If you own a boom truck, you probably realize that it has different maintenance needs than other types of heavy machinery. There is also a higher safety risk to the people who use your boom truck every day if it is not properly maintained. The driver of your boom truck should be trained to routinely inspect the truck, looking for any changes in the gauges of the equipment. Routine professional inspections should also occur.
As with all heavy machinery, you should be familiar with and follow the manufacturer recommendations for maintaining your boom truck. Here are some general suggestions about how to properly care for your boom truck, extending its useful life and making the most of your investment:
- Weekly: There are lots of moving parts on a boom truck, and regular greasing and application of appropriate oil are key to keeping everything operating smoothly.
- After 250 hours: Time to change the engine oil.
- After 500 hours: If your boom truck has an automatic transmission, change the transmission fluid.
- After 600 hours: Time to change the rear differential fluid.
- After 1,000 hours: Time for some serious maintenance – it’s time to change standard transmission fluid, power steering fluid, antifreeze and hydraulic oil.
One of the best decisions you can make after purchasing a boom truck (or a fleet of boom trucks) is to invest in a quality preventative maintenance program. A program like this will definitely pay for itself over time and keep your drivers and your company safer. You will also experience less downtime and fewer surprise repairs, allowing your boom truck to keep operating and reducing downtime.