When greasing the bearings, do so at the end of the day when the bearings are warm. Combined with turning the rotor, this allows for better penetration and distribution of the grease.

To sum it all up, producers need to plan their production in order to meet their sales commitments. Unplanned downtime carries a very high cost, not only in lost production, but in broken commitments to customers. Taking the time to go through the checklists, tackling the needed maintenance issues promptly, plus selecting equipment that is safe and easy to maintain are major steps toward predictable production and greater profitability – all resulting from predictable uptime.

Jim Schreiner 800-765-6601, e-mail jschreiner@telsmith.com.

WWhat to Look for

* High amp draw: Any increase in amps can signal a potential problem such as the bearings needing replacement or a loose hammer or blow bar moving and dragging on the crusher wall.

* Vibration: Any vibration needs to be checked, and can indicate worn bearings, loose hammers, or rotor wear, meaning the rotor is out of balance.

* Unusual noise: The best person to notice an unusual noise is the daily operator. A howl could indicate worn bearings; screeches, grating, and grinding could mean something is loose.

* High bearing temperature: If the bearing temperature is higher than the preferred range of 140 to 150 degrees F, it may indicate over greasing or worn bearings.

* Uneven wear in the crusher: Material not feeding correctly due to a jam could create uneven wear. Check for foreign material in the crushing chamber such as rebar or wire mesh.