Take Care of That Truckmount - Part 1

That truckmount pays your salary!

So true - whether you’re an owner-operator or a multi-truck operation, you need to regularly maintain your truckmount. Nothing is more annoying or potentially costly than unanticipated breakdowns.

You can't foresee every breakdown, but you can head many of them off. Let’s say your machine springs a small water leak and you just can’t seem to identify the source of the leak. There are two possible courses of action:

1. Make time to fix the leak yourself or take it in to a trusted service shop and have them locate and repair it.
2. Wait and see if the leak gets worse (which inevitably it will) and then maybe you can locate the source and repair it.

Here’s the problem with postponing the repair: a simple leak left unrepaired often causes additional problems, such as corrosion to other parts, loss of heat or pressure, or other issues.

What are key preventative maintenance steps?

• Regular oil and filter changes help protect your truckmount from unanticipated breakdowns.
• When you're meeting with a customer, take time to wipe down the machine and do an inspection. Check the belt condition and tension, and inspect bolt tightness in critical locations such as exhaust manifolds and the blower, engine and pump mounting bolts. If you see any problems, point them out right away.
• Don't forget the waste tank filters and the waste tank. Inspect the gasket on the lid, clean out the waste tank and ensure your high level float moves freely.

Watch for Part 2 - coming soon - to learn how to keep the truckmount that pays your salary running smoothly!

See more expert guides to managing your equipment and jobs in Legend Brands Tips & Tricks.