Even though some air compressors are designed to work in the dirt and grime of field jobs, the core components are still sensitive to operator error and debris. Play in the mud as much as you want, but if you don't follow up heavy work with detailed maintenance, your compressor may not be working in the morning. Before you put off that maintenance check for next month, consider a few crucial failure points and ways to maintain an air compressor unit to push failure back as far as possible.
Don't Throw the Hoses!
Many air compressors are in industries that are filled with hard work. Construction sites and car repair shops have contractors and mechanics who may work long hours with heavy workloads and often in extreme temperatures.
Whether your staff is full of novices or seasoned technicians, there's one danger that can ruin your air compressor quickly: dropping the hardware. Throwing the air compressor hose and hose fitting to the ground or storing equipment incorrectly is more than just an organizational nuisance.
Many air compressor attachments are made with metal fittings. Although these fittings are sturdy and built to last, some may be built from two parts. Two halves of a metal fitting may be welded or fused together to form a relatively sturdy piece, which makes it easier to install the other components that allow for precision air control.
If workers drop the attachment, there's a chance that the fitting may begin to split. The fitting may not split in half, but weaknesses in the fitting may allow air to leak or may damage the inner parts used for air control.
Storing equipment can be just as dangerous. Many hoses are made with rubber or silicon inner walls that can bend and stretch with great flexibility. Unfortunately, extreme temperatures can cause the hoses to soften and become more malleable in heat or rigid and brittle in colder climates. If hoses are tightly bent, the hose may stretch too much and become weaker in the heat or begin to crumble apart in the cold.
Putting Together a Reliable Training and Maintenance Plan
To combat a lot of the problems that send air compressor units to an early repair shop visit, try to cover a few basics of handling and maintenance:
- Carefully rest or store equipment. If a hose or tank needs to be put down, kneel to the ground or bend to place the equipment on the ground carefully. To help your workers, install rounded hooks to hang the hoses.
- Loosely roll the hoses. This may take a bit more explaining, because the only way to truly know how tight is "too tight" is to mess up a hose on your own. Consider investing in a spindle or other device that the hose can be wrapped around.
- Clean the filter on a daily basis. Cleaning the filter is a must, but you need to look carefully at the filter before simply putting it back on. Look for any damage that may betray incorrect installation, rough cleaning or manufacturer error. If you see damage, bring it up with your team and replace the filter with a brand new filter.
If you need accessories for your air compressor or maintenance suggestions that fit your specific work center needs, contact an air compressor service professional like Kruman Equipment.
Share