lofty goals. Here, preventive maintenance is crucial. Otherwise, how can you focus on small improvements over large time periods with any kind of accuracy?
When machines are well maintained, and especially when they’re caught and fixed before they fail, you and your employees can stay on the job and on target. Something as simple as a regularly scheduled heavy machine maintenance can bring the highest goals back down to Earth.
Schedule Your Predictive Maintenance in Dallas-Fort Worth Today!
Our machines need attention—expertly and frequently. But with busy schedules and little time to spare, we may kick the maintenance can down the road until failures become imminent rather than just likely.
Before you cancel work for the day and send your employees home, consider scheduling regular preventive maintenance with the experts at Cornerstone Mechanical. For the last 30 years and counting, we’ve kept machines healthy, doors open, and goals within reach for industries of every kind throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metro.
Let us do the same for you by giving us a call at (214) 570-9498 or contacting us online.
Don’t Just Guess Your Machines Will Work Tomorrow—Know Instead
Your goals and your productivity are too important to gamble on. But your machines may have other designs. Without preventive maintenance, the fate of your quarterly production goals could be decided by a cracked ball bearing or a torn rubber seal. Get back to work with equipment you can depend on by scheduling preventive maintenance with Cornerstone Mechanical in Dallas-Fort Worth today! Or explore our dynamic balancing, laser alignment services, and continuous asset monitoring (condition monitoring) for extra peace of mind!