IS YOUR EQUIPMENT READY FOR THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR?

As construction activity continues through the second half of the year, dependable equipment becomes even more important. A breakdown during a busy project can delay schedules, increase repair costs and leave operators waiting for a machine to return to service.

A mid-season construction equipment maintenance inspection can help identify worn parts, leaks and developing performance issues before they result in more extensive repairs. Whether you operate excavators, skid steer loaders, compact track loaders, wheel loaders, rollers or other construction equipment, preventive maintenance can help protect your fleet and keep your jobs moving.

McCann Industries provides construction equipment maintenance, diagnostics and repair support for all makes and models. Our service team can help evaluate your equipment and address concerns before they become jobsite emergencies.

WHY MID-SEASON EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE MATTERS

Construction equipment operates in dust, heat, mud and other demanding conditions. By the middle of the season, machines may have accumulated hundreds of operating hours since their last major inspection.

Daily walkarounds remain essential, but they may not uncover every developing issue. A more detailed mid-year inspection can help contractors:

• Reduce the risk of unexpected downtime
• Identify fluid leaks and worn components
• Maintain dependable machine performance
• Protect major systems from avoidable damage
• Plan repairs around project schedules
• Extend the useful life of equipment
• Keep service and maintenance records current

Maintenance requirements vary by manufacturer, machine and application. Always follow the service intervals and procedures listed in the equipment’s operator or service manual.

MID-SEASON CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

A thorough inspection should cover the machine’s major systems, wear components and safety equipment.

REVIEW OPERATING HOURS AND SERVICE RECORDS

Begin by checking the hour meter and reviewing the equipment’s maintenance history.

Determine whether the machine is approaching a scheduled service interval and verify when key maintenance tasks were last completed.

Review:

• Current operating hours
• Manufacturer-recommended service intervals
• Previous oil and filter changes
• Recent repairs
• Fluid analysis results, when available
• Recurring fault codes or operator concerns
• Upcoming component replacement recommendations

Documented maintenance records can help identify patterns and make it easier to plan future service.

INSPECT ENGINE OIL, FLUIDS AND FILTERS

Clean fluids and filters help protect critical machine components. Contaminated fluids, restricted filters or incorrect fluid levels can contribute to poor performance and premature wear.

Inspect:

• Engine oil and oil filter
• Hydraulic fluid and filter
• Engine coolant
• Fuel and fuel filters
• Air filters
• Transmission fluid, when applicable
• Final-drive and axle fluids
• Diesel exhaust fluid, when applicable

Do not rely only on fluid levels. Check for unusual color, odor, contamination or metal particles that may indicate an internal problem.

Follow the manufacturer’s specifications when selecting replacement fluids and filters. Mixing incompatible products can reduce performance or damage components.

CHECK THE COOLING SYSTEM

Hot weather, heavy loads and dirty operating conditions can place additional demands on an equipment cooling system.

Inspect:

• Coolant level and condition
• Radiator and cooling package
• Hoses and clamps
• Fan belts
• Water pump area
• Cooling fins
• Debris around screens and air passages
• Temperature gauges and warning indicators

Remove accumulated dirt and debris using the cleaning procedure recommended by the manufacturer. Restricted airflow can contribute to overheating even when the coolant level is correct.

INSPECT THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Hydraulic systems power many of the functions construction equipment performs each day. A small leak or damaged hose can develop into a larger failure if it is not addressed.

Look for:

• Cracked, worn or rubbing hydraulic hoses
• Fluid around cylinders, pumps and fittings
• Damaged hose guards
• Loose connections
• Slow or inconsistent cylinder movement
• Unusual hydraulic noise
• Excessive heat
• Loss of lifting or attachment performance

Never use your hands to search for a pressurized hydraulic leak. Hydraulic fluid under pressure can penetrate the skin and cause a serious injury. Equipment should be shut down and pressure safely relieved before a qualified person performs repairs.

EXAMINE TRACKS AND UNDERCARRIAGE COMPONENTS

An undercarriage represents a significant portion of the operating cost of tracked construction equipment. Regular inspection can help prevent uneven wear and premature component replacement.

Check:

• Track tension
• Track condition
• Rollers and idlers
• Sprockets
• Track links
• Pins and bushings
• Final drives
• Mud, stone and debris buildup
• Uneven wear between sides

Incorrect track tension can accelerate wear. Use the manufacturer’s procedure and specifications when checking or adjusting tracks.

