We sometimes need to destroy the structures we’ve built. When we do, we look to demolition contractors who are experts in demolishing structures.
Demolition contractors rely on several key attachments, plus a carrier, such as an excavator or loader, to carry out the necessary tasks. Demolition activities are demanding upon the equipment, so proper demolition equipment maintenance is essential to optimal performance.
Grease attachments per the instruction of the manufacturer. You will probably need to grease the main pivot points on the upper and lower cylinders twice daily, and daily grease the slewing ring and stick connection to which attachments are pinned.
Also, not all demolition attachments use the same grease. For example, shears are under a lot of pressure, so they require a particular type of grease. However, breakers create a lot of heat, so they require a grease — called hammer paste — that can handle that heat. It’s always a good idea to check the recommendations specified by the manufacturer.
Regularly tighten bolts. Bolts will loosen over a short amount of time in demolition applications, which will, in turn, place stress on other components.
Regularly inspect equipment to ensure safety decals are legible.
The most popular demolition attachments are shears, pulverizers, multi-processors, breakers, grapples and buckets. Learn how to properly maintain your demolition equipment so it works for you when you need it.
Shears
Shears are the most maintenance-intensive demolition attachments. For every 40 hours of operation, shears require eight hours of service, and shears break down more often than any other demolition attachment.
Flip the blades regularly. If you try to maximize the use of one side of the blade, it will cause rounding of the tip. Then, when you reverse the blade, it won’t fit correctly in the blade seating. If this happens, it will lead to poorer performance and damage to the blade seating.
Also, dull shear blades are likely to cause damage to other components, and then repairs will become more costly and time-consuming.
Pulverizers
Daily inspect the teeth and tooth seats for excessive looseness or damage.
Grease the following components until excess appears. Then, link pin connection in upper jaw lugs, main pin connection in upper jaw lugs, main pivot in stationary jaw, position arm ends and the end of the link pin.
Multi-processors
Inspect hoses, connections and cylinders for leaks, wear and damage. Inspect the mounting bracket pins and cylinder pins for looseness or damage. Check pinheads and pinkeepers. Don’t apply the excavator’s weight to the jaw if it becomes jammed.
Grease the front and rear cylinder connections, main pivot area, turntable bearing and mounting bracket.
Breakers
Breakers require a lot of grease. You should be able to see the grease when you’re working with it. If not, you could be damaging internal components, especially the bushings.
Grapples
The grease points on grapples include the pivot points where the tines bend and the rotation head.
Keep the pivot points free of debris during operation. Otherwise, you risk damaging them.
Buckets
Buckets clean up debris and provide light demolition work. Check teeth regularly and replace when needed. Ensure there’s no structural damage to the bucket.
Although operator skill plays an important factor in prolonging the longevity of an attachment, employee attitudes toward the equipment have a bigger influence. So, train employees to treat equipment with respect.
