Trenchless equipment makes work easy by eliminating the need to dig when installing, maintaining, or repairing underground pipes. This equipment is usually highly susceptible to damage and wear and tear. Hence, it needs to be properly maintained to function properly and reduce unnecessary repairs and replacements. If you have been wondering, “What are tips on trenchless equipment maintenance?”, read on to get the details.

How Do I Maintain Trenchless Equipment?

Know Your Job

One of the most important maintenance practices you can adopt for your trenchless equipment is to know the nature of the job you will be performing in detail. You can do this by talking to people who have worked with a similar system you will be working with and conducting video inspections. You will get crucial information guiding you on what to do and which equipment to use to avoid future damage. 

Inspect the Equipment After Every Project

Inspect your equipment after every project. Check for cracks, corrosion, and such signs of damage. If you notice any, have the equipment repaired or the damaged parts replaced before you use them for the next project.

Check the Fluids

You need to check the fluids of your trenchless equipment before the start of any project. Ensure that the moving parts are well lubricated. This not only prevents damage but improves efficiency, too. 

Apply grease on the moving joints before any project. Additionally, check the hydraulic levels of hydraulic-powered equipment. Ensure that the fluid is at the right level at any given time. Low fluid levels can affect the efficiency of the equipment significantly. 

Inspect the Air Hoses

Inspect the air hoses of your equipment for any signs of holes from time to time. Also, always check whether something has rubbed through them. This is especially important when handling large projects as it prevents inefficiencies caused by air leakage through the hoses.

Know Which Machine to Use for Every Job

It’s essential to know which machine is suitable for each job. If you use a tool that is not strong enough to handle a particular task, it may get damaged. On top of that, it may cause inefficiencies that affect performance. 

Have a Proper Maintenance Routine

Ensure that you have a proper maintenance routine for your equipment. One of the most basic routine practices you can adopt is cleaning the equipment after each job. 

Additionally, ensure that connections and fittings are properly greased, especially during storage. 

On top of that, ensure that the damaged or worn-out parts are replaced. For example, you may need to replace parts such as cables and rod strings after a given period.

Prepare Components for Storage

Some components of your trenchless equipment, such as those made of carbon steel, are subject to soil-induced corrosion. The extent of corrosion in these components depends on several factors, such as soil properties and the available moisture and oxygen. 

Maintaining the paint of the equipment also helps prevent corrosion. Paint prevents the metal substrate from coming into contact with the soil, preventing corrosion. Repainting frequently ensures that the metal components are well-protected.

Like any other mechanical equipment, trenchless equipment requires proper maintenance to perform at optimum levels. By adopting proper maintenance routines, you can increase efficiency and lower operation costs, which, in turn, translates to more profits.