MAINTENANCE : Proper operation of a seamless guttermachine?and a long machine life'is highly dependent on regular maintenance andcare given to the machine. All the machine manufacturers will tell you amachine can last 20, 25, or 30 years, perhaps even more. A few olderfirms will say a few of their machines have operated for more than 40 years.But you will also hear that the life of a machine is more dependent on theowner and operators and the way they treat a machine than on what themanufacturer did in designing, building, and testing the machine
In the opinion of atleast one machine manufacturer, the most successful gutter companies use anenclosed trailer, van, or truck to transport their . Why does this make such a difference? Because it keeps your machine cleanand dry. Dirt, debris, and the direct effects of weather can prematurelyage your machine and turn a valuable asset into a sad piece of junk. So,how successful do you want to be?
MAINTENANCE PLAN : In order to protect your investment andassure proper and timely operation of your machine at the jobsite, you shoulddevelop a plan for maintenance, inspection, and cleaning of the guttermachine. Implementation of this plan will require the involvement andparticipation of the machine operators as well as the individual tasked withlubrication, inspection, and cleaning of the machine.
Each day, beforeoperating the machine, the operator should inspect the electrical componentsand wiring. Look for loose wires or components, discoloration that mightindicate overheating, or any other signs of damage. While performing thisinspection also look for any dust, dirt, or debris inside the machine. Ifany is detected, it should be removed before commencing operations.
LUBRICATION : Lubricate the shear blade daily with therecommended lubricant. Often this will be one that contains Teflon orsilicone. Avoid overspray on parts where it doesn't belong. Lubricate the other parts of the shear mechanism WEEKLY with oil (sometimesSAE-90 non-detergent oil is recommended, other manufacturers recommend chainoil).
Lubricate the drivechain MONTHLY with a recommended lubricant (maybe motorcycle, farm, orindustrial chain oil). Check the tension of the chain. Adjust it ifnecessary.
Most machinemanufacturers object to the use of WD-40 as a lubricant. It is intendedmore as a penetrant, and has the effect of removing oil or grease from theparts. Check your operating manual and follow the recommendations of themachine's manufacturer.
CLEANING : A thorough cleaning of the machine should be done regularly. Besure the machine is turned off and disconnected from the electric power sourcewhile you are performing the cleaning. A monthly cleaning is consideredoptimum by some machine manufacturers. Remove any dust, dirt, or debrisfrom inside the machine. This can be done with compressed air or a vacuumhose. If compressed air is used, avoid blowing dirt or debris onto movingparts or the motor.
Some manufacturerssuggest using a pressure washer. If this technique is used care must betaken to avoid spraying the pressure wash on or in electrical boxes or components.
Empty the shear chipbin. Be careful not to spill any chips or debris inside themachine. Look for any sign of burrs, chips, or buildup on the guides androllers. If buildup is present, clean the parts using the recommendedsolvent on a soft, clean rag. The solvent should be one that will notleave any residue on the parts. Acetone, paint thinner, or lacquerthinner are often recommended?check your operating manual.
REMOVING RESIDUE BUILDUP : If cleaning with solvent and a rag does notremove any marks, burrs or buildup, try to remove them by lightly sanding thepart with fine Emery cloth. Polish out any remaining marks with a ScotchBrite pad.
Keep covers andsafety panels closed except when working on the machine. Never have thepanels open when running gutter.
ABOVE ALL, PROTECT THE MACHINEFROM DIRT, DUST, WORK SITE DEBRIS AND FOREIGN OBJECTS OF EVERY KIND.
In just a few seconds a nail orscrew can be pulled through your machine, inflicting $1,000 of damage ormore. How many jobs do you have to complete to earn $1,000 of profit topay for the repairs?
STORING YOUR MACHINE : If you will not be using the for 30days or more, store it in a well-protected area (preferably indoors). Make a plan to run it for a few minutes every week, just to keep the lubricantson the bearings and chains smoothly distributed. This gives betterprotection against any rust or corrosion.
MACHINE ADJUSTMENTS AND REPAIRS: Incorrect alignment of the material in the machineis cited as the most common cause of incorrectly formed gutter. Themachine was carefully aligned at the factory. Technicians from thefactory or from a dealer are available to make alignments and corrections whenrequired. Because this is something they do regularly, they are skilledin making such adjustments.
Although the proper adjustmenttechnique is complicated and involves many steps, some manufacturers recommendthat someone in the company be trained to make these adjustments. Thismay merely serve as an emergency backup to outside service personnel, or theowner may elect to undertake the alignments when they are needed. It isgenerally recommended that, after learning to make such adjustments, you willbe better off to alter the adjustments as infrequently as possible. Thetendency to tinker with the adjustments often creates more problems than itsolves.
Sock Woodruff isfounder and partner of GutterSupply.com, the leading manufacturer anddistributor of gutter supplies, , andrelated tools and equipment.