Routine Maintenance to Beat the Heat

BROKK DEMOLITION ROBOTS are built with strong components to promote a long service life and are specifically designed to withstand harsh environments. They can even stand up to the heat in processing’s extreme environments. But, as with any piece of equipment, neglecting regular maintenance can reduce machine productivity, or worse, lead to unexpected breakdowns.

Performing regular inspections and maintenance on your machine can reduce instances of frustrating downtime and ensure your crew has the tools they need to operate at maximum efficiency. These guidelines can help you know which preventative maintenance measures to take and when it’s time to give your demolition robot some TLC.

Daily

Certain maintenance functions should be completed every day to ensure safe and effective demolition. This is especially important for machines working processing applications that increase stress and wear on certain parts. For example, hose failure can limit a robot’s movement, resulting in vulnerable parts stalling and suffering further heat damage. Heat-resistant hoses enable operation in extreme environment, but they are not immune to damage. To keep your Brokk machine operating at peak efficiency, follow these steps at the beginning of every shift.

• LUBRICATE SYSTEMS: Some systems, including the tool mounting and arm system, should be lubricated every 8 hours of operation.
• CHECK HYDRAULIC FLUID: It’s also important to check hydraulic fluid and breaker lubricant levels each day, as well as engine oil and coolant levels for diesel machines.
• INSPECT HOSES: Check the machine for any water damage or leaks that could indicate maintenance is needed on hoses or hydraulic cylinders.

Weekly

Weekly checks should be more comprehensive. You’ll need to remove covers and take a look under the hood, so to speak, for a thorough inspection of critical maintenance points. For units with optional features — such as forced draft cooling for hydraulic or electrical systems — be sure to inspect these weekly, as well.

• REMOVE DUST: Clean your Brokk robot every week, including removal of dust buildup in the radiator.
• INSPECT SYSTEMS: Inspect the undercarriage, outriggers and arm system, as well as optional systems such as force draft cooling for cracks or other damage to ensure no failures take place during machine operation.

Every 250 Hours

250 hours is a significant maintenance milestone for your Brokk machine. Depending on the application and engine type, maintenance requirements begin to vary at this point. For example, as a result of processing applications’ high temperatures, the engine oil breaks down faster, requiring maintenance schedules to speed up, too. For maximum uptime, be sure to complete the following:

• REPLACE FILTERS: Replace the return filter and the air filter for the hydraulic tank.
• CHANGE OIL: Change the engine oil, oil filter and fuel filter on diesel-powered models. For machines in processing, check the slew motor and drive motor oil and change if necessary.
• EXAMINE HYDRAULIC PUMP: Check the hydraulic pump for proper function.

Once a Year

There are additional routine maintenance procedures to follow annually.

• CHANGE HYDRAULIC FLUID: Replace hydraulic fluid at least once a year or about every 500 hours.
• DIESEL TIP: Replace the air filter on diesel models at least once yearly.
• PROCESSING TIP: Thoroughly inspect the hammer seals and bushings. Hammers can easily hit 1,000-plus hours under normal conditions, but processing and high-heat applications can cause seals to dry out and increase bushing wear.

Every 1,000 Hours

By 1,000 hours, operators who follow all routine maintenance suggestions should have few maintenance-related frustrations and little downtime. There are several key inspections to perform at this stage, though, to ensure your machine keeps functioning at optimum efficiency.

• CHANGE OIL: Change the oil on electric models and those operating in non-processing applications.
• DIESEL TIP: Work with an authorized Brokk workshop to replace the coolant and alternator belt on diesel-powered machines.

Regardless of the application, routine maintenance and constant vigilance is critical for avoiding unexpected downtime. In addition to following your maintenance checklist, operators should stay alert to avoid situations that could lead to damage and breakdowns. This is especially important for machines in extreme heat environments. Thanks to Brokk’s SmartPower system, though, it is easier than ever to monitor the temperature of crucial components. SmartPower slows down operation when temperatures get too high, so operators know it’s time to move the machine away from the heat. Keep in mind, even with SmartPower, you should only operate Brokk machines and accessories within temperatures they are rated for.

By following daily, weekly, and other preventative maintenance recommendations, you can be sure you’re ready to #BrokkIt on your next processing project.

Consult your manual or talk with one of our experts for more information on preventative maintenance for your particular Brokk machine.