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How Mining Equipment Maintenance Prevents 10 Costly Failures

How Mining Equipment Maintenance Prevents 10 Costly Failures

In asset-intensive industries like yours, effective mining equipment servicing is critical. According to a 2024 Siemens report, unplanned downtime costs the world’s 500 biggest companies 11% of their revenues1. For effective and efficient mining operations, preventive servicing is not simply best practice; it’s crucial.

As a leading West Australian underground mining equipment specialist and service provider, HDD Solutions is well-placed to keep our clients on schedule and on target. In this article, we examine ten of the most common mining equipment failures and learn the critical role servicing plays in preventing downtime and budget blow-outs.

We know how to prevent equipment failure.
Everu hour counts – call us for the best, most reliable mining equipment maintenance solutions and parts.

08 9302 1532

Top 10 Mining Equipment Failure Scenarios You Want to Avoid

Equipment malfunction or unexpected repair work can set you back tens, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. Here are some of the most common and yet preventable big machinery fails that West Australian mines experience.

Type of Equipment Failure Warning Signs Prevention
Hydraulic system failure
  • Visible fluid leaks or dampness around hoses, fittings, cylinders, or pump
  • Unusual noises (banging, hissing, knocking, whining)
  • Sluggish, jerky, or unresponsive operation
  • Overheating
  • Sudden pressure drops
  • Use quality, clean and correct fluid
  • Regular fluid level and filter checks and changes
  • Examine and replace worn seals, hoses, and fittings
  • Inspect for leaks
  • Maintain proper fluid temperature
  • Regular filter replacement
  • Monitor pressure gauges
  • Bleed air from system
  • Keep in cool, dry area
Bearing failure
  • Unusual noises (grinding, squeaking)
  • Increased vibration
  • Bearing temperature above normal
  • Etching marks
  • Visible component wear on surfaces
  • Discoloured or contaminated lubricant
  • Equipment requiring more power to operate
  • Slower equipment operation
  • Proper installation and alignment
  • Adequate lubrication
  • Keep equipment clean
  • Regular visual inspections
  • Examine vibration analysis
  • Monitor temperature
Contamination damage
  • Visible dust or debris accumulation
  • Discoloured, darkened, or cloudy hydraulic fluid
  • Abrasive wear on components
  • Premature seal failure
  • Scratching or pitting on surfaces
  • Increased system noise
  • Burnt smell
  • Replace filters on schedule
  • Regular fluid analysis
  • Patch tests
  • Monitoring temperature
  • Keep equipment away from environmental exposure
Equipment corrosion
  • Visible rust or oxidation on surfaces
  • Pitting or surface degradation
  • Weakened structural components
  • Fluid discolouration
  • Seal deterioration
  • Apply protective coatings
  • Ensure equipment remains dry and protected from environment
  • Inspect and replace damaged seals
Overheating problems
  • Rise in equipment temperature
  • Discoloured components (browning/blackening)
  • Burning odour
  • Seal damage or melting
  • Fluid breakdown or thinning
  • Decreased performance
  • Monitor fluid temperatures
  • Maintain proper coolant levels
  • Regularly clean cooling systems and radiators
  • Ensure sufficient airflow around equipment
  • Use the correct fluid viscosity
  • Avoid overloading equipment
  • Regular preventative maintenance
Lack of lubrication
  • Increased friction and heat
  • Metal-to-metal contact sounds
  • Seized or stiff movement
  • Discoloured or burnt-looking lubricant
  • Excessive component wear
  • Decreased equipment reliability and efficiency
  • Adhere to the manufacturer’s lubrication schedules
  • Use correct lubricant type and grade
  • Maintain proper lubricant levels
  • Regular lubricant sampling and analysis
  • Replace degraded lubricants immediately
  • Train operators on correct lubrication practices
Electrical system failure
  • Intermittent operation
  • Dashboard warning lights flash
  • Corroded connections
  • Burnt wiring smell
  • Blown fuses
  • Battery issues
  • Regular electrical system inspections
  • Clean and secure all connections
  • Protect wiring from moisture and vibration
  • Test and replace batteries as needed
  • Monitor sensor functionality
  • Use correct voltage ratings
Mechanical wear and tear
  • Visible cracks in frames or structures
  • Loose bolts or fasteners
  • Excessive play in components
  • Uneven wear patterns
  • Increased vibration
  • Structural deformation
  • Regular inspections
  • Scheduled component replacement based on hours/cycles
  • Proper load management
  • Torque fasteners to specification
  • Address stress points proactively
Component misalignment
  • Uneven wear on tyres, tracks, or components
  • Increased vibration
  • Abnormal noise
  • Equipment pulling to one side
  • Premature bearing or seal failure
  • Unusual stress patterns
  • Precision alignment during installation
  • Use alignment tools
  • Regular alignment checks
  • Proper mounting procedures
  • Monitor vibration patterns
  • Address foundation issues
Overloading/ operator error
  • Equipment struggling under load
  • Overheating
  • Excessive wear on components
  • Hydraulic system strain
  • Structural stress or bending
  • Reduced equipment life
  • Conduct operator training programs
  • Establish clear operating procedures
  • Regular operator competency assessments
  • Follow the manufacturer’s load limits
  • Install load monitoring systems
  • Monitor equipment usage patterns

