6 Steps to Store Plant Machinery During Downtime Periods
Correct storage of plant machinery is essential to ensure that your equipment remains in prime condition while you are away enjoying some R&R. Nevertheless, whether you are preparing for a Christmas break or a scheduled quiet period in operations, ensuring your machinery is stored correctly can make all the difference. In doing so you can save a huge amount of time, money and stress further down the line. In this article, we’ll guide you through six easy steps to store plant machinery. We’ll also provide you with a solution that could overall streamline the difficulties associated with common storage issues.
Step 1: Give Your Equipment a Thorough Clean
The first step is to give your machinery a deep clean. This includes removing all dirt, grease and debris build-up gathered from the equipment’s operation. Not only does this enhance the machinery’s appearance but also prevents damage during its downtime period. The cleaning process is also the perfect opportunity to inspect and identify any hidden wear and tear that may have been concealed during operation. Rectifying these issues early will drastically reduce the risk of costly repairs in the future.
Step 2: Store Indoors Where Possible
Wherever possible your next step is to try to store the plant machinery indoors to shield it from the elements. Excessive exposure to rain, frost, snow and UV rays can lead to corrosion, rust and body damage. Opting to store your equipment indoors provides idyllic conditions to protect your plant machinery during downtime. However, this option is not feasible for everyone. If outdoor space is not available, consider using covers to protect the machinery, especially if bad weather is forecast.
Step 3: Securely Store Attachments
Along with storing your plant machinery are your attachments. As you’ll know, these are just as important as the equipment itself. Leaving these scattered out in the elements can create dangerous trip hazards, whilst posing a risk to loss or damage. Storing your plant machinery’s attachments in a designated, organised area will drastically minimise these issues from occurring. Where possible, store them indoors ready for when you need them again.
Step 4: Perform Engine Checks and Maintenance
During your downtime periods, it is the ideal time to give your plant machinery some much-needed attention. This may include thorough engine checks, fluid top ups, oil and filter changes and service. Conducting these performance engine checks and maintenance now will ensure the machinery is in peak condition and ready for its next use.
Step 5: Isolate the Battery
Cold weather can drain batteries, especially if they are left standing for a long period. To prevent any electrical drainage occurring during downtime, it is recommended that you isolate/disconnect the battery. This will protect it from any unnecessary discharge and extend its lifespan. Isolators are normally located close to your machine’s battery, however, you should always refer to your operator’s manual to correctly locate this feature.
Step 6: Lock and Secure Your Machinery
Sadly, downtime periods can attract unwanted attention, making plant equipment a target for theft. Therefore, you must always lock up your machinery securely and ensure all immobilisers and tracking systems work properly. Well-secured machinery will deter theft and will also provide you with peace of mind while you enjoy a rest of your own.
Why Renting Plant Equipment Can Assist with Storage Difficulties
Renting plant equipment can significantly alleviate many of the challenges related to storage. While owning your own machinery has its benefits, opting to hire can make a huge difference to many outfits. Here’s how:
- No Storage Responsibilities: When you rent equipment, you only have it on-site for as long as you need it. During downtime periods or festive seasons, the equipment can be returned to your supplier for storage, freeing up space on your worksite.
- No Maintenance Costs: Forget having to shed out for maintenance of your machinery, as this will be covered in your hire. Once your machinery is returned most reputable hire companies will service and store the machinery ready for its next use.
- Security: When renting plant machinery, you won’t have to stress about the security of machinery during downtime. Once the equipment is returned, the responsibility lies with your supplier to keep the machinery safe.
- Flexibility and Scalability: Choosing to rent provides business owners with flexibility and scalability to suit their operational needs. All without having to navigate the logistical stresses of storage and maintaining a large fleet of owned machinery.
For businesses concerned about storage limitations during downtime periods such as the holiday season, choosing to rent plant machinery can provide a cost-effective alternative to ownership.
Conclusion
As we’ve highlighted in this article, correct storage is essential to maintain your plant equipment during downtime. By following the 6 steps that we’ve provided, focusing on cleaning, storage conditions, proper maintenance, attachment storage, battery welfare and security, your equipment will be ready to spring into action when you return. However, if the stresses of storage have become too much of a burden, you may want to consider a more convenient and flexible solution provided by a reputable plant hire company.
At WHC Hire, we specialise in providing high-quality plant equipment rentals, ensuring that businesses that work with us, never have to worry about the issues relating to storage. All our plant equipment is maintained to the highest standards and fitted with state-of-the-art trackers and immobilisers to protect machinery during downtime. Let us take care of the hard work so you can focus on what matters most. Get in touch with your local WHC Hire depot today to discuss more rental solutions we offer, or browse our online catalogue to get started. Let’s make downtime work for you.