All heavy equipment has wear parts that will eventually fail. So, most organizations prefer storing their heavy equipment replacement parts at their facility so that they are ready whenever the parts need replacement. Ordering heavy equipment parts, as and when needed, is not an efficient and economical option though. If you follow the latter approach, it is important to ensure that you plan ahead to keep the downtime to the minimum.

At Tornado Heavy Equipment Parts, we have a few important suggestions to help you ensure your heavy equipment parts are stored safely and properly so that they are readily usable whenever needed.

i. Prepare Your Storage Area

When storing your Heavy Equipment Parts & Accessories, it is important to use a fully enclosed structure. Examples include:

· Garage

· Warehouse

· Barn

Whether it is the summer or winter, you must invest in a proper and reliable indoor storage area. You don’t want the heavy equipment spare parts to be exposed to the elements for long durations, as this can cause rusting and damage.

Preparing the storage area involves insulating, cleaning, drying, and freeing up the area of any pests or animals. It is also important to use a protective floor mat to prevent the equipment or parts from causing damage to the flooring. This should depend on the type of flooring you have in the storage building. This can also prevent any risk of rusting caused due to freezing and thawing water.

Furthermore, the equipment or parts should be covered in a high-quality and heavy-duty tarp to keep dust and moisture out. All sorts of heavy equipment parts should be stored in a dry place.

ii. Clean & Grease Equipment Before Storage

It is important to thoroughly clean the equipment and parts before storage. This helps prevent:

· Rusting

· Excess debris build-up

· Discoloration

When storing any equipment or parts, any area that is in need of cleaning will be at a greater risk of rusted or developing issues. Based on the material used in making the part, there are different types of cleaning products for the cleaning process. This can include solutions or sprays.

It is further recommended to consult the owner’s manual and lubricate any moving parts before they are stored. When you need equipment-based storage recommendations, it is best to consider the source. Equipment manufacturers tend to have model-specific instructions for storage to ensure the equipment and heavy equipment spare parts stay in good condition.

You can find the required information from one or more of the following sources:

· Operator’s Manual: The operator’s manual not only contains information on maintenance and care but also offers instructions on proper storage.

· Manufacturer's Website: You can look up the manufacturer’s website for documents and articles related to storage instructions.

· Customer Support: You may contact the equipment manufacturer’s customer support team to learn about proper storage procedures.

If you need to store machinery with tires, make sure to inflate the tires a few points above the required pressure. This can reduce the chances of the tires getting flattened when left unused.

iii. Top Off Your Fuel & Oil Tanks

If you are storing your heavy equipment and want it to run smoothly after you take it out of storage, it is important to refill all the fuel and oil tanks. However, if the equipment will be stored for over 3 months, it is best to empty the fuel tanks to prevent the expiration of gasoline. If it is battery-operated equipment, make sure to check all the power levels and ensure that all necessary replacements are made before storage.

iv. Complete Repairs Before Storing

If the equipment or parts to be stored are damaged in any way, they will be more susceptible to further damage. Once you remove it out of storage, it can become even more difficult to repair it after being kept idle for long.

Damaged equipment and tools made of metal, including chain saws, excavators, mowers, and others are at greater risk of rusting in cracks and exposed areas when they are left unrepaired. If your heavy machinery parts are damaged or you are not certain how to repair them, it is best to get them professionally repaired before storing them.

v. Keep Your Heavy Equipment Secure

While storing your heavy equipment loaders and parts, it is also important to ensure the storage space is safe and secure. You don’t want your equipment or parts to be stolen. Make sure to lock up your parts and equipment. If possible, invest in theft prevention systems such as:

· Surveillance cameras

· Telematics systems

· Alarms

If you are renting the storage facility, make sure there is 24/7 surveillance. There are different types of security cameras, having a variety of features.

So, follow all these tips when it comes to storing your heavy equipment parts. If you need help in procuring quality heavy machinery parts, feel free to get in touch with Tornado Heavy Equipment Parts. You can call us at 1.844.202.0123 or send us a message at support@tornadoparts.com.