My dad always told me: “Pay now so you don’t have to pay later.”
At the time, he was likely referring to homework or other tasks teenagers naturally do not want to invest in. Still, this was a lesson that stuck with me – working hard now can avoid harder work later.
This lesson translates to mining, especially as many of us are preparing sites and equipment for winter
The first step of winter care is to remove any buildup of materials in and around equipment. If material freezes to machines, other repairs will be more difficult. If your process involves water, draining and blowing out hoses is critical to prevent water expansion and equipment damage.
Next, assess all components, prioritizing repairs and maintenance. Planning early is essential to allow for effective parts ordering, factoring in possible delays.
Additionally, remember that the electrical panel is the heart of your equipment. Securely latching the electrical panel door will inhibit any moisture buildup and prevent electrical malfunctions.
While your crew may not be active in the field, winter is the perfect time to focus on specialized training. If your team is current on new equipment and system updates, they will have a safer, more efficient start-up come spring.
Related: Prioritizing conveyor safety, training and parts replacement
Dustin Buchholtz is director of operations for electrical and fluid power at Masaba.