Cleaning the undercarriage regularly can also make developing leaks and damaged components easier to identify.

INSPECT TIRES AND WHEELS

For wheeled equipment, tire condition affects traction, stability and machine performance.

Inspect:

• Tire pressure
• Tread depth
• Sidewall cuts or cracking
• Punctures
• Uneven wear
• Rims
• Valve stems
• Wheel hardware
• Loose or missing lug nuts

Inflate tires to the pressure recommended for the machine, tire and application. Uneven tire pressure may affect stability and cause irregular wear.

TEST THE BATTERY AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Heat, vibration and extended operating hours can place additional strain on batteries and electrical components.

A mid-season electrical inspection should include:

• Battery charge and condition
• Battery terminals and cables
• Charging system
• Starter operation
• Wiring and connectors
• Fuses
• Work lights
• Warning lights
• Backup alarms
• Cameras
• Display screens
• Diagnostic fault codes

Loose, damaged or corroded connections should be addressed before they cause intermittent starting or operating problems.

EVALUATE WEAR PARTS AND ATTACHMENTS

Wear parts are designed to be replaced over time. Allowing them to wear beyond their usable limits can reduce performance and damage more expensive components.

Inspect:

• Bucket teeth
• Cutting edges
• Adapters
• Pins and bushings
• Belts
• Bearings
• Brake components
• Couplers
• Attachment hoses
• Hydraulic connections
• Ground-engaging tools

Check buckets and attachments for cracks, damaged welds or excessive movement. Confirm that attachment locking systems operate properly before returning the machine to service.

VERIFY SAFETY SYSTEMS

Safety equipment should be tested regularly to help protect operators and others working nearby.

Confirm the proper operation and condition of:

• Seat belts and restraint systems
• Backup alarms
• Horns
• Cameras and mirrors
• Emergency shutoffs
• Safety switches and interlocks
• Warning lights
• Steps and handrails
• Doors and windows
• Rollover and falling-object protective structures
• Fire extinguishers, when equipped

Damaged or disabled safety devices should be repaired before the equipment is operated.

INSPECT THE OPERATOR STATION

Operator comfort and visibility can affect productivity and safe equipment operation.

Check:

• Joysticks and controls
• Pedals
• Seat adjustment
• Heating and air conditioning
• Windshield wipers
• Windows and mirrors
• Displays and gauges
• Cab filters
• Doors and latches
• Interior cleanliness

Ask operators whether they have noticed changes in machine response, noise, vibration or temperature. Operators often detect developing problems before they become visible during an inspection.

EQUIPMENT WARNING SIGNS YOU SHOULD NOT IGNORE

Schedule an equipment inspection when operators notice:

• New or worsening fluid leaks
• Excessive exhaust smoke
• Difficult starting
• Loss of engine power
• Overheating
• Slow hydraulic functions
• Unusual noises or vibration
• Recurring warning lights
• Changes in steering or braking
• Uneven track or tire wear
• Excessive movement in pins or bushings
• Increased fuel or fluid consumption

Continuing to operate a machine with a developing problem can turn a manageable repair into a more expensive component failure.

IN-SHOP SERVICE OR FIELD SERVICE?

The best service option depends on the condition of the machine and the work required.

In-shop construction equipment service may be appropriate for:

• Scheduled preventive maintenance
• Detailed inspections
• Repairs requiring specialized shop equipment
• Major component work
• Projects that can be planned in advance

Field service may be more practical when:

• The equipment cannot be transported
• The machine is disabled on a jobsite
• An urgent diagnosis is required
• The repair can be completed safely in the field
• Transportation would create additional delays

A service representative can help determine the best option based on the machine, symptoms and location.

SCHEDULE CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT SERVICE AT McCANN INDUSTRIES

Do not wait for a breakdown to determine whether your equipment is ready for the second half of the year.

McCann Industries provides preventive maintenance, diagnostics, in-shop repairs, field service and parts support for all makes and models of construction equipment. Our factory-trained technicians use advanced diagnostic tools and OEM-grade parts to help identify problems and return machines to work.

Through July 31, 2026, receive 10% off parts and service for qualifying work performed in a McCann Industries shop.

Mention promo code JS07 when scheduling service to take advantage of the offer.

Contact McCann Industries to schedule a mid-season equipment inspection and prepare your fleet for the work ahead.