Why Is Spring Maintenance a Must?

With spring only a few days away, it’s time to start preparing your fleet for what’s arguably the most demanding season for many industries. A key part of your pre-spring planning should be scheduling preventive maintenance for your cylinders, and the experts at Cylinders, Inc. are here to help.

From construction and demolition to excavation and environmental services, equipment across all applications benefits from regular tune-ups. Preventive maintenance is especially important ahead of spring, which is typically a very busy time, and it’s imperative for any machinery that has been used or left outside during the harsh winter months. Even equipment that has been properly winterized and stored as well as those located in warmer climates benefit from regular maintenance; check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended timeline to ensure you stay on schedule.  

Correct

One of the most important reasons to bring your cylinders in for maintenance is to repair any damage incurred during the colder months. Any pre-existing metal blemishes, where the chrome finish may be missing, are susceptible to rust and corrosion when exposed to the elements. Additionally, extreme temperature changes can cause seals to repeatedly expand and contract, exacerbating any cracks or tears, which will ultimately lead to a full break. Winter also puts a lot of wear and tear on cylinder pins, and it’s not uncommon for these to corrode or snap due to extreme cold. All these issues can lead to downtime for your business, which is why we must inspect every part for damage.

Prepare

Preventive maintenance helps restore your equipment to optimal efficiency and performance, preparing your fleet to handle the rigors of peak season. Whether a routine tune-up or required repair, every cylinder that comes through our door is given the same thorough evaluation, which includes disassembly and inspection. As part of this process, we’ll ensure all pieces are in proper working order, cleaned up and well-greased. If we find a cylinder in need of repair, we’ll recommend servicing all cylinders that work as a unit to preserve operating pressure. Finally, though we don’t offer these services, we recommend clients replace oil filters, bleed hydraulic lines, and clean hydraulic tanks to ensure maximum performance.

Prevent

Staying on top of maintenance also helps you prevent unexpected costs and downtime.  For instance, planning your tune-up during the off season has less impact on your bottom line than when an emergency repair shuts down your business during peak season. (Not to mention, you avoid the headache of rescheduling all your jobs that depend on that piece of equipment.) Plus, expedited repairs are inherently more expensive than a scheduled tune-up. Most importantly, maintenance helps prolong the quality and lifespan of your cylinders, which limits how often you must purchase costly replacement parts. As you can see, planning for maintenance is not only better for your business but also better for your budget.  

Since 1991, Cylinders, Inc. has been Chicagoland’s premier cylinder repair experts. New or old, hydraulic or pneumatic, name brand or custom, we’ve pretty much seen (and fixed) it all. We’re so confident in our workmanship and your satisfaction that we offer a one-year warranty to our clients. Contact us to schedule your spring maintenance today!

Additional Resources

To learn more, I encourage you to visit your manufacturer’s website. Here are a few of my favorites:

• End-of-Season Snow Removal Equipment Maintenance
• Maintenance Practices 101
• Heavy Equipment Spring Prep Tips
• Readying Heavy Equipment for the Spring