Cleaning Construction Equipment

Each time you conquer a project with heavy equipment, it gets dirtier and dirtier. Eventually, you'll want to clean your equipment. It's a tedious process, but it can help improve the performance and lifespan of your construction equipment. We created the following beginner's guide to cleaning construction equipment below. For all your heavy equipment needs, visit RECO Equipment. We proudly serve those in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana.

Why Cleaning Construction Equipment Matters

Heavy equipment is designed for outdoor use in the mud and muck. Some people wonder what's the point of cleaning their construction equipment if it's only going to get dirty again the next time they use it. But there are plenty of benefits of regular cleaning.

First, the dirt is more than a cosmetic issue. Caked-on grime can interfere with how the construction equipment performs. Gunk can build up around moving parts and limit their mobility. This can cause jerky or unstable performance, which hurts productivity and can even become a safety threat. Dirt also traps heat and can result in your heavy equipment overheating, which also hurts performance. If you want your machine to run well, you need to keep it clean.

Second, regular cleaning makes the cleaning sessions easier. If you only clean your construction equipment once a year, that cleaning session will be a monstrous undertaking. Imagine how caked-on the dirt will be and how much scrubbing you'll need to get months of build-up gone. By washing your heavy equipment more often, the process will be easier and faster.

Third, it's important not to underestimate the aesthetic value of clean construction equipment. Showing up to a worksite with a spotless piece of heavy equipment helps you create a positive impression with the client. It shows you care about your professionalism and put in the work to do jobs right.

Getting Ready to Clean

Before you set out to wash your heavy equipment, you'll need the proper safety gear. This includes full-length coveralls that cover your torso, arms, and legs. It can be helpful to also wear specialty rainwear or insulated jacket to stay dry and comfortable as you clean. Only wear shoes that offer anti-skid soles and toe protection. Throw on a pair of sturdy eye protection (you'd be amazed at the speed dirt chunks fly off of construction equipment). If you will be fishing debris out of any metal machinery nooks and crannies, wear a pair of sturdy gloves.

Once you are in the proper gear, you will need the supplies for the cleaning process. You can use a pressure washer, which gives intense cleaning power in a compact stream. This option is ideal for cutting down on your need to scrub away as well as getting better detail work. Or you can use a water cannon, which provides a high quantity of water at a lower force. This option is ideal for getting the job done quickly.

For your detergent, you'll want to focus on what material is the biggest issue. For example, is your construction equipment covered more with grease or dirt? Look for a product tailored to your biggest issue. Remember to glance at the owner's manual to ensure you aren't using a product or chemical that could damage your construction equipment.

The Cleaning Process

When you are ready to clean, see if you can easily remove big chunks of debris by hand. Next, rinse your construction equipment. This step softens up grease, making it easier to pull off. Then you'll want to place detergent on any visible issue spots. Start rinsing at the top and work your way down. When it comes to the internal cab, all you need is to vacuum and hand-wipe away the dirt.

Wait for your heavy equipment to be dry before you store or use it. Air drying takes longer but requires no effort. Compressed air takes the right tool and some time, but it will get your equipment ready to go in no time!

We hope you found these tips helpful! For all your heavy equipment needs, visit RECO Equipment. We proudly serve those in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana.