As a business owner, maintaining your machinery is essential to keeping business operations running smoothly. Of course, there are a few pitfalls you need to steer clear of when ensuring machinery is repaired properly. From ignoring early warning signs to not knowing when to replace machinery, here are some of the common mistakes you must avoid.
Ignoring early warning signs
Most machinery will give you early warning signs when it is about to break down. A few warning signs to look out for include:
- Warning lights
- Circuit breaker trips
- Odd sounds (grinding, knocking, squealing etc.)
- Burning smells
- Visible wear
- Reduced performance (such as slower speeds or reduced output)
Don’t ignore these signs! It may be possible to schedule repairs out of working hours before your equipment breaks down. This is better than waiting for machinery to break down during operation hours. Fixing machinery early could also be cheaper – letting machinery operate until it breaks down completely could lead to other parts getting damaged in the process (e.g. a snapped belt can come off and destroy other components).
Repairing machinery without training
Most modern machinery is too complex to repair without training. Attempting DIY repairs could save you money upfront, but could lead to costly and dangerous botched repairs. This is why it’s better to call out a technician if you haven’t got a staff member who is trained to fx the machine.
There are exceptions where faults may be relatively easy to repair oneself – such as replacing loose screws, worn batteries and easy-to-access clogged filters. However, most electrical and mechanical parts require a lot of knowledge and specialist tools to fix.
Not checking the warranty
Is your business machinery still protected by a warranty? This is something you should always consider before attempting any repairs. It may be possible to get your machinery repaired or replaced for free by contacting the seller.
Manufacturer warranties on new machinery typically last from 1 to 5 years. If your machinery is still relatively new, dig out any paperwork you were given when you purchased the machinery to check whether it is within its warranty.
Ordering the wrong the parts
Ordering the wrong parts is a common mistake that can be costly and time-consuming. While you can allow a technician to order parts for you, buying your own replacement parts can often save money, but it increases the risk of getting the wrong part. A lot of business owners have little to no knowledge about machinery parts and do not realise how many variations there can be for a single part.
For example, there are many bearing seal types made from different materials in different sizes. Choose the wrong seal, and you may find it wears out quickly or does not fit. This is why it’s important to take your time to identify the right seal. Check the old part for any identification number. Alternatively, if this is too damaged, look into what the manufacturer recommends online by finding a handbook or contacting customer support. In case you do buy the wrong part, check the return policy before purchasing and make sure you can return it.
Not investing in preventive maintenance
Many machinery faults can be avoided through preventive maintenance. This includes cleaning out filters, lubricating moving parts and storing machinery properly (most machines need to be stored somewhere where they won’t get too hot, wet or dusty).
Even machinery like coffee machines and office computers can receive preventive maintenance to reduce faults. For example, coffee machines can be descaled to prevent limescale build-ups and office computers can have dust removed from their exterior/interior to prevent them overheating.
Not knowing when to replace machinery
Sometimes it’s more financially sensible to replace machinery than to repair it. Once machinery reaches the end of its recommended life, you could find that different parts start wearing out – leading to frequent breakdowns and repairs. At this point, it’s more economical in the long run to buy new machinery. Similarly, when it comes to old specialist machinery, you may find that certain replacement parts are hard to find and therefore more costly – upgrading to new machinery may be better than having to source expensive rare parts.
When choosing replacement machinery, look for machinery that is relatively new and in good condition. There is no point replacing a broken down machine with an old worn machine – heavily used machinery is cheaper to buy, but may only last a couple years before needing to be replaced again, putting you back in the same position.
