Maintenance Tips for Processing Applications

Brokk demolition robots are designed to stand up to the heat and demanding situations common in the processing industry. But, like any piece of equipment, a pro-active approach to robot maintenance is required to avoid unnecessary downtime. Frequency is key when it comes to outlasting processing’s extreme environments. Here are several important tips to keep your team Brokking.

Minimize wear and tear

Brokk robots tackle molten metal, hazardous materials and high heat to keep your crew out of out of the most extreme conditions. Needless to say, these situations take a toll on your machine.

To maximize uptime, we recommend taking a good look at all aspects of your process and identifying any opportunities to minimize wear and tear on your Brokk robot. Depending on your application, your inspection and maintenance intervals might be accelerated. Here are some high-heat areas that might warrant frequent attention:

• Grease the arm system frequently and make sure the hammer greaser is working since grease melts faster in high temps.
• Monitor oil, as well, since it will break down faster and oil changes may be required more regularly.
• Shield heat sources whenever possible to reduce the robot’s exposure to high temperatures.
• Use a designated generator or portable transformer to minimize power surges and spikes to the robot. This maximizes the longevity and effectiveness of electric components.

It’s a good idea to talk to a Brokk expert to develop a maintenance plan based on your site and applications.

End of Shift Inspections

For red-hot operations, checking for heat-related damage during cool down breaks is warranted. With other processing applications, waiting till the task is complete to perform inspections is acceptable. Once you’ve called it quits, run through this checklist:

• Inspect hoses for damage or leaks.
• Perform a final check for any high-heat damage if operating in these applications.
• Make sure electric cables are disconnected and look them over for cuts or other damage.
• Check fluid levels for hydraulics and breaker lubricant. For diesel machines, be sure to check oil and coolant levels, as well. The manual will walk you through the specifics for your machine. You can also find out more here.
• Remove dust using compressed air. This is especially important for applications with corrosive materials.
• Decontaminate, if necessary. If using water, avoid electrical components and dry thoroughly.
• Lubricate all grease points.

Robot Storage

A temperature-controlled environment is ideal for most equipment, including Brokk robots. When that’s not possible, here are some guidelines:

• Store your robot away from heat sources.
• Make sure it’s covered if you have to keep it outside.
• Keep equipment as cool and dry as possible to help avoid malfunctions.
• Store the breaker in the vertical position to keep seals from deforming.
• Wipe down the remote and remove batteries.
• Park the robot in a transportable position.

On to the Next Job

Whether your Brokk robot has been sitting for a day or a week, it’s a good idea to run through the cycles of each function to be sure everything is in working order before starting a new task. For parts or service questions, our team is available at 1-800-621-7856.

Taking care of your robot at the end of each task minimizes processing’s heavy toll, helping you #BrokkIt today, tomorrow and well into the future.