Automated Excavator Washing Systems: Are They Worth It?
An efficient excavator wash system can significantly lessen the burden of cleaning and maintaining your fleet of heavy equipment. Your automated wash bays, with their convenience and other benefits, allow you to simplify and streamline your operations.
If you are planning to install an automated washing system on your site but are still unsure whether it is worth it, here’s what you need to know.
Why Cleaning Heavy Equipment Is Essential
When excavators are used for demanding operations, dirt, grease, and grime build-up. Regular cleaning is essential to maintaining the equipment’s efficiency and health, not just for its appearance. Here are some reasons for why cleaning heavy machinery should never be disregarded.
Operational Efficiency
Mud, grease, and other debris clogging equipment will affect its performance. Dirt buildup, especially in areas like tracks and undercarriages, can make equipment harder to operate, decrease fuel efficiency, and increase strain. Maintaining a clean excavator allows your equipment to run more effectively, which improves operations as a whole.
Safety Benefits
A well-maintained machine is a safer machine. Grease and mud can block lights, switches, and reflective surfaces, making it difficult for operators to see. Furthermore, due to grease buildup, those in charge of maintenance and repairs risk slipping. Regular cleaning reduces risks for both workers and operators by utilising the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
Cost Savings
Cleaning heavy machinery, particularly the track, wheels, and undercarriage, minimises wear and tear and reduces the need for costly repairs. Cleaning your equipment extends service intervals and keeps moving parts clear of debris, which saves time and money. Clean machines also require fewer filter and joint replacements, which further reduces expenses.
Resale Value
Construction companies frequently need to upgrade their equipment to remain competitive. A clean machine isn’t just more presentable—it also holds more value in resale or lease agreements. Regular cleaning will ensure that your excavator continues to function and look good for potential renters or buyers over time.
The Risks of Neglecting Equipment Cleaning
Ignoring cleaning needs for your excavator might have expensive consequences, like the following:
- Corrosion caused by accumulated dirt and moisture exposure.
- Overheating occurs when dirt and grease block vents or cover radiators.
- Early damage to parts such as tracks, wheels, and joints.
- Frequent breakdowns cause downtime and reduce productivity.
Regular, effective cleaning should be the primary priority because neglect can have long-term effects that reduce equipment performance and increase operating expenses.
What is an Excavator Washing System?
An excavator washing system is a site equipped with the necessary tools, from high-pressure water systems to containment areas for wastewater to cleaning heavy machinery like excavators. These facilities are essential for keeping vehicle efficiency, preventing environmental contamination, and guaranteeing operator safety. They are commonly found in construction, mining, and industrial sites where heavy machinery is used extensively.
Why Should You Install an Automated Excavator Washing System?
Cleaning a fleet of heavy-duty vehicles often requires manual washing due to their size.
Automated truck wash systems offer a significant advantage for fleet cleaning, completing tasks up to nine times quicker than manual methods.
This efficiency allows for rapid turnover, enabling vehicles to return to the construction or mining site in hours.
Preparing for a Heavy Equipment Cleaning Session
It’s essential that you properly prepare before starting the cleaning process. What you’ll need is as follows:
Safety Gear Checklist
- Safety goggles or face shields
- Non-slip rubber gloves
- Respirators when using commercial degreasers
- Reflective clothing when cleaning outdoors
Required Tools
- High-pressure washers or automated washing systems
- Cleaning wands or nozzles for undercarriages
- Soft-bristle brushes for delicate parts
Cleaning Agents
Eco-friendly cleaning supplies have a positive effect on equipment and lessen their negative effects on the environment. To remove stubborn grease and grime without causing surface damage, use degreasers made for heavy machinery.
How to Clean Heavy Equipment
Washing and maintaining heavy machinery, from excavators to bulldozers, is made easier by setting up a wash bay. Here’s how:
- Prepare your equipment
- Pre-rinse to eliminate loose dirt
- Apply a cleaning agent
- Scrub off stubborn dirt
- Clean hard-to-reach areas
- Remove the detergent residue by rinsing
- Let your vehicle air-dry
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cleaning without PPE could expose employees to harmful chemicals.
- Overuse of pressure washers on delicate parts can cause damage.
- Ignoring eco-friendly cleaning tools can lead to unnecessary environmental harm.
- Delaying cleaning allows buildup to harden, making it harder to remove.
Maintenance Schedule for Long-Term Care
Use a proactive maintenance schedule to maximise the effectiveness of your excavator cleaning routine.
- Daily: Inspect high-use areas and remove surface debris.
- Weekly: Clean the undercarriage and focus on the wheels and tracks.
- Monthly: Perform a complete exterior cleaning, including detailed attention to hard-to-reach areas.
- Quarterly: Deep clean, lubricate essential components, and apply rust protection treatments.
Automating parts of the cleaning schedule with a specialised excavator cleaning system can significantly improve efficiency.
Are Automated Washing Systems Worth It?
Many construction companies and fleet operators believe automated excavator washing systems to be beneficial. These systems makes the cleaning process faster while delivering thorough and consistent results, allowing your team to save valuable time. They work particularly well for companies that oversee large fleets or operate in regions where dirt accumulation is common.
Wash Bay Installation? Contact Us!
Get durable wash bay solutions tailored to your specific needs with Wash Systems Australia. From construction sites to mining operations, we’ve got you covered with our fully functional and high-quality automated wash bays and wheel wash system.
Let us help you clean and maintain your fleet of heavy equipment, contact us now by calling 1800 092 210 today.