It’s a busy day. Your concrete plant is working hard, making the concrete you need. Everything is going great. Then, the plant suddenly stops. The work stops. And you start losing money with every minute that goes by.

This is a big problem. You get that phone call you never want to get: “The concrete batching plant is down.” Now, your whole crew is just waiting. Your project is already falling behind schedule.

The stress from this is real. But it does not have to be this way. You can stop these headaches before they even start. The trick is to find and fix the small problems before they turn into big, expensive ones. 

Let’s talk about the simple ways you can do this.

Key Points

• Do maintenance to stop big problems and save money.
• Check your plant every day, week, and month.
• Correct plants are needed to make good concrete.
• Call a professional for help with big or difficult problems.

Why Waiting for It to Break Is a Bad Idea

It is easy to wait for things to break. But this costs a lot of money. The most common causes of batching plant downtime are small things. Things you could have fixed easily.

A broken plant can cost you thousands of dollars each hour. This is not just for repairs. It is for paying workers who are waiting. It is for project delays. So, in short, you only have the loss in all ways. 

Bad things happen when you don’t do maintenance:

• Bad Concrete: Your concrete mix is inconsistent. Worn parts or wrong scales cause this. You have to throw the bad concrete away. That is wasted money.
• Big Breakdowns: A little grease is cheap. But buying a new motor is not. A big breakdown stops your job for days.
• Safety Problems: A bad wire or a torn belt can hurt someone. Keeping your team safe is the most important job.

Your Simple Plan to Stop Problems: A Preventive Maintenance Plan

The best way to fix a problem is to stop it before it happens. A simple checklist is your best tool. Use this batching plant maintenance checklist daily, weekly and monthly.

Do This Every Day (15 minutes)

• Walk and Listen: Walk around the plant. Do you hear any new or strange sounds?
• Look for Leaks: Do you see any oil or water on the ground?
• Check the Belts: Make sure the conveyor belts look okay.
• Clean Up: Sweep the floor. A clean plant is a safe plant.

Do This Every Week (About 1 hour)

• Check the Mixer: This is very important. You must inspect the wear parts inside the mixer. Look at the paddles and liners. If they are worn, change them.
• Grease Everything: Use a grease gun. Put grease on all the moving parts. This keeps them from breaking.
• Check Belts: Make sure the conveyor belts are tight, but not too tight.

Do This Every Month (2-3 hours)

• Calibrate Your Scales: This is a must-do. You have to calibrate aggregate scales. Also, check the cement and water scales. If your scales are wrong, your concrete will be wrong.
• Check the Wires: Turn the power OFF first. This is for safety. Open the electrical boxes. Look for any loose wires or dust.

Quick Fixes: Batching plant troubleshooting

Sometimes, even after proper care, things still break. Here is how to fix common problems.

1. Problem: The Concrete Is Bad

Check your scales. Are they correct? Also, check the moisture sensor in your sand. A bad sensor can mess up your water amount.

2. Problem: Sand Or Rock Is Stuck In The Bin

Make sure your bin vibrators are on. You can also tap the side of the bin with a rubber hammer to help it come loose.

3. Problem: The Plant Has An Electrical Problem

When batching plant electrical faults occur, turn the power off first. Always be safe. Look for a tripped breaker. If the fix is not simple, it is time to call an electrician.

Is It Time for a New Plant?

Are you always fixing your old plants? If it costs too much time and money, maybe it is time for a new one. A new concrete batching plant will have fewer problems.

If you move your plant to different job sites, mobile batching plants are a great choice. They are easy to move and set up. 

When you look for a concrete batch plant for sale, find a company that will help you. Good support is very important. All good plants need care to work well and make you money.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I safely clean inside the mixer?

Always turn off all power and lock it out first. Then you can get inside to clean out the hard concrete safely.

2. Why is my air compressor always running?

You probably have an air leak. Listen for a hissing sound to find the leak along the air hoses and fix it.

3. How long should a batching plant last?

If you take good care of it, a quality plant can last for 20 years or more. Good maintenance is the key.

4. How often should a professional check a plant?

It is a good idea to have a professional service it once a year. They can check the computer and do a deep calibration.

Conclusion

Your plant is very important for your work. Taking good care of it saves you money and stress. It helps you finish your jobs on time.

Ready to make your plant run better?

The friendly team at Batchcrete International is here to help. We have parts, we can service your machine, or we can help you find a new plant. We understand your problems and have solutions.

Call Batchcrete International today for a helpful chat. Let’s work together!