If you’ve researched engine manufacturing, or if you’ve spent much time around a machine shop, you’ve probably encountered the term “line boring.” If you’re not familiar with this terminology, you may wonder what exactly is line boring an engine. Here’s what you need to know.
What it is
Line boring is also referred to as align boring. This is a specific engine machining process used to make collinear bores. The bores (holes) are enlarged as needed to align them with each other and properly align the machine.
Why it’s important
Collinear bores are essential parts of many machine parts, such as turbines, engine blocks and presses. If the parts do not align perfectly, often the machines will not work properly or may not work at all. Therefore, it is necessary to use line boring to make collinear bores.
How it’s done
To create collinear bores, technicians use line boring machines. This machinery enlarges an existing hole to create perfectly straight alignment. The cutting tools used are able to create precise finishes for complete accuracy.
How long it takes
Line boring can be a complex process. While some jobs can be completed in a few hours, others require more extensive effort. In some cases, technicians must review engineering layouts and create custom line boring systems. These jobs may require several months to complete.
When it doesn’t work
After years of operation, some machinery bores become damaged or worn. When this occurs, line boring can be used to realign the machine. However, a simple widening of the bores isn’t always enough. At times, machinists must use repair sleeves to fit the bore to match other bores, rather than widen the others. This sleeve creates the necessary collinear bores for proper functioning of the machinery.
In other situations, technicians must use custom boring bars for line boring. This situation occurs when standard boring bars will not fit the machinery. This may be due to limited space or the design of the machine. In these instances, technicians create custom boring bars to fit the specific application.
Who can do it
Line boring requires in-depth knowledge of the machinery and processes involved. Only technicians who are trained in these methods should attempt to create collinear bores. If your application requires line boring, seek the assistance of a trained professional. These experts will be able to safely and effectively operate the proper machinery to accomplish the line boring required.
We know line boring
Do you need precision expertise for your line boring application? For accurate collinear bores, contact the professionals at Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. Family owned and operated, we’ve been the area’s premier heavy-duty equipment repair service since 1984. We specialize in meeting all of your equipment repair needs, whether it’s farm equipment, utility equipment, trucks, cylinders or something else entirely. We offer on-site repair, line boring services, welding, machining, hose assemblies, steel sales and other machine products. Give us a call today for more information. Reach our friendly staff with any questions or to schedule your next service at 541-989-8505.
Trying to decide whether you should repair or replace your heavy-duty utility vehicle? The decision to invest in full replacement or in further utility vehicle repairs depends on the vehicle’s current condition and service history. Here are three important questions to ask regarding heavy equipment repairs so you’ll be able to make a confident repair-or-replace decision.
Why were repairs made?
Any vehicle, from the family car to heavy-duty equipment, requires some amount of routine and preventative maintenance. In the case of utility vehicles, oil changes and mechanical adjustments are regular necessities, as is more frequent lubrication than you’d have with other vehicles.
As you’re making the decision to buy new or to invest in heavy equipment repairs, get a thorough picture of the vehicle’s maintenance history. You’ll be able to discover whether the vehicle’s been out of service for an extended period of time due to routine maintenance or something more problematic like accidents or malfunctions. Just like with average cars, utility vehicle accidents can cause ongoing problems that are usually high-cost and inconvenient.
What was the quality of repair?
While you’re examining the vehicle’s history of maintenance and repairs, be sure to inspect the record of the technicians who have worked on the vehicle. Skill level and experience of heavy-duty mechanics is much more important than with those who work on the average car, since there’s more intricate components involved in heavy-duty vehicles.
As long as repairs were made by a reputable service provider, you can feel confident in them. It’s likely economically practical to invest in repairs rather than complete replacement if you can trust the overall quality of work performed in the past.
What are the repair trends for the vehicle?
Analyze the trend of repairs for the vehicle. Pay attention to repair frequency and whether more repairs have been required over time. If you notice any ongoing issues, there may be major problems with one set of components of the vehicle. Look at the downtime required for each repair, since the time your vehicle spends in the shop is time that it can’t be on the road making you money.
Consult a reputable heavy-duty vehicle mechanic to get a better idea of what to expect with your vehicle, and take a more thorough look at the service history of other vehicles with similar models and years. There can be a trend of specific breakdowns and required repairs in certain models, which means it’s probably a good idea to invest in a new rig rather than wait for inevitable repairs.
There’s a big difference between the cost of making utility vehicle repairs and investing in complete replacement. In some cases, it can be the right move to buy brand-new if the vehicle is truly at the end of its useful lifespan. It’s always smart to get a professional opinion before making a final decision. Reach out to the team at Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. today to explore your options and discover if repairs are the right choice for your equipment.
Summer is here, and over the next few months, heavy equipment operators are going to be working in some pretty grueling conditions. It’s important to keep equipment operators cool so they can stay comfortable, productive and safe throughout the hottest days of the year. This means maintaining air conditioning systems and being proactive about resolving any noticeable issues that arise.
Here’s an overview of what you should know about heavy equipment maintenance in Lexington, OR, specifically when it comes to the air conditioning system.
The basics
There are some essential components to air conditioning maintenance for heavy equipment that you must be aware of when working on your machines:
Cleaning: It’s important to keep the condenser clean and free of debris. This will help to prevent a lot of the most common types of failure for air conditioning systems. As you clean the system, just make sure the fins don’t get folded over if you use high-pressure washing applications.
Dealing with fluids: It’s not uncommon for hydraulic fluid or oil to get on the condenser, in addition to other types of debris. This could be a result of a leak or a more significant hose rupture. When first inspecting this problem, it might not actually look that bad, but it will have a significant effect on the heat rejection of the condenser.
