4 maintenance tips to improve construction equipment reliability

From budget constraints to ensuring that projects are completed safely and on-time, fleet managers have plenty to watch over to meet contract expectations.

Proper equipment maintenance can go a long way toward meeting the daily challenges that fleet managers face. A comprehensive lubrication program can safely extend equipment life while preserving machinery, which, in turn, can result in significant savings.

Below are our best lubrication tips and advice from our experts that you can easily incorporate into your maintenance program to make things just a little easier for you and your team.

1. Easy does it: choosing the right lubricant

Construction equipment operates in some of the most rugged environments, so your business relies on you to choose the right lubricant for optimal performance. But just as some projects are better suited for an excavator than a dozer, certain lubricants are better suited for specific conditions.

For example, lubricants are designed with different viscosity grades dependent on the expectant ambient and elevated operating temperature ranges, meaning you can customize your lube choice based not only on your machinery, but on the region or season you’re working in as well.

Talking to an expert and picking the right one will save you a lot of hassle down the road: In cold climates, you need a lubricant that will pump and flow during startup while it maintains viscosity at operating temperature, while in hot climates, it’s important to choose a product with a viscosity range that prevents the lubricant from thinning out under elevated temperatures — which can cause metal-to-metal contact.

That’s why with the wide range of reliable Mobil Delvac™ lubricants, you can keep your equipment running strong and your day moving easy.

2. Smooth as silk: The latest in lubrication technology

As construction equipment has evolved, so too have the lubricants that help keep them running. Lubricant technology has many proven benefits, including improved machinery performance, reduced maintenance costs, and extended equipment life.

Today's products have a lot of built-in upsides: Modern engine oils can increase operational efficiency by reducing overall oil consumption and providing longer drain intervals. Greases resistant to deterioration and washout decrease the risk of workplace contamination. And hydraulic oils can reduce fuel costs and emissions while improving hydraulic responsiveness. So if you haven't reevaluated the latest advances in lubrication technology for your construction operation, that can be a sure way to save yourself some work down the road.

3. Knowing is easy: Data supports your lubrication decisions

Beyond digitalization, there are even more new technologies that are making it easier to simplify and manage your maintenance program, too. For example, you can take advantage of data-driven insights that help monitor your lubricant health and equipment condition. Our Mobil℠ Lubricant Analysis platform provides you with 27 different measurements that can help you avoid breakdowns and repairs and scan-and-go technology to scan samples, eliminating the need to print labels.

4. Just for you: Custom lubrication solutions

Different construction fleets have different challenges — consider a custom lubrication program that is tailored to deliver the results you need. Mobil™ Delvac lubricants experts can help you consolidate your lubricant product mix to streamline logistics like storage and handling, help you pick the right products for your fleet, and work with your maintenance team to determine optimal maintenance service intervals that keep your equipment running smoothly on the jobsite.

For us — and for your site — it’s all about easy