Maintenance Of Workshop Furniture

Workshop Furniture

The maintenance of workshop furniture can be undertaken relatively easily providing the right tools and equipment are available and at hand.

The level of maintenance required will depend on the age of the workshop furniture as well as its overall condition.

Workshop furniture normally consists of work benches, trolleys, cabinets, storage units, tool boxes, metal or wooden work tables, chairs and seats, and items such as vehicle lifts (for example a motorcycle bench – lift).

These different items can be either static or mobile, especially workbench’s and tool storage cabinets. Where mounted on castors or wheels the bench or tool cabinet can be moved to the working area allowing easily selection of its contents close to the actual work being carried out.

Most steel pieces of workshop furniture require very little maintenance as steel cabinets and tool boxes are normally robust and constructed to a high standard. A simple inspection should reveal any areas needing attention such as hinges, brackets, locks, bearings etc.

If all is well upon inspection a regular application of a maintenance type spray oil is all that is most likely needed. This will prevent rust forming and keep moving parts lubricated and working.

Static work benches and other furniture used in workshops need extra care if they are used to carry out servicing or repair work on anything which is classed to be heavy.

If used for overhauling and repairing machinery parts or engines, the weight limit of the furniture needs to be known to accurately assess the maintenance and servicing required. Safety is the first consideration and the structural condition of any furniture needs to be regularly monitored to ensure this is up to “scratch”.   

Any metal work bench’s or work tables found to be structurally unsound will need repair work to be carried out before they can be used. If they are manufactured from steel this could be by way of welding new steel plates in, or alternatively (if not load bearing) by way of fitting new sections by using a rivet gun.

Moving Of Factory Machinery

Machinery Movement And Relocation

When undertaking the movement or relocation of factory machinery it is important to choose the correct equipment to ensure the job goes ahead as smoothly and timely as possible.

In addition the correct lifting gear is needed to ensure any machinery being moved is moved in a safe manner and without risk  to any of the mechanical fitters undertaking the work in hand. 

To choose the correct lifting gear the weight of the machinery needs to be known, only then can the correct equipment be hired or purchased to go ahead.

Heavy machinery such as used in factories and workshops will require specialist lifting equipment prior to being moved. This could be chain blocks and hoists or alternatively products such as hydraulic jacks.

Movement equipment including skates and trolleys can then be used to move machinery into their new position or into an area for preparation to be transported.

Companies choosing to not undertake the work themselves should look towards appointing an engineering support company with experience in this line of work.

Riggers, fitters, and electrical and mechanical fitters may be needed depending on the type of machinery being relocated or moved.

Cleaning Of Agricultural Machinery

Agricultural Machinery Cleaning

The ideal piece of equipment for effective cleaning of agricultural machinery is a commercial pressure washer, preferably a model which has the option of providing hot water cleaning.

In the Uk the most popular and recognised brand of commercial washers is the well known Karcher brand. This brand has been established as one of the major manufacturers of cleaning equipment worldwide and produce high powered portable units which are ideal for frequent heavy such as the Karcher HDS601 model. This hot and cold water cleaner is both user friendly and innovative in its design and standard features.

What makes the HDS601 great for cleaning of agricultural machinery is the wide range of water temperature and output pressure available. Depending on the model chosen (mains voltage supply) the karcher hds601 can provide a water pressure of uo to 120 bar with a maximum hot water temperature of 155 degrees.

The combination of very hot water combined with a high pressure allows slurry, manure, and general farm dirt and debris to be removed with ease.

For difficult cleaning tasks a detergent can be used to provide extra effectiveness. This could be when cleaning farm machinery where oil or grease needs to be removed in preparation for routine servicing, maintenance tasks, or general repair work.

To ensure cost effectiveness it is important to choose the correct type of detergent most suitable for the application. Karcher manufacture several different options of cleaning detergents designed especially for use with their power cleaning machines:

Karcher RM81 ASF

An active high-pressure cleaning concentrate  designed for heavy oils, grease, and mineral stains. Suitable for agricultural machinery, vehicles, workshops etc.

Karcher RM31 ASF Extra

This detergent is highly concentrated and is ideal for effective cleaning at all temperatures removing oil and grease, tar, soot. and also smoke resins.

Karcher RM732

A detergent for use with most cold and hot water washers. This detergent is a disinfection cleaner with bacterial, fungicidal, and also limited virocidal properties.

For farm vehicle cleaning such as tractors, harvesters, sprayers, and landrovers, painted surfaces can be cleaned and also protected by the application of a spray wax. A suitable concentrate for this would be Karcher’s RB821 ASF Vehicle Spray Wax. This liquid wax concentrate provides long term protection to painted finishes causing rain and water to run off in beads. A streak free finish can be achieved without blow drying.   

Protection Of Metal Components After Cleaning:

Exposed metal components on agriculural machinery can be protected after cleaning by the application of a protective spray oil such as GT85. This spray oil contains PTFE making it ideal for use on general farm machinery which is used in tough conditions. The PTFE content prevents moving parts seizing  up and allows the machinery to be used for greater periods of time before it requires the attention of a mechanical fitter to carry out  servicing or maintenance work.

Mobile Cleaning On The Farm

For mobile cleaning of agricultural machinery a petrol driven high pressure cleaner is ideal.

Karcher manufacture a range of mobile power jet washers which are mounted in rugged tubular frames making them ideal for transporation and use on the farm. The majority of machines in this range are powered by efficient and reliable honda engines.

Typical mobile models are the karcher HD830 BS, HD728B Cage, HD801B Cage, HD1050B Cage, and the HD8/24PB model.

Unlike electric models these mobile units provide cold water cleaning only. They are however suitable for high pressure cleaning of slurry, manure, and general dirt on agricultural machinery. There effectiveness is limited however wherever oil or grease needs to be removed due to the temperature restriction of the water. This can be improved to a certain extent by also using a cleaning detergent specifically designed for the task in mind.

The main advantage of a mobile petrol engined pressure washer however is there portability. Many hours time can be saved on the farm by being able to use a cleaner at the location where it is needed and this is where portable pressure washers score above fixed location static units.

The karcher HD728 model in particular can be easily carried on the back of a trailer or pick up for use in fields and other locations on the farm. Powered by a honda gx160 engine this high quality washer provides a water flow rate of 650 litres per hour and at a high pressure of 150 bar. Weight is very manageable at only 28kg. Other features of the HD725B are a 10m hose as standard and an extended trigger gun.

Purchasing A Karcher Washer For Agricultural Use

Consideration needs to be given as to whether to hire or buy a suitable model for use on the farm. Karchers range of commercial washers can be hired or purchased from their specialist commercial dealers which they have appointed throughout the UK.

The karcher commercial dealer network consists of agents in most major towns, cities, and areas, allowing karchers customers to be able to take advantage of local servicing and machine back up where needed.  

For example if you require a karcher dealer in leicestershire or alternatively in yorkshire there is sure to be one within a reasonable distance from where you are based. Having a local agent allows easy service back up including repairs, routine maintenance, and the supply of consumable spare parts and accessories – lances, hoses, trigger guns, detergents etc.