How to Clean Your Heavy Equipment

You rely on various heavy equipment at your job site to conquer difficult projects, so at the end of the day, it’s inevitable that your machines will get dirty. As a responsible owner, you shouldn’t allow dirt and grime to build up over time as this can lead to damage. Cleaning your equipment not only keeps them looking nice, but it also helps prolong their lifespan. The experts at Bobcat PNW have gathered some helpful tips to get you started. Read on for more. If you’re still in the market for heavy equipment, stop by one of our conveniently located six dealership locations in Washington.

How to Prepare

Cleaning your heavy equipment takes a lot of effort and time. You’ll need safety gear, including full-length clothes to protect your body. You can also wear specialty rain gear or insulated jackets when using hot water washes. Your shoes should have anti-skid soles, adequate toe protection, and closure above the ankles to keep water and moisture out. Eye protection is also required given the amount of dirt and debris that will be flying off as you clean. Gloves are ideal so you can clear debris out of the machinery without getting injured.

Your Cleaning Options

It’s worth mentioning that there are two main cleaning options to choose from. A pressure washer is more compact and provides you with enough cleaning force. On the other hand, a water cannon releases a high amount of water but with less force. You’ll want to opt for a pressure washer if you have detailed work to do in your cleaning process. A water cannon is better when you need high speeds. Don’t forget to think about the detergent you’ll be using. The type of cleaner you use will depend on the type of heavy equipment and the mess you’ll be dealing with. Certain products are meant for certain material types. Make sure that you consult the owner’s manual for your equipment to find out if there are specific cleaning products you should use or avoid.

The Cleaning Process

Start by manually removing any chunks of grime that you can access. Once that’s done, rinse off your heavy equipment. This helps soften any grease buildups so you can easily pull them off. Next, you’ll want to add detergent to areas that are too dirty. Rinse the equipment again, moving from top to bottom. For the internal areas, you should hand wipe and vacuum the gunk off. Now that it’s clean, you can let it air dry or speed up the process with compressed air.

If you’d like more information on cleaning your heavy equipment, we’re here to help. We’ll also gladly assist you if you’re still searching for the perfect machines for the job. Give us a call or visit one of our dealerships located throughout Washington today! Bobcat PNW proudly welcomes all those in Auburn and Kent, so stop by today!