Keeping equipment in good working order and well-maintained is a necessary part of running a successful business.

To keep sites and shops running without interruption, here are some tips for equipment maintenance...

• Find local businesses that provide construction equipment servicing;
• Schedule time for regular tuning up and repair of tools;
• Check community colleges for courses on small engines, electric motors and tool repair;
  
• Remove and replace tools and equipment that are beyond repair;
  
• Train your employees to use equipment according to manufacturers specifications.

TOOL TYPES and REPAIRS

The variety of tools and equipment you use to complete your work may be electrical, internal combustion, pneumatic, hydraulic or even hand powered. Make sure that you know how your tools function and where to go for the proper help in maintenance.

ELECTRICAL TOOLS:

• Most electrical tools in construction have one of two motor types - induction and universal.
• Electrical induction motors are heavier and made for long periods of use. You'll find this motor type in stationary shop tools like table saws, planers and jointers. These motors can run constantly
• Universal electric motors are smaller and made for short, powerful bursts. Most portable power tools like circular saws, drills, site table saws and mitre / chop saws have universal motors. These motors generate a lot of heat and may burn out if they are used for long periods of time.

PNEUMATIC TOOLS:

• Pneumatic tools are powered by pressurized fluid that comes from a holding tank. The tank is pressurized by an induction motor and pistons. Pneumatic air tools are powered by compressed air, measured in pounds per square inch.
• Air tanks may corrode from the inside if they are not drained of moisture regularly. Water builds up in the tank as a by-product of the pressurizing and condensation.
• Small pneumatic tools and compressors may be powered by regular household electricity, while larger industrial compressors may use diesel, gasoline or high voltage electricity to power three-phase induction motors.

HYDRAULICS:

• Heavy machinery like tractors, skid-steers and bulldozers may use hydraulics to create very strong lifting and pushing forces.
• Hydraulics are pneumatic, much like air tools, except that they use liquid to create the pressurized force.
• A hydraulic system relies on a pressurized liquid inside a cylinder. The fluid inside the cylinder is usually oil.
• Hand pumped bottle jacks and car jacks use hydraulic pistons to lift heavy weights.

INTERNAL COMBUSTION and DIESEL:

• Some large tools, generators or heavy equipment require oil, gasoline or diesel fuel to power their usage.
• The engines attached to these types of equipment might be small, such as a chainsaw or quick-cut masonry saw. Some engines may be large like a diesel generator or tractor engine.

HAND TOOLS:

• Most hand tools can be maintained easily without having to send them out for repair
• Cutting tools may be sharpened professionally and for reasonable prices
• Ladders and scaffolding must be inspected regularly to assess their condition. This equipment will have a specific usage lifespan and will need replacement when they are worn out.