Essential Maintenance Tips for Maximising the Performance of Mining Trucks and Equipment
Ensure peak performance and longevity for your mining equipment with expert servicing. This complete guide covers essential maintenance practices, specialised services for mining trucks and earthmoving machinery, and key signs your equipment needs attention. Partner with Plantman Equipment for professional, on-site servicing across Australia.
The Complete Guide to Servicing Mining Equipment, Trucks, and Earthmoving Machinery
Ensure peak performance and longevity for your mining equipment with expert servicing. This complete guide covers essential maintenance practices, specialised services for mining trucks and earthmoving machinery, and key signs your equipment needs attention. Partner with Plantman Equipment for professional, on-site servicing across Australia.
Service Truck Fleet Management: Best Practices for Optimal Performance
Learn the best practices for service truck fleet management to optimise performance, reduce downtime, and save costs. Discover expert insights and how Plantman’s solutions drive efficiency for the mining, construction, and earthmoving industries.
Buying vs. Renting Mining Equipment: Pros and Cons for Australian Operations
Mining is an industry where efficiency and cost control are critical for success. With the rising cost of operations, choosing between buying or renting mining equipment is one of the most important decisions for Australian mining professionals.
Weekly newsletter
No spam. Just the latest release and interesting articles in your inbox.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Key Takeaways
- Regular inspections prevent serious issues and ensure safety for your service truck.
- Maintain your engine by changing oil and filters as recommended to ensure longevity and performance.
- Check brake system components regularly to guarantee safety and compliance with standards.
- Care for your tyres by monitoring pressure and tread depth to enhance safety and efficiency.
- Follow routine lubrication and fluid checks to ensure smooth operation and prevent mechanical failures.
As a service truck owner or operator, keeping your vehicle well maintained is essential for longevity, performance and safety. Regular truck maintenance prevents breakdowns, reduces unexpected costs and helps your truck operate at its best every day.
This guide explores 10 must-know service truck maintenance tips that will help you keep your vehicle in top condition for years to come. From routine inspections to caring for key components, we’ll provide practical advice to make sure your service truck is always ready for the road and worksite.
1. Regular Inspections
Regular visual and mechanical inspections form the foundation of effective service truck maintenance. By carrying out routine checks, you can identify potential issues before they become serious problems.
During inspections, check for fluid leaks (oil, coolant, or hydraulic), loose connections, and visible wear or corrosion. For trucks operating in mining or off-road environments, also inspect the undercarriage and chassis for dust or impact damage.
Catching these issues early helps maintain safety, uptime and reliability, while saving money on major repairs.
2. Engine Maintenance
The engine is the heart of every mining truck, and proper maintenance is essential for long-term performance and reliability. Changing the engine oil and filters at manufacturer-recommended intervals keeps the engine clean and well-lubricated.
This helps your service truck engine run smoothly, reduces wear and prevents damage. Regularly inspect belts, hoses, air filters and the cooling system to avoid overheating, especially if your truck operates in dusty or heavy-duty environments.
3. Brake System Maintenance
A properly functioning brake system is essential for the safety of both the driver and others on the road. Regularly inspect brake pads, rotors and fluid levels to identify wear or damage early.
For mining service trucks or vehicles that work on steep or rough terrain, also inspect hydraulic lines and fittings for leaks or cracking.
Keeping your service truck’s braking system in top condition ensures consistent performance, shorter stopping distances and compliance with Australian road and site-safety standards.
4. Tyre Care
Tyres play a critical role in the overall performance and safety of your service truck. Regular tyre care is essential for optimal handling, fuel efficiency, and tyre longevity. Checking tyre pressure ensures that the tyres are inflated to the recommended level, promoting proper contact with the road surface and reducing the risk of blowouts. Assessing tread depth helps determine if the tyres have sufficient grip and traction.
Additionally, examining the overall condition of the tyres helps identify any signs of damage or uneven wear. Rotating the tyres at recommended intervals and maintaining proper wheel alignment ensures even wear across all tyres, prolonging their lifespan and enhancing handling performance.
5. Electrical System Inspection
The electrical system powers the essential functions of your service truck, from lighting and wipers to onboard tools. Inspecting batteries, wiring and terminals regularly helps to ensure reliable performance.
Corrosion or loose connections can lead to electrical faults or complete system failure. For mining service trucks, pay attention to auxiliary lighting and tool power sources, which can be affected by dust and vibration.
Routine checks will keep your truck powered and prevent unexpected downtime.
