Cleaning Construction Equipment
Keeping your equipment clean is an important aspect of staying up to date with maintenance and ensuring continued operating condition. Clean construction equipment lasts longer and is less prone to malfunction, which translates into money and time saved on expensive and lengthy repairs. But cleaning off equipment can itself be a time consuming task that can make a mess. Pressure washing is the go-to solution for cleaning up construction equipment, as it’s the best way to remove grease and grime.
Cleaning Prep
Before you begin you’ll need a few pieces of cleaning gear. We’re not talking about any old rag and cleaning product. This is a serious wash that needs serious gear!
Start with safety gear, like full-length coveralls to protect your torso, arms, and legs. Many workers already wear disposable or reusable coveralls, but you may find specialty rainwear or insulated jackets useful when dealing with hot water washes. The same goes for footwear; you’ll want anti-skid / non-slip soles and toe protection along with upper closure to keep water out of your boots. Face and eye protection are important on account of high pressure washing knocking dirt clods off at high speed that could hurt washers. Chemical burns are also a concern with some of the more powerful cleaning chemicals. Finally, gloves for working with and removing dirt and debris from metal machinery. Some choose leather gloves to prevent cuts and gashes, but rubber or latex gloves should be plenty of protection.
Next you’ll need your washing equipment. There’s simply no better way to remove dirt and grease from construction equipment. The two basic options are pressure washers and water cannons. Pressure washers are usually smaller in scale but offer the most dirt-cleaning power. Water cannons simply put out a whole lot of water — upwards of 5-15 times the rate of smaller pressure washers. The bottom line is that a pressure washer will do the best detail work, while a water cannon can take care of a final rinse.
Water alone will not be enough. You must acquire a degreasing solution of some kind. The most common detergents dissolve grease and grime as well as break up clumps of dirt and clay. The type of detergent you should use depends on what’s your biggest cleaning issue (dirt? organics? grease?) as well as the specifics of the construction equipment. Consult your owner’s manual for specifications for proper cleaning products.
Quick and Effective Cleaning
Every cleaner and piece of equipment will have their own effective practice, but there are certainly some standard tricks to getting a fast wash that still gets the job done. Start by assembling all the washing products and gear you’ll need, along with wearing necessary protective gear. Once you have your cleaning area setup, you can begin by removing any chunks of debris with a prying bar or shovel. Pay close attention to anything under the construction equipment that may be hard to reach later with the pressure washer. Now wash off remaining debris that you couldn’t get off by hand — no detergent yet! Using warm water will soften up buildups of grease, which can now be pulled off by hand.
Apply detergent sparingly to areas with visible contamination, including engine compartments and radiators. Once you’ve done that, hit the equipment with water again, starting at the top and working your way to the ground. Give some detailing work to corners and other tight places where grime can build up. DO NOT use a pressure washer for the inside of the cab; vacuum and hand-wipe the interior instead.
Once the construction equipment is generally clean, allow it to air dry. If you’re in a big hurry, compressed air can hasten things along. And that’s it. You’re done! Clean up your workspace and send the equipment along to its next task.
Hopefully this guide by Central Machinery Sales will serve as a first step for your quest to effectively and efficiently clean your construction equipment. You’ll reduce the need for costly service, provide your workers with a hygienic work environment, and give clients and customers a shiny machine to admire. If you need help, we’re located in Moses Lake, WA. We also serve those in Spokane and Pasco, WA.