maximize service & uptime with routine preventive maintenance

While there are many facets to a golf course superintendent’s job, there are two keys to success: First, provide the best looking turf possible, and second, maximize the profitability and efficiency of your maintenance operation.

Keeping equipment running at top efficiency is the only way to deliver a top quality product. Also unscheduled maintenance is the primary cause of costly downtime.

To make a preventive maintenance (PM) program work, you need to establish a routine and keep good records. The first step is to know the maintenance intervals for each piece of your equipment, and this is as simple as reading the owner’s manual. An effective PM program for your equipment’s engines includes:

Daily inspections

- Check for leaks. Make a visual check for leaks, loose hardware, damaged hoses and frayed or worn belts.

- Oil and hydraulic fluids. Check to make sure they are at the proper level and not dirty or burned.

- Air filter. Make sure the precleaner and elements are clean and not plugged or damaged.

- Fuel filter. Make sure it is clean and that clamps are tight and not leaking.

- Grass screen. Is it clear?

- Coolant. Check to see if it is at the proper level.

- Cylinder fins. For air-cooled engines, they must be clean and unobstructed.

Weekly inspections

- Oil and filter. Changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals reduces contaminants and helps prevent premature engine wear. Use the type of oil recommended by the engine manufacturer. Using the wrong oil is a cause of premature wear.

- Air filter and precleaner. Wash the precleaner and dry it out, making sure to lubricate the foam element. Replace the paper element if it is clogged or dirty. It can be checked by holding it to a light or by placing a light inside the element. If you can’t see through it, replace the element. Never use compressed air. This can cause pinholes in the element, destroying it.

- Spark plugs. Check and replace as needed. Heavy carbon buildup causes hard starting and poor performance, reducing fuel economy.

- Blower housing and shrouds. Check these components daily or weekly, depending on the use of the machine. Remember that air-cooled engines must have an unobstructed flow of clean air.

Annual inspections

These checks are more involved and should be performed by a certified technician. If your technicians don’t have the proper training, bring your equipment to our dealership. We have trained technicians and the right parts and service tools to make sure your engine and equipment can be put in peak operating condition.

Make PM routine

Since your operators spend many hours with a piece of equipment, they can detect problems long before your technicians. They might notice an odd sound, poor handling or smell burning oil. This information should be passed along to technicians so they can correct the problem early.

Protect your equipment investment. When you factor all the related costs and setbacks of an after-failure repair, your total bill could easily be from two to five times higher than if your equipment had been properly maintained. Please give our service department a call. We’ll help you set up a PM program that maximizes your equipment uptime.