How to Wash Heavy Equipment with Evans Equipment and Environmental

Getting the job done means getting dirty. But getting clean again means you’ve done the job right. 

Working in environments like construction areas, plants, or industrial sites exposes heavy equipment to a wide variety of contaminants that can hinder its performance and the longevity of the machine. Keeping your equipment clean is critical to ensure it runs smoothly and safely for as long as you need it and beyond. So, unless you want to constantly call for repairs or replacements, it’s crucial to effectively wash heavy equipment to keep it in optimal condition and safety-compliant. 

• Cleaning heavy equipment is a time-consuming, costly challenge, and there’s a lot to consider. What are the best practices for washing heavy equipment? 
• What kind of products and tools are best suited for washing your heavy equipment? 
• What chemicals should be used to remove the contaminants?
• How much maintenance is needed to make sure your machinery operates efficiently?

Combining our proven expertise with a wide range of pressure washers, and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions and detergents, Evans is here to help you protect your machinery. Plus, maintain the longevity of your equipment. 

Check out our comprehensive guide on how to handle heavy equipment cleaning. 

Why Proper Cleaning of Heavy Equipment is Essential

Your employees operate heavy equipment under tough conditions, and built-up dirt, grease, and other debris can cause major mechanical problems, limit your machine’s capability, and create unsafe working conditions. Proper heavy equipment cleaning is essential to achieve: 

Enhanced Safety: Clean machines are easier to operate, plain and simple. When your operators can tackle work smoothly, the job site is safer. Maintaining clean equipment reduces the risk of malfunctions and accidents caused by obstructed or damaged parts. 

Operational Efficiency: Dirt and grime can obstruct moving parts and systems, leading to decreased functionality, efficiency, and long-term performance. Without diligent cleaning (sometimes daily), machine performance will decline and ultimately slow overall operations and create unnecessary delays

Improved Longevity: The build-up of corrosive materials can lead to rust and damage. Regular washing prevents these issues, thereby extending the life of your equipment and your ROI. 

Compliance: Many industries have specific regulations requiring equipment to be kept in a certain condition to meet safety and operational standards.

Preparing for the Cleaning Process

Before you start to wash heavy equipment, preparation is crucial. After all, it’s not a car wash. Here’s a standard checklist to get you ready for an effective cleaning process: 

Inspect Equipment: Look for any areas that may require special attention, such as heavily soiled spots or damaged parts. Check for any fluid leaks or electrical issues. Address these problems before cleaning heavy equipment to avoid possible damage. 

Gather Safety Gear: Make sure you have proper personal protective equipment (PPE) like goggles, coveralls, anti-slip footwear with toe protection, gloves, etc. 

Protect Sensitive Areas: Cover electrical components, air intake vents, and any sensitive areas with plastic sheeting or waterproof covers as needed. This prevents water from causing electrical shorts or other damage.

Select the Right Industrial Cleaning Equipment 

Pressure Washers

Evans’ pressure washers and high-volume pump selection provide the power and efficiency needed for effective industrial equipment cleaning. Ensure you select a model with adjustable pressure settings to avoid damaging sensitive parts. Our pressure washers are ideal for both rental and purchase and are suitable for permanent or portable jobs. Evans offers hot water, cold water, and explosion-proof pressure washers to allow for effortless cleaning of heavy equipment on or off-site with our portable pressure washers. 

Detergents and Cleaning Agents

It’s vital to choose a non-corrosive, biodegradable cleaning agent suited for heavy equipment. Evans offers a comprehensive range of chemicals and cleaning products to keep your machines running smoothly. Our environmentally safe chemicals and supplies are seamlessly compatible with Evans products, offering effective cleaning without harm to equipment or the environment. 

Choose from top-of-the-line detergents, coagulants, and consumables to enhance diverse treatment systems and wash equipment. Our wide range of chemicals is extremely tough and effective for tackling crude oil and caked-on muck, slowing your machines down. From heavy-duty degreasers to All-purpose detergents, Evans offers just what you need to get your jobs clean. 

Portable Washpads

The wash area plays a critical role in heavy equipment maintenance since it provides a dedicated space for removing grime, dirt, and contaminants. A well-designed wash area provides wastewater containment, reducing the risk of environmental damage while ensuring compliance and safety. 

Evans’ portable washpads offer a rugged, self-contained solution for cleaning heavy equipment on site. Easy to set up without extensive plumbing, these pads can be relocated as needed, offering flexibility without special permits. Designed to work seamlessly with Evans’ wastewater treatment systems, the portable washpads help you conserve and recycle water in a closed loop. This saves you the time and cost of having to discharge wastewater and helps create a cleaner environment. With a raised floor, water-capturing walls, and an open top for full clearance access, our wash pads offer an eco-friendly, efficient cleaning option for handling heavy equipment. Available for rental or custom for purchase, Evans’ wash pads are perfect for short-term or long-term needs. 

Washing Heavy Equipment: Step-by-Step

Prepare the Wash Area: Wash heavy equipment in a designated area with proper drainage to avoid environmental contamination, like an Evans Portable Wash Pad.

Apply Pre-Wash Solution: Use a spray bottle or a low-pressure sprayer to apply the cleaning solution. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to break down grime and grease.

Start High-Pressure Washing: Begin from the top of the equipment and work your way down. This method ensures that dirt and grime are washed away rather than pushed around. Pro Tip: Be sure to select the appropriate nozzle for different parts of the equipment. For example, use a wide-angle nozzle for large surfaces and a narrow, high-pressure nozzle for stubborn spots. 

Scrubbing and Rinsing: For areas with persistent dirt or grease, use soft brushes to scrub gently. Avoid using abrasive materials that could scratch the surface.

Rinse Thoroughly: After scrubbing, rinse the equipment thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining soap or debris.

Dry the Equipment: Use clean cloths or air blowers to dry the equipment thoroughly. This helps prevent rust and corrosion.

Inspect: Conduct a final inspection to ensure that all areas are clean and free from residual grime. Check for any signs of wear or damage that might need repairs or servicing. 

Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply lubricant to moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer. This helps ensure smooth operation and also prevents rust.

Store Properly: If the equipment is not in use immediately, store it in a clean, dry area to maintain its condition.

Pro Tips for Effective Heavy Equipment Cleaning

Regular Cleaning Schedule: Implement a regular cleaning schedule based on the operating environment and usage frequency. If you need daily cleaning, a custom wash bay could be a cost-effective solution for you to enhance overall efficiency.  

Use Quality Products: Invest in high-quality cleaning products and equipment, like those offered by Evans, to achieve the best results and protect your machinery.

Train Your Team: Ensure that all personnel involved in cleaning are trained in proper techniques and safety procedures.

Perform Regular Maintenance: Whether you choose a wastewater treatment system with Evans or if you have your own, the equipment will need regular service to maintain optimal performance. The cost savings that come from preventative care cannot be overstated. Evans offers training, service, and repairs by qualified technicians, as well as supplies and preventative maintenance. Scheduled maintenance will also help prevent compliance violations. 

Ready to Wash Your Heavy Equipment? 

Regular and proper cleaning of heavy equipment is the biggest preventative factor in maintaining operational efficiency and prolonging the life of your machinery. By following these steps and using high-quality tools and products, such as the range of pressure washers and cleaning solutions offered by Evans, you can ensure that your equipment remains in peak condition.

For industry professionals looking to invest in reliable cleaning equipment, Evans provides a comprehensive selection of pressure washers and related products designed to meet the demanding needs of heavy equipment cleaning and maintenance. Explore our range to find the best solution for your cleaning requirements and keep your machinery performing at its best.