Proper maintenance is essential to ensure the safety, reliability, and longevity of bridge inspection vehicles. As construction season approaches, a systematic inspection and maintenance routine helps operators identify potential issues before they lead to costly downtime or safety incidents. The following guidelines outline the key checks recommended by Yutong Heavy Equipment for bridge inspection vehicle preparation.
Pre-Season Inspection Checklist
The first step in preparation is to check all fluid levels, including engine oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, urea, hydraulic oil, and fuel, ensuring they are within acceptable limits and examining all systems for signs of leaks. Second, verify that the vehicle battery is fully charged and in good condition. Third, check tire pressure, which should be maintained at 0.7 to 0.9 MPa for optimal performance and safety. Fourth, inspect all metal structural components of the vehicle for cracks or signs of fatigue that could compromise operational safety.
Scheduled Maintenance and Lubrication
Fifth, determine whether the vehicle is approaching its scheduled maintenance mileage or due date, and arrange service accordingly. Sixth, according to vehicle maintenance requirements, thoroughly lubricate all moving parts of the working device, including vertical truss rails, work platform rails, slewing bearings, and all pin hinge points. It is important to remove any contaminated grease before applying fresh lubricant to avoid degrading lubrication effectiveness. Seventh, check the clearances at each rail: vertical truss rail clearance should not exceed 2 mm on each side, and work platform rail clearance should not exceed 2 mm on each side. If clearances exceed standard tolerances, it is recommended to install adjusting shims or replace nylon sliders to prevent damage to working components.
Bolt and Fastener Inspection
Eighth, examine all parts of the vehicle, with particular focus on checking bolts at critical mounting points including tire mounting, leaf spring mounting, drive shaft mounting, and slewing bearing mounting. Ensure all fasteners are properly torqued and show no signs of loosening. Regular inspection of these critical connections prevents premature wear and structural failures that could compromise safety during bridge inspection operations.
Operational Safety
Following these maintenance guidelines before the construction season begins helps ensure that bridge inspection vehicles operate at peak efficiency, minimize unexpected breakdowns, and maintain the highest safety standards. Operators should also perform a post-inspection test run to confirm all systems function correctly before deploying the vehicle to active job sites.