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EQUIPMENT basics |
Checklist keeps machines rolling
Scott R. Nesbitt
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Click for a larger image |
What if your service shop could predict problems with your maintenance machinery?
You’d save a ton of money and time.
You’d replace that leaking radiator hose instead of replacing the engine that overheated because the hose blew out and the rookie crew member figured it was best to drive to the shop instead of shutting down out on the course and walking back.
You already instruct equipment operators to “report any problem with the machine — even a little problem.”
But who do they report to? Do they report in writing, or just mention it to someone? Do they have the time to find that “someone?” Is it the right “someone?”
Consider adopting PMM — preventive machine maintenance.
Simple system
It will take some paper and some organization skills. The project will go faster if you have a computer with a decent word processing program, but you can do it with paper, pencil, tape and a copier and still get good results.
The PMM system is simple: Give the operator a “preflight walk-around” checklist and a place to report problems.
Create a single sheet with a picture of the machine and a list of basic inspection points.
Create a “travel route” around the machine, so the operator knows where to start.
Make sure the operator completes the PMM check before starting work with the machine. One way to achieve this is to require the operator to hand in a completed PMM sheet in exchange for the keys to the machine.
If nothing else, PMM will help ensure that the machine is starting its work day with air in the tires, oil in the crankcase, fuel in the tank and antifreeze in the cooling system.
Preparing a PMM check sheet for each machine in your fleet will also help spot problems that are developing with specific units, like a tractor’s slow tire leak that gets reported every other day, or a greensmower engine that’s low on oil every few days.
Custom solutions
Because it uses pictures and simple words, the PMM system can also help break down language barriers that may be blocking your crew members’ ability to report problems.
Customize the machine’s PMM sheet for particular needs. The sheet included here is for a tractor with a history of wheel bearing problems, so the list includes shaking each wheel to test for looseness.
If this concept might work for your operation, start small. Develop one sheet for one specific machine, and tinker with the PMM sheet until you have it working well enough to provide good information. If the system makes sense for your course, then expand it to other machines.
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