Block B – Heavy Equipment Inspection and Basic Maintenance

Trends

Documentation of daily operations is becoming increasingly rigorous. Heavy equipment operator (TLB) responsibilities for maintenance and inspection are changing as technology advances. Computerization is reducing the need for manual checks and maintenance by heavy equipment operators, and requiring specialized mechanics to perform the maintenance.

There is a growing list of attachments that can be secured to the tractorloader- backhoe such as compactor, hoe-ram, thumb, sheers, forks, sweeper and ripper. These attachments have greatly expanded the capacity and role of the tractor-loader-backhoe.

Related Components

All components apply.

Tools and Equipment

See Appendix A.

Task 4 Performs scheduled maintenance.

Context

This task encompasses any maintenance tasks that a heavy equipment operator (TLB) must know about or perform to ensure the daily operation of the machine.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 good housekeeping practices
• K 2 gauges and monitoring systems such as computer monitoring systems (CMS), attachment specific computers and their use
• K 3 pre-oilers and auto-grease systems
• K 4 glow plugs, pre-heat and ether start systems
• K 5 safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, seat belts, warning devices and backup alarms
• K 6 roll over protective structures (ROPS) and falling objects protective structures (FOPS)
• K 7 tire pressure, condition and wear
• K 8 manufacturers’ specifications according to operation and maintenance manuals (OMM)
• K 9 re-fuelling and greasing
• K 10 TDG certification
• K 11 tier 4 exhaust procedures such as Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) and regeneration

Sub-task - B-4.01 Maintains heavy equipment operator station.

Key Competencies

• B-4.01.01 clean cab using tools such as hand brooms, rags and cleaners to remove dust
• B-4.01.02 secure loose items to ensure safety
• B-4.01.03 clean windows and mirrors to ensure visibility
• B-4.01.04 adjust cab components to individual heavy equipment operator’s ergonomics
• B-4.01.05 lubricate cab components such as throttle pedal, door hinges and seat

Sub-task - B-4.02 Maintains drive train systems, tires and rims.

Key Competencies

• B-4.02.01 adjust tire pressure according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.02.02 tighten loose wheel nuts according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.02.03 grease drive train components according to manufacturers’ specifications

Sub-task - B-4.03 Performs preventative maintenance.

Key Competencies

• B-4.03.01 top up fluids as needed according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.03.02 lubricate all fittings according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.03.03 change and clean filters according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.03.04 rotate and change teeth on buckets, cutting edges and corner bits according to manufacturers’ specifications

Sub-task - B-4.04 Performs basic maintenance on attachments.

Key Competencies

• B-4.04.01 maintain quick attach according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.04.02 grease attachments such as hoe pack (hydraulic plate compactor), hydraulic breaker and thumb, ripper and hydraulic sheers according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.04.03 check mounted systems such as GPS and laser systems, and make adjustments such as tightening clamps, electric lines, supports and receivers
• B-4.04.04 adjust belts and stops on attachments according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.04.05 ensure hydraulic lines are capped during storage
• B-4.04.06 change and rotate wear points on equipment such as cutting edges, teeth and scarifiers as per manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.04.07 visually inspect attachments such as, jib/side booms, rippers and winches for unusual wear, damage, cracks, oil leakage and broken welds
• B-4.04.08 visually inspect bolts and pins on all attachments for security

Task 5 Performs inspections.

Context

Performing pre- and post-operational inspections are an important part of ensuring the machine is prepared and safe for daily operations.

Required Knowledge

• K 1 machine-mounted laser levels and GPS
• K 2 fuel, lubrication, electrical, hydraulic, cooling, air intake, suspension, brake and drive train systems
• K 3 computer systems
• K 4 OMM
• K 5 heavy equipment operator’s daily report
• K 6 safety features
• K 7 start-up and shut-down procedures
• K 8 cold weather starting and operation
• K 9 attachments
• K 10 safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, seat belts, first aid kits, warning devices and backup alarms

Sub-task - B-5.01 Performs pre-operational inspections.

Key Competencies

• B-5.01.01 inspect quick attach according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-5.01.02 inspect engine compartment for maintenance items such as engine oil level, belts, hoses, debris build-up, coolant and exhaust system according to manufacturers’ check list
• B-5.01.03 check air intake system components such as air filters, dust bowls and air-restriction indicators
• B-5.01.04 check tires and rims for secure mounting and damage such as wear, cuts and cracks
• B-5.01.05 perform walk-around inspection of overall machine for damage, unnecessary wear, leakage and fluid levels such as hydraulic and fuel
• B-5.01.06 inspect heavy equipment operator’s station for seat belt adjustment and expiry date, cleanliness, loose debris and alternate escape routes
• B-5.01.07 check to ensure controls such as transmission and hydraulic lockouts are in locked or neutral position according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-5.01.08 turn on unit, visually inspect gauges for operation, continue start-up procedures according to manufacturers’ specifications and continue to monitor gauges
• B-5.01.09 cycle controls for operation, conduct warm-up procedures and recheck gauges and hydraulic levels according to manufacturer’s specifications
• B-5.01.10 conduct brake check and check operation of lockout devices
• B-5.01.11 inspect safety equipment by testing horn, backup alarm and lights for operation, and checking first aid kits and emergency shut-down and fire suppression system if equipped
• B-5.01.12 check ROPS and FOPS for damage
• B-5.01.13 inspect drive train systems according to manufacturers’ specifications

Sub-task - B-5.02 Performs post-operational inspections.

Key Competencies

• B-5.02.01 park equipment in the service position on level surface to check fluid levels at next start-up
• B-5.02.02 allow equipment to cool down prior to shut-down according to manufacturers’ specifications
• B-5.02.03 perform post-operational inspection of overall equipment for damage such as excessive wear, cracks and leakage

Sub-task - B-5.03 Completes daily equipment logbook.

Key Competencies

• B-5.03.01 fill out daily equipment logbook during pre-operational inspection according to company policy and jurisdictional regulations, and store according to company policy
• B-5.03.02 complete daily equipment logbook during post-operational inspection according to company policy and jurisdictional regulations, and store according to company policy
• B-5.03.03 ensure report is ready to be viewed or signed by foreman according to company policy and jurisdictional regulations