The importance of planned maintenance for heavy equipment can’t be overstated. It’s how you keep machines running at peak performance and catch potential problems before they turn into costly repairs or failures. But are you applying that same philosophy to your attachments? They’re just as important to your productivity as your equipment. Here are three simple ways to prolong the life of your work tools:

Attachments are designed for specific pieces of equipment and applications. So make sure you’re considering climate, jobsite conditions and material composition as you select work tools for your machines. Forcing an attachment onto a machine it’s not made for can damage both the tool and the machine — and even if it fits, it could cause efficiency and safety issues. Also, only use attachments within their operational parameters, which are laid out in your operation and maintenance manual.

As your operators perform their daily machine walkarounds, make sure they include each machine’s work tools in the inspection — particularly keeping an eye out for damage or wear. Attachment areas are often high-stress points, so encourage operators to look closely at those connections for signs of problems. And don’t forget these everyday attachment maintenance tasks:

• Grease fittings for proper lubrication

• Check hoses and fittings for leaks and cracks

• Ensure fittings are tight

• Clean hoses and fittings to prevent contamination

• Inspect locking mechanisms

• Wash and clean attachments after daily use

Proper storage is another key to extending attachment life. Always store your work tools in a sheltered location — indoors if possible — to protect them from the moisture and sunlight that can lead to corrosion, rust and degradation. As you prepare to put attachments away for an extended period, remember to:

• Remove any grease, dirt or debris

• Inspect for visible damage or wear

• Tighten hydraulic connections, loose nuts and cap screws

• Lubricate grease fillings

• Fill exposed areas of cylinder rods with grease

• Connect hydraulic couplers to protect the hydraulic system from pollutants

• Touch up any unpainted sections to prevent rust

Making sure your work tools are as well-maintained as your equipment goes a long way toward improving your productivity and reducing your costs. Consider adding an attachment locator to help keep maintenance on track. In addition to providing GPS location data, these simple tools can tell you the number of hours a particular attachment has been in service, so you can predict the need for maintenance or replacement of wear parts.