In many factories and processing units, machines are repaired only after they break. A failed bearing or burnt motor then stops production for days while a part is found. Preventive maintenance means planned inspection and service before failure. It is the cheapest way to keep a machine productive.

1. The most common causes of breakdown

• Lubrication: dry or over-greased bearings are the number one cause of mechanical failure.
• Belt tension and alignment: loose belts slip and overheat, over-tight belts destroy bearings, and misaligned pulleys wear both.
• Worn cutting parts: blunt chaff cutter blades, worn hammers and torn screens overload the motor and reduce output.
• Electrical problems: loose terminals, wrong overload settings and voltage drops burn motors.
• Vibration and loose bolts: small vibration grows until a frame cracks or a shaft breaks.

2. A simple maintenance plan

• Daily: clean the machine, check for unusual noise, heat and vibration, and check that guards are fitted.
• Weekly: check belt tension, tighten bolts, grease bearings as the manufacturer specifies.
• Monthly: inspect blades, hammers, screens and dies, check motor current against the nameplate, and inspect wiring and switches.
• Every 6–12 months: full service, replace worn bearings and seals, and check shaft alignment.

3. Keep records

Record every repair, part change and running hour. The records show which machines cost the most and when parts are due, so you can stock spares before a breakdown.

A-Z professional maintenance services

A-Z Manufacturing provides professional maintenance for machine owners and industries: inspections, repairs, spare parts and planned maintenance contracts. Our digital platform A-Z SmartCare helps factories track machines, schedule maintenance and keep service records. Contact us to set up a maintenance plan for your plant.