Why Preventive Heavy Equipment Servicing is Critical

As you can see from the above table, heavy equipment repair services are responsible for preventing many mining failures and subsequent downtime. Indeed, many common equipment mining problems can be entirely avoided if simply regularly monitored. Preventive maintenance for mining equipment can:

  • Be significantly cheaper than repair work
  • Keeps equipment running at optimal levels
  • Doesn’t use unnecessary energy or resources to keep equipment functioning
  • Reduce safety risks in the workplace
  • Ensure compliance with Australian health and safety requirements
  • Extend mining equipment lifespan
  • Work downtime into low-peak periods rather than unexpectedly in high-peak periods of operation
  • Keep a mine competitive

Choose HDD Solutions as Your Mining Equipment Maintenance Partner

As West Australian leaders in the maintenance of underground mining equipment, HDD Solutions is your reliable partner, dedicated to going above and beyond expectations to ensure your mine runs at maximum productivity and profit. With over 30 years in the mining maintenance industry, and with a cutting-edge and fully kitted out workshop in Wangara Perth, our team of specialist diesel fitters and technicians is ready to respond to any mining equipment failure.

We deal with all the usual big names, like Caterpillar, Sandvik, Atlas Copco and Normet, but can work with any machinery you have on site. We also provide first-rate mining equipment parts and mining equipment hire.

For the very best in mining equipment and maintenance, partner with reliable experts.

FAQs

What Maintenance Prevents Mining Equipment Failure?

Mining maintenance best practice is a combination of daily operator checks and periodic professional inspections. Looking out for leaks, cracks, fluid discolourations, pressure levels, compromised efficiency, and keeping an ear open to unusual operational sounds or vibrations will help keep your machinery well-serviced and in top condition. However, this is not a finite list of signs of mining equipment failure. If ever in doubt, contact HDD Solutions on 08 9302 1532 for an expert inspection.

How Often Should Mining Equipment be Serviced?
Avoid mining equipment breakdowns by following the manufacturer’s service requirements. This will differ from part to part, and will also depend on the equipment’s age.
Who Can Service My Mining Equipment to Prevent Breakdowns?

HDD Solutions are expert diesel fitters and technicians. Based in Wangara, we can conduct site inspections and repairs here in our workshop or on-site. We have over 30 years of experience providing the best quality mining equipment servicing, repair and parts hire. You can rely on us to prevent heavy machinery fails.

How do I choose a Reliable Mining Equipment Service Provider in WA?

Look for experts with equipment specialisations and comprehensive capabilities. They should be able to demonstrate a proven track record in managing mining equipment breakdowns and providing premium customer service. Don’t hesitate to ask for client testimonials. A strategically located and easily-accessed mining servicing workshop is advantageous.

HDD Solutions ticks all these boxes and more with our Wangara Perth facility and specialist mining equipment technicians.

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We offer first class service and pride ourselves on fast turnaround times to ensure we keep your underground fleet moving.

We can help you with your project.