How to Clean Heavy Equipment

According to Cameron, keeping equipment at the demo center clean is a daily job. With over 1400 customers and visitors to the facility each year, the machines get a lot of use. “Equipment is washed here typically every day and after every program to ensure no failures are recorded and that the machines look in tip-top shape.”

But even for more typical operations, daily cleaning may be needed. Built-up dirt and grease can cause mechanical issues and damage your machine.

“A clean machine equals less downtime,” says Cameron. “When the machine is working on a jobsite it’s collecting all kinds of debris, dirt, and grime. If that’s left on the machine day after day, parts won’t function at 100%. Debris can get lodged between hoses. And if left long enough, it can wear through those hoses, causing a leak.” 

Cameron also mentioned the potential for rocks and larger debris to become lodged in the undercarriage. This can cause extra wear to parts and shorten their usable life.

Clean machines are also easier to service and maintain. “As a technician, we clean machines so they’re easier to work on,” Cameron says. “It’s easier to get into places that are clear of dirt and debris.”

For operators, clean machines are safer to operate. Keeping windows, cameras, and mirrors clean improves operator visibility. And disinfecting frequently touched surfaces like joysticks, switches, and door handles can minimize the spread of bacteria and germs. Cleaning accumulated dirt from electrical circuits also minimizes fire risk.

When done consistently and regularly, cleaning also helps your machines last and provides higher resale value down the road.

Cleaning a dozer or excavator is a little riskier than washing your car, so it's important to protect yourself with the right safety gear. Before you dive into the cleaning process, make sure you have:

• Insulated coveralls that protect your arms and legs from flying debris and hot water
• Anti-slip footwear with toe protection
• Face and eye protection to prevent burns and contamination
• Heavy-duty gloves to protect your hands

Along with your safety gear, you'll need to learn about pressure-washing safety. High-speed water comes with some risks, so you want to make sure anyone cleaning the machines knows how to use the tools. You'll also want to make sure you have access to an industrial-strength cleaning detergent and hot water.

Cameron suggests using both a water cannon and pressure washer to clean heavy equipment. Pressure washers usually have small-diameter hoses that can pump out up to 10 gallons a minute. Water cannons use wider hoses with lower pressure, but they have much higher gallon capacities to help you clean large machines.

Generally, pressure washers are best for detail work, and water cannons handle the overall machine, so they’re best used together.

“We use water cannons to knock off a majority of the mud and dirt first,” Cameron says. “Then once we’ve sprayed down each side of the machine and removed the heavier clumps, we use a regular pressure washer to clean the remainder and really fine-tune.”

Warm or hot water works best in the early stages to remove tough debris. Once you add detergent, you can switch to cold water.

Heavy equipment cleaning is easier with a soap brush. “If the machine is required to be extra clean (for a demo or photoshoot) we would use a scrub brush and soap to clean the painted surfaces.” These tools can help you cover large areas, and you can fill them with a butyl-based cleaner that can handle all kinds of grease and grime. After applying the cleaner, rinse down your machine and let it air-dry.

Cameron also uses compressed air when the machine needs to be dried quickly. 

Cleaning your machine’s cab should be a standard part of routine machine maintenance. It not only improves safety on the jobsite, but it also provides a healthier environment for operators to work.

Before getting started, collect the supplies you’ll need. They include:

• Microfiber cleaning cloths or shop rags
• Glass cleaner
• Cleaning solution specially formulated for automotive interiors
• Mild liquid dish soap
• Touchscreen compatible cleaner (check your owner’s manual for manufacturer-approved cleaner)
• Upholstery cleaner
• Wet/dry vacuum
• Hose         

Steps to Cleaning Your Machine’s Cab:

1. Put on protective gear like gloves, a mask, and eye protection.
2. Remove floor mats (if you have them) and scrub with a brush and cleaning solution. Rinse with a hose and let air dry.
3. Using a shop vac or cordless vacuum, remove all loose dirt and debris from the interior. Make sure to vacuum any crevasses where dirt gets trapped.
4. Using the automotive cleaner, wipe down vinyl, plastic, and leather surfaces.
5. Clean windows with glass cleaner and LCD screens and monitors with touchscreen compatible cleaner. Be careful not to spray the cleaner directly on screens.
6. Mop the floor using dish soap mixed with water. You may need to empty your mop bucket several times. Hose or rinse off.
7. For the seat, wet the material and scrub it using an upholstery cleaner. Vacuum with the wet/dry vac to remove the water (and stains). A portable carpet cleaner can also be used.
8. Refer to our disinfecting guide for tips on cleaning frequently-touched areas like joysticks, steering wheels and door handles.
    

The last step to cleaning your heavy equipment is to apply wax. This helps protect your machine and makes it shine, especially when you buff and polish the parts.