Here are the Signs You’re Overworking Machines. One of your most valuable assets is your construction machinery. When something bad happens, downtime and maintenance costs can have a negative impact on project deadlines and earnings. These are just a few of the reasons why it’s critical to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for correct use, execute pre- and post-operation checks, and practice preventative maintenance. It’s also critical to be aware of common warning signals that you’re overworking your heavy equipment.

Excessive wear and tear on your equipment might result from overuse. It can result in decreased power and efficiency, as well as harm. This reduces productivity, needs additional repairs and maintenance, demands more frequent part replacements, and overall raises expenses and reduces profitability.

If you just lack sufficient machinery to match the demands of your present jobs, it may be time to expand your fleets and keep growing.

So, to protect productivity and earnings, keep an eye out for these signs you’re overworking machines.

Signs You're Overworking Machines

1. The Warning Lights Are Turned On

First, it should go without saying that warning lights are an important warning symbol. Sensors in the equipment have detected a problem and are alerting you about it. Ignoring a lighted warning light (or covering it with electrical tape) will not solve the problem. When indicator lights come on more often than usual, the equipment’s under-serviced. It signifies the light has most likely burned out due to being on for too long or too frequently.

2. Breakdowns

Furthermore, machines should not fail if they are utilized properly and serviced on a regular basis. Downtime is a major annoyance that can derail a project’s timeline and be costly. While machine failure is occasionally unavoidable in business, it is typically avoidable. If it happens to one or more of your computers on a regular basis, you’re probably pushing them too hard by leaving them in use for too long, overextending their capabilities, or skipping basic maintenance.

Signs You're Overworking Machines

3. Fluid levels are frequently low

Fluid management is vital for extending the life and productivity of your machines. If engine or transmission oils, hydraulic fluids, coolants, or other fluids always appear to be low, even when tested and filled on a regular basis, the equipment is most likely overworked. There’s also a potential for a leak somewhere. If you can’t see it on the machine’s exterior, the problem could be anything as simple as a damaged internal seal. This frequently results in fluids spilling into other areas of the engine or hydraulic system.

4. Altering the Exhaust Color

The exhaust of a car or construction machine might reveal crucial information about its health. The exhaust should be colorless (though it is usual for it to seem slightly yellowish at the beginning). If the exhaust from a piece of heavy equipment becomes visible, it is a sign that you are overworking it and that something is wrong with it. Here’s some information regarding the various exhaust colors and what they mean.

5. Strange Sounds

Lastly, other reliable warning indications that your heavy equipment is overworking include audible. Operators and other on-site employees should be familiar with the regular sounds of the heavy machinery with which they deal. And they should always be on the lookout for altering or new sounds, as this is an essential indicator that something is wrong. Rattling, clanking, hissing, noticeable changes in the volume or pitch of standard sounds, and other noises indicate that the machine needs to be serviced.