Introduction
Road construction machinery, including loaders, excavators, graders, bulldozers, and dump trucks, is an expensive and critical piece of equipment in the execution of construction projects. These machines operate in harsh, high-pressure, and sometimes unpredictable environments. Implementing a regular maintenance program not only increases the useful life of the equipment, but also plays a vital role in reducing project downtime, increasing operator safety, and saving costs.
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The importance of maintaining road construction machinery
Reducing sudden breakdowns during the project
Increasing the safety of users and operators
Optimizing fuel consumption and reducing operating costs
Increasing the useful life of equipment
Maintaining capital value and high resale value
Complying with safety requirements and project standards
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Types of repairs in road construction machinery
Repair typeLong-term operation or severe wear
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Maintenance schedule based on operating hours
Machine type Recommended service intervals
Excavator Every 250 hours: engine oil / Every 500 hours: filter / Annually: complete hydraulic system inspection
Loader Every 250 hours: greasing / Every 1000 hours: differential and gearbox inspection
Bulldozer Every 300 hours: air filter replacement / Every 1500 hours: complete engine service
Grader Every 500 hours: transmission and axle service
Dump truck Every 500 hours: brake system / Every 1000 hours: chassis and attachments
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Daily maintenance checklist for road construction machinery
Check engine oil and hydraulic oil levels
Check for oil or fuel leaks
Inspect air filter, oil and fuel filter
Check tires or chains and air pressure
Check the performance of brakes, steering, lights
Test the alarm, seat and seat belt
Grease moving parts if necessary
Record operating hours and operating conditions
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Practical recommendations for better maintenance
Use original or OEM parts and filters
Complete operator training to work with the machine
Accurately record information in the maintenance and operating hours logbook
Maintain service documents and part invoices
Establish communication between the technical team and the project manager for rapid error reporting
Perform periodic inspections by an experienced technician or authorized dealer
Use maintenance management software (CMMS) for large projects
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Common causes of road construction machinery failures
Type of failureLate oil change, use of non-standard filter
Hydraulic hose rupture Long life or long-term leakage
Brake system failure Neglect of periodic service and pressure adjustments
Chassis damage and welds Severe impacts or overloading
Tips for winter and summer maintenance
In winter: use antifreeze, warm up the engine before loading, check the battery
In summer: inspect the cooling system, replace the air filter on time, avoid operating in very high temperatures at noon
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Costs that can be prevented with proper maintenance
ItemDump truck 20 to 50 million Tomans
Replacement of boom or arm jack 10 to 50 million Tomans depending on the type of machine
Project stoppage due to breakdown Several million to several billion depending on the delay
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Summary
Maintenance and repair of road construction machinery is not a cost, but an investment to increase efficiency, reduce depreciation and maintain project safety. By implementing preventive principles, training operators and using standard parts, the life of the equipment can be multiplied and the heavy costs of breakdowns can be avoided
