Handheld power equipment inspection and maintenance tips are designed to help ensure the safe use of equipment in all forestry operations. At Western Equipment, we understand how important it is to be able to provide employees with a safe and secure workspace. That is why we carry a selection of the best outdoor equipment on the market to help ensure the safety of all employees.

INFIELD MACHINERY MAINTENANCE

It is important to ensure that all handheld power equipment—chain saws, yarders, towers and carriages, mechanical harvesters, dozers, excavators, skidders, log haulage trailers, etc.—is inspected on a daily basis and maintained to the manufacturer’s specifications. If you are attempting infield handheld power equipment maintenance, you should:

1. WORK IN AN OPEN AREA

When performing an inspection or any maintenance of handheld power equipment in the field, it is important to make sure that you are working in as open of an area as possible in order to avoid as many potential hazards as possible. Before you begin working, make sure that you are a safe distance away from any other activity in the area and that the machinery being worked on is parked on level ground.

2. CHECK FLUID LEVELS

Before checking the fluid levels or refuelling the handheld power equipment, make sure that the engine has come to a complete halt. Once the engine has stopped, open the engine covers, checking that they are securely fastened before accessing checking the machines fluid levels. If any of the levels appear low, top them off so that the machine can provide optimum performance.

3. CHANGE DISC BLADES, CHAINS, AND BARS

When changing the disc blades, chains, or bars on any type of handheld power equipment, it is important to make sure that the machine is securely supported, turned off, and locked out. The head of the machine must also be grounded prior to any maintenance being done. During this process, the disc blades, chains, and bars should be physically isolated from other parts of the machinery in order to avoid potential hazards during maintenance. All work should also be performed while wearing leather gloves.

4. REPAIRING OR MAINTAINING MACHINERY

Stored pressure in the hydraulic line must by neutralized prior to any maintenance to the hydraulic system. In order to properly release the stored pressure, you should:

• Turn the engine off.
• Move all control levers through their positions.
• Slowly open the bleed valve or filler cap until the air flow stops and then recommence the process. This step may need to be repeated several times in order to ensure that all the stored pressure is neutralized from the hydraulic tank.

If you would like to learn more about handheld power equipment inspection and maintenance tips, or if you are interested in one of our products or services, please contact Western Equipment at the location nearest you or by filling out a contact form on our website.