Construction Equipment Cleaning

Ever wondered how to properly clean your construction equipment? Then the following beginner's guide is for you! Below we detail the best way to clean your equipment in an efficient and effective way. If you are looking for construction equipment for sale, visit Burrows Tractor. We are a construction equipment dealer that proudly serves those in Portland and North Plains, Oregon as well as Kennewick, Ellensburg, Richland, Yakima, and Wenatchee, Washington.

Why It Matters

Construction equipment is bound to get dirty any time you use it. After all, it's made for using outside in the dirt, mud, rain, and so on. Why bother cleaning it when it's going to get dirty again the next time you use it?

It's a fair question. It helps to keep in mind that caked-on gunk is not just an aesthetic issue. It can actually cause problems with how your equipment performs. That grime can collect around moving parts, which hurt their range of motion. You could face unstable performance, which not only hurts your output but can eventually cause a safety issue. Dirt is also stellar at trapping heat, which can cause your excavator to overheat. Keeping everything clean keeps it running smoothly and running safely.

Another aspect to consider is the longer you wait to clean, the more time-consuming that session will be. If you've let gunk build up for months, it'll take more elbow grease to get it gone. Regular cleanings help keep the cleaning session quick and easy.

Preparation

Cleaning a piece of construction equipment is more intensive than washing your car. You'll need full-length overalls that cover your torso, arms, and legs. You can even throw on some specialty rain wear or an insulated jacket to help trap heat and block out moisture. For shoes, you'll want a pair that are have anti-skid soles and toe protection. Eye protection is a must to shield you from dirt chunks coming off your equipment, from dust, and other hazards.

For your tools, grab a pressure washer or water cannon. It'll provide the power you need to blast off grime from your excavator, which means less scrubbing you'll need to do. For your detergent, focus on what the biggest issue is. For example, you can find concoctions that are tailored for grease, dirt, or other common issues. Just check your owner's manual to ensure the chemicals aren't going to cause any problems with the paint finish or other parts of your machine.

Cleaning

Start by removing any big chunks you can by hand. If you have to reach into nooks and crannies, throw on a pair of sturdy gloves to protect your skin.

Then you will want to rinse down your construction equipment. It'll help make the grease easier to pull off by loosening it up. Place detergent on any visible issues. Begin rinsing at the top and work downwards. For the inside cab, use a vacuum to suck away dirt, leaves, and other debris.

Before you put your construction equipment away, make sure it is fully dry. If you are in a time crunch, use a compressed air tool. Otherwise, you can simply let it air dry.

We hope you found this guide helpful! If you are looking for an excavator dealer, check out Burrows Tractor. We offer a range of excavators for sale for a range of budgets and needs. Our friendly staff is happy to chat with you about the different options and help you find your ideal model. We proudly serve those in Portland and North Plains, Oregon as well as Kennewick, Ellensburg, Richland, Yakima, and Wenatchee, Washington.