6. Fluid Checks & Changes
Proper fluid levels are vital for mining truck maintenance. Check and top up coolant, brake, hydraulic and transmission fluids regularly to maintain optimal performance.
Low coolant or dirty transmission fluid can cause serious mechanical issues. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended change intervals, especially for service trucks used in heavy-duty or mining applications, where fluids deteriorate faster.
7. Fuel System Maintenance
The fuel system keeps your truck’s engine running efficiently. Inspect fuel lines, pumps and filters for leaks, blockages or damage. Clogged fuel filters or damaged lines can impede fuel flow, resulting in decreased fuel efficiency and engine performance.
For mining service trucks, replace filters more frequently to manage dust contamination common in off-road conditions. A well-maintained fuel system ensures better efficiency, performance and lower emissions.
8. Lubrication Inspection
Proper lubrication reduces friction and extends the life of moving components in your service truck. Regularly lubricate hinges, bearings, joints and suspension parts according to the manufacturer’s schedule.
For mining and heavy-duty service trucks, increase lubrication frequency and use dust-resistant grease to combat debris exposure.
Consistent lubrication keeps parts moving freely and prevents expensive component failures.
9. HVAC System Check
Maintaining a comfortable working environment within your service truck is important. The HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system keeps temperature and air quality stable.
Inspect and clean filters, vents and ducts regularly. For mining trucks operating in harsh Australian conditions, ensure cooling systems can cope with high temperatures and filters are replaced frequently.
10. Safety Equipment Inspection
Safety is a top priority when operating a mining service truck. Regularly inspect and maintain fire extinguishers, first-aid kits, reflective markers and spill kits to meet Australian workplace safety standards.
Regular checks ensure equipment is fully stocked, charged and easily accessible. For mining trucks, ensure all safety items are secured and clearly labelled according to site-specific safety requirements.
By maintaining safety equipment and following regulations, you reduce risk and ensure compliance on every job.
Maintaining Your Service Truck For Success!
Maintaining your service truck is not just about keeping it in good condition but prioritising safety, reliability, and longevity. By implementing these ten must-know maintenance tips, you can stay ahead of potential issues, prevent costly repairs, and ensure that your service truck is always ready to tackle any job.
Remember, a well-maintained service truck is an asset that will support your business and keep you moving forward. So stay proactive, follow the recommended maintenance guidelines, and enjoy the benefits of a service truck that remains in top shape for years to come.
At Plantman, we're here to assist you every step of the way. Explore our comprehensive service truck inventory and easily compare each model to find the perfect fit for your specific requirements and business needs. Discover the unique features and benefits of each service truck, empowering you to make an informed decision.
Furthermore, we understand that every business is unique, which is why we offer customisation options for our service trucks. Our team will work closely with you to ensure your service truck is tailored precisely to your specifications. Whether you're looking to purchase or rent, we'll help you secure a great deal on the service truck of your choice.
Contact us today or call 08 9274 7820 to discuss your service truck requirements with one of our knowledgeable experts. Alternatively, fill in the form below, and our dedicated team will promptly contact you. Trust Plantman for all your service truck needs and experience unparalleled support and expertise.
Related Products
20 Apr, 2023
The Importance Of Safety & Proper Transportation Of Equipment
Heavy Equipment
What our customers are saying
Green Planet
Steve Kuklinski Owner Operator
Green Planet
From the start working with Frank regarding setting up a different style of service body was more than helpful, and this enabled us to get a truck that meets our requirements. Pricing was good and there were no issues when we made changes when they were requested. The response was excellent, I have made multiple requests to have other things added and modified from learnings here on-site and these were done to a great standard. The delivery was good even due to the Covid restrictions. We were very happy with the result and will be recommending Plantman if requested and hopefully dealing with Plantman in the future when we upgrade trucks again. Thank you again for the work put into the truck and body.
Evolution Mining
Rob Mclean Mine Maintenance Foreman
Evolution Mining
The flatbed has been very well received across the MEM department. As expected it was delivered in a clean and ready-to-go condition as promised and all facets of the truck have been put to good use. Overall everyone is impressed with the truck and having it on-site has allowed for work to flow a lot smoother.
Rio Tinto
Steven Nixon Field Supervisor
Rio Tinto
Happy to getting Plantman involved in Future opportunity.
FMG
Eugenio Martinelli Mine Services Utility Superintendent
Now that I’ve found Plantman and they’re local which is a bonus, I won’t need to look elsewhere. They also have an extensive range of equipment that suits our requirements for servicing the mining industry. I have no hesitation in recommending Plantman to any of our clients. Well Done!!!