When we use the term heavy equipment, we often think of large machinery, trucks or anything construction related. To some degree this is true, however heavy equipment can be deemed as anything mechanical that performs a task on a large scale.
Heavy equipment actually refers to heavy duty vehicles that are especially designed for earth moving and constructions jobs. Other terms that you may come across that refer to heavy equipment could be: heavy trucks, engineering equipment, heavy machines, heavy vehicles and heavy hydraulics. It is also worth noting that the term ‘heavy’ when talking about this equipment has nothing to do with the weight or size of the equipment. It is actually related to the task it performs.
Heavy equipment has to be maintained and tested regularly because of the function that it serves. This article will discuss the different forms of heavy equipment, its uses and how it is tested.
- Lifting Equipment
Heavy duty lifting equipment is used in a wide range of working environments such as rail, military, manufacturing and offshore rigs. The ability of these machines to be able to lift very large and heavy products is invaluable to those working environments.
When dealing with such large pieces of equipment it is obvious that testing needs to be carried out to ensure the safety of its operators and to ensure its efficiency when in use. Lifting equipment can include many moving parts, like galvanised chains and chain slings, which will each individually need to be looked at often. Additionally, testing lifting equipment is also vital so that the item/product that it is lifting is not damaged in the process.
- Rigging Equipment
Rigging components are quite simply not to be overlooked. These parts need to be checked regularly for corrosion, damage, wear and tear and mechanical integrity. As these parts accompany the equipment mentioned above, the two work hand in hand. If the ropes and rigging equipment are not thoroughly inspected, it could cause catastrophic damage to the lifting machinery, the products that it is lifting as well as to the operators that are operating the machinery. Testing this equipment will therefore help reduce any unwanted incidents.
- Heavy Trucks
Heavy trucks are the lifeline of any construction business. The sheer size and weight that these vehicles can carry puts them under great strain. A truck is usually made up on an engine, a drive train, a cab and some form of load carrying area. Although this is relatively simply by design, the safety critical parts on these vehicles again have to be tested and inspected regularly. Obviously, this is important for the safety of those operating the trucks but it also helps to reduce the costs of very expensive repairs in the future.
An example of this, if a wheel bearing is starting to fail, it is worth inspecting and repairing it if need be rather than leaving it to chance as something as simple as this could make the load unstable thus damaging the load as well as the vehicle further. It is also worth bearing in mind that if a vehicle is damaged and requires a lengthy period of time to repair it, that vehicle will be out of service which will ultimately cost the business lost revenue.
- Heavy Machines
Heavy machines are responsible for some of the tasks that we may not even see. They often rely on hydraulics to help power them through the tasks that they need to perform. Whether this is earth moving, drilling, mining or excavating, these machines cannot afford to be overlooked.
Quite often, these machines are fixed in position and perform their task by other heavy vehicles assisting them i.e. the trucks as mentioned above, or the heavy lifting and rigging equipment may bring products or items that will need processing depending on how the machine will be used. As heavy machines often work together, inspecting them is vital. This is because is one element of this cohesion breaks or fails, it has a knock-on effect to the remaining machines and ultimately to the production.
- Rail Equipment
All over the world, industrial trains are used for transportation of goods. Trains are capable and relied upon to carry vast amounts of cargo. They are able to carry items such as oil, gas, coal and other heavy plant machinery. In this situation, trains interact with the general public, which shows evermore why inspecting of these machines needs to be done regularly. Most countries across the world have some sort of inspection service and requirements that need to be adhered to.
- Bulldozers
Bulldozers perform the task of clearing ground. They often heave metal tasks that help them navigate their way around a site. Their tank like appearance makes them look indestructible which is useful for when they are performing the task on hand. Bulldozers are often found in quarry settings or for road construction. With this is mind, it is clear to see the important role of a bulldozer and why it must be maintained and inspected correctly at regular intervals.
- Cranes and Forklift Trucks
A crane’s primary task is to hoist cargo from place to another, or from one level to another. Obviously with this type of equipment and the height that it ascends to, regular checks will ensure the safety of its operators. On a slightly smaller scale, but performing a similar lifting tasks, forklift trucks do not lift things to the same height as a crane but they do perform a lifting task often within a closed building environment. Forklifts trucks therefore pose a further danger to the operators in that they have to deal with people working around them and who can be in close proximity.
When considering all of the above it becomes clear why the importance of regular checks and testing of heavy equipment must be undertaken. Ultimately, this equipment performs important tasks which affect our daily lives and also as they are often operated by humans, testing is in no doubt a vital part of using this machinery and ensuring the safety of those who work with it.