Best Practices

How to Store Construction Machines

Whether you're storing equipment for a season or just for a few months while you're not using it, there are several important measures you should take to prevent damage. Follow these six steps for properly storing construction machines.

1. Prepare your storage area

To ensure they are well protected, it's best to store your heavy equipment in a fully enclosed structure, like a garage, barn, or warehouse. The space should be insulated, clean, dry, and free of any pests and animals. It's also a good idea to use a protective floor mat, so that your tracked construction machines don't damage the flooring.

Even when storing in an enclosed space, the equipment should be covered with a high quality tarp that will help keep moisture from accumulating and causing rust.

2. Clean and grease your construction machines

You don't want to pull your equipment out of storage in a few months and have it covered in dirt and grime. Give your machine's interior and exterior a deep clean before storing. Wash dirt and debris from moving parts, then add lubricant, so they're ready to go when you power up the engine again. Check your owner's manual for more specific instructions on lubricating your machine's moving parts.

3. Fill up your fuel and oil tanks

Topping off fuel and oil will help prevent condensation forming in your tanks which could lead to costly problems down the road. It's also a good idea to add fuel stabilizer to your fuel tank, so the fuel doesn't degrade over time.

4. Check tire pressure

When storing construction machines, it's important to inspect your tires for any signs of damage or leaks. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct tire pressure, but keep in mind that it might be a good idea to slightly over inflate the tires during storage to prevent flat spots from forming, especially if the equipment will be sitting on concrete.

5. Handle any repairs before storage

Always complete repairs and maintenance before storing your construction machines. Minor issues can worsen and become major problems after you let your equipment sit for months unattended. By having them inspected, then completing any service before storage, you can avoid costly repair bills down the road.

6. Secure your machines

Equipment theft can occur if you don't take the proper precautions. It's important to lock up your machines, plus lock your storage space, and invest in theft prevention devices like surveillance cameras, alarms, and telematics systems.

For questions on how to store your construction machines, contact the Kelbe team today!