FEATURE
The Importance of
Proper Machine Washing
When equipment goes for servicing, mechanics
and technicians will have an easier time
diagnosing and fixing the problem when the
equipment has been washed frequently
By Lisa Kopochinski
It’s no secret that construction is a dirty business. Perhaps none more so than deep
foundation construction. After digging and drilling deep into the earth, how do contractors
ensure their equipment returns to mint condition, ready for the next job? The answer
lies with heavy equipment washing.
“Regular cleaning of your heavy equipment is important – not only for your company
image – but also to help preserve your equipment, whether it’s for heavy duty cleaning of
construction equipment, scheduled exterior maintenance to keep your fleet up to your
corporate standards of image or for tackling the toughest facility, structure, restoration and
graffiti removal projects,” said Michael Turner, operations manager for Metro Mobile Wash.
The company is located in Brampton, Ont., and services all of the province. It has
more than 45 years of experience in providing top-notch commercial and industrial
cleaning services.
“It helps to identify issues at early stages so that leaks, broken parts and rust will be
taken care of and fixed before it lets you down. Additionally, a clean engine overheats
less, as it’s free of dirt, grime and debris. During hot summer months, a dirty radiator on
your excavator, loader or other heavy machine can put your operation to a halt unless it
has been cleaned on a regular basis. In the winter, we service plenty of heavy equipment
to remove salt residue,” he said.
Turner says clean equipment is, essentially, a company’s calling card.
“A lot of companies’ only advertising is the name on the equipment. Clean equipment
shows pride in ownership. Also, our local law enforcement is strict when it comes to
large commercial vehicles and large equipment transportation on the roads. A truck that
is not well-kept is more likely to be pulled over and inspected,” he said.
As for whether machine washing can be
handled in-house versus a professional
business doing it, the answer is both.
PHOTO COURTESY OF METRO MOBILE WASH
PILING CANADA 47