Reversing fans: To help keep dry debris from getting into condensers and coolers, you could attempt to use reversing fans. These can be effective at keeping that debris at bay, but there are some limitations with regard to the ability to keep oil residue away.
Inspections: You should prioritize regular inspections of the air conditioning system, even if there aren’t any actual action steps that need to be taken afterward. Someone needs to inspect the condensers and coolers regularly to make sure they’re clean and operating efficiently.
Filters: All filters must be maintained and cleaned on a regular basis. Cabin air filters should be included in this. The cabin air filters might not be as easy to inspect as the condenser, but keeping them clean can help ensure the productivity and efficiency of the machinery. The frequency with which you need to check and maintain those filters will depend on the specific conditions in which the machinery most commonly operates.
Leaks: It’s not enough to just clean up after any leaks that are present in the system—you also need to find them and put them to a stop. In some cases, this might mean replacing some of the fittings. Finding the leaks can be difficult—we recommend using a fluorescent dye in the refrigerant oil, which will make it easier for you to spot where the leak is coming from when you use an ultraviolet light to trace it.
For more information about air conditioning maintenance for heavy equipment in your Lexington, OR facility, or to schedule heavy equipment repair, get in touch with Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. We look forward to working with you soon!
Summer has arrived, and if you’re going to be doing a lot of construction work or other jobs that require the use of heavy equipment this summer in Lexington, OR, it’s important to make sure your equipment is up to the task. This means performing seasonal maintenance to ensure the machinery can operate safely and efficiently all year long.
Here’s a quick overview of the steps you should follow to prep your heavy equipment for the season ahead.
Get started as soon as possible
Ideally, you will have already started preparing for the summer heat. But if you haven’t, now’s the time to get started!
You don’t want to wait until it’s the hottest time of the year to get started with your prep work. Before it gets too hot, you should clean off all the equipment (especially airflow areas and the radiator), make sure it’s fully lubricated and perform any necessary maintenance work.
Ensure proper storage
Your heavy machinery should not be stored out in the sun, where it will bake all day long. Instead, you should keep it in a shaded area or in a storage facility. At the very least, do whatever you can to minimize exposure to the heat by covering machines with tarps, if you don’t have any other options. Keeping your machinery cool will help you to prolong its life and prevent potential heat damage.
Avoid using equipment during the hottest part of the day
Just as you should make sure to store the equipment away to keep it out of the hot sun, you should also do your best to avoid using heavy equipment during the hours of peak daylight (generally between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.). While you don’t necessarily need to halt all of your operations during this time, you should at least try to minimize the use of certain types of equipment during that time to prevent it from overheating. Get an early start whenever possible, or schedule evening work sessions.
Keep an eye on the batteries
You should make sure to prioritize good battery maintenance as well during the summer months. Extreme heat can result in battery malfunctions, and people often overlook standard battery maintenance. Check to make sure your unit’s battery is fully charged and that the electrolytes in the battery remain at the proper levels at all time. Otherwise, you could run the risk of potential downtime.
Check displays
When hot conditions do arise during the summer, you should keep an eye on all displays on the machines. This will help you determine if you need to give any of your equipment an opportunity to cool down to prevent overheating before you proceed with your work. Stay apprised of the equipment’s condition to keep it in good shape.
For more information about some of the steps you can take to prepare your heavy equipment for summer, or to get help with heavy equipment maintenance in Lexington, OR, reach out to the team at Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. today.
No matter how well-maintained your heavy equipment fleet may be, there’s always a chance of something breaking down. How do you know whether it’s a problem that requires heavy equipment repair, or if you can get away with simple maintenance in Lexington, OR? Here’s a quick guide to when you need to take your heavy equipment in for repair.
Forestry equipment
Forestry equipment, like forestry dozers and road builders, tend to be complex pieces of equipment. If you’re not familiar with their intricate mechanical components, it can be hard to tell when it’s time to take it in versus when you can get away with maintenance. Luckily, you can treat this kind of equipment like you would a regular vehicle. First, check all the fluids to ensure that they’re clean and at their appropriate levels—flush or top them off if you find issues with the fluids. Look over the wires and valves to ensure they’re functioning appropriately, too.
Next, look for rust and corrosion on the exterior and internal components. Rust can form quickly, especially in rainy places like Oregon. The faster you discover the rust, the more likely you’ll be able to continue using the vehicle. However, if the rust is widespread or damaging the structural integrity, you’ll probably want to take it in to replace the parts.
If you can’t find the source of the problem, take your vehicle in right away. There’s no shame in letting the experts handle it.
Aerial lifts
Pay special attention to your aerial lifts—any time you have employees working at great heights, you must ensure their safety. Like any equipment, aerial lifts will deteriorate with age. It probably doesn’t need to be replaced, however, unless your heavy equipment mechanic deems it DOA.
OSHA recommends that owners do periodic inspections. First, check the fluids and make sure they’re clean, topped off and not leaking. Move on to the electrical components and any valves: are they functioning properly, too? Is anything loose, unharnessed or missing?
Finally, you should go through the lift and test every function you use on a daily basis: press every button and test every alarm until you’re satisfied it’s operating properly. If there are any issues, take it in for repairs. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Hydraulic valves
Finally, hydraulic valves can fail over time. If yours is performing less reliably than normal, be aware that they sometimes seem less productive after extended use. To that end, check the fluids and filters to ensure there are no issues there.
Because hydraulics are complicated pieces of machinery, you may not be able to identify the root of the problem. If that seems to be the case, bring your machinery to Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. for an inspection.
If you’re not sure whether your heavy equipment needs maintenance or repair in Lexington, OR, the experts at Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. are here to help. Get in touch with us today to learn more and set up an appointment.
