5 things to include in your autumn optimisation checklist
As temperatures fall and wetter weather arrives, autumn is a useful time to review the condition of your machinery. For equipment that has worked through a busy summer, it is an opportunity to identify wear, address developing problems and prepare for the months ahead.
Seasonal maintenance does not have to mean a complete overhaul. A focused inspection can help you prioritise repairs, reduce energy waste and prevent smaller issues from becoming costly breakdowns.
From checking bearings to finding compressed air leaks, here are five things to include in your autumn optimisation checklist.
Get your printable autumn checklist here
1. Inspecting bearings, motors and gearboxes for wear after summer production
Long operating hours, heavy loads and demanding production schedules can put machinery under pressure. Even if equipment is still running, changes in its performance may suggest that something needs attention.
Start by reviewing noise, vibration and operating temperature. Comparing readings with previous measurements taken under similar operating conditions can help you spot developing problems. An unusual noise or rising temperature should prompt further investigation rather than an assumption that a component needs replacing. SKF identifies noise, temperature and vibration as key indicators when monitoring bearing condition.
During a planned shutdown, inspect accessible components for damage, leakage and loose fixings. Check motor cooling fins and ventilation paths for accumulated dirt and inspect gearboxes for oil leaks and lubricant levels in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Give priority to equipment that would have the greatest impact on production if it failed. Recording your findings also provides a useful reference for future inspections.
Checklist: Review condition monitoring readings, investigate changes and schedule any necessary repairs.
2. Replacing ageing power transmission components
Belts, chains and couplings can be easy to overlook while they are keeping production moving. However, deterioration within a drive system can affect performance well before a complete failure occurs.
Inspect belts for cracking, fraying, damaged teeth and uneven wear. Check pulley condition, alignment and belt tension against the manufacturer’s recommendations. Where a drive uses multiple V-belts, follow the guidance on replacing them as a complete matched set rather than maxing new and worn belts.
Chains should be checked for wear elongation, damaged links and worn sprockets. On couplings, inspect flexible elements for cracking, deformation or other signs of deterioration, using the manufacturer’s wear limits where available.
Base replacement decisions on component condition, service requirements and the consequences of failure. Age is a useful consideration, but it should sit alongside these factors.
If a component repeatedly wears out sooner than expected, investigate the cause before fitting another replacement. Misalignment, incorrect tension, unsuitable selection or contamination may need attention too.
Checklist: Identify components approaching their wear limits and confirm that suitable replacements are available before planned maintenance.
3. Lubrication changes to suit colder temperatures
A lubricant that performs well during normal running conditions must also provide suitable protection when machinery starts from cold.
As temperatures fall, oil viscosity increases, meaning the oil becomes thicker and flows less easily. In grease-lubricated bearings, colder conditions can also affect the release of oil from the grease. An unsuitable lubricant may therefore increase resistance during start-up or fail to reach the surfaces that need protection.
Review machinery in outdoor locations, unheated buildings and areas exposed to significant temperature changes. Check that the lubricant is suitable for both the lowest expected start-up temperature and the temperature reached during operation.
A seasonal review does not automatically mean changing to a thinner oil or a different grease. Your existing lubricant may already cover the required temperature range. Any change should follow equipment and lubricant manufacturer guidance, including compatibility checks and the correct changeover procedure.
For automatic lubrication systems, also confirm that the lubricator, lubricant and delivery arrangement are suitable for the expected conditions.
Checklist: Check lubricant temperature limits and review any applications likely to experience colder starts.
4. Inspecting seals to prevent moisture ingress
Keeping lubricant in and contamination out is essential to reliable machinery operation. A worn or damaged seal can compromise both.
Rain, washdown water and damp working environments make moisture protection particularly relevant for exposed equipment. Water contamination can damage bearings and undermine lubrication, making the condition and suitable of the sealing arrangement important.
Inspect accessible seals for cracking, damage, displacement and signs of leakage. Look for corrosion around housings and shafts, and investigate evidence of contamination rather than simply replacing the lubricant.
Where seals repeatedly fail, consider whether the seal material and design suit the operating conditions. Shaft condition, alignment and installation may also need investigation.
Seals are only part of the picture. Check relevant housing joints and covers as moisture may enter through other routes. Temperature changes can also cause condensation within equipment, so an intact external seal does not rule out an internal moisture problem.
Checklist: Replace damaged seals and investigate the source of any moisture contamination.
5. Inspecting compressed air systems for leaks
Compressed air leaks can waste energy while remaining largely unnoticed. The compressor continues supplying the system, but some of the air you have paid to generate escapes before it reaches production equipment.
Leaks can also contribute to fluctuating pressure and unnecessary compressor running time. Common inspection points include hoses, couplings, fittings, pipe joints, valves and quick-release connections. An ultrasonic leak detector can help locate escaping air, including leaks that are difficult to hear in a busy factory.
Turn the inspection into a repair plan. Record and tag each leak, prioritise the work and check that repairs have been successful. Follow site isolation and depressurisation procedures before carrying out repairs.
Afterwards, review compressor operation with a suitable specialist. Adjustments to controls may be needed to turn reduced air demand into energy savings.
Checklist: Carry out a leak survey, assign repairs and verify the results.
Turn your autumn checks into a maintenance plan
An inspection is most useful when it leads to action. Record what needs attention, who is responsible and when the work will be completed. Prioritise issues according to their likely effect on safety, production and operating costs, then confirm the parts and support needed.
By addressing wear, lubrication, moisture protection and air leaks before problems escalate, you can give your machinery a stronger start to the colder months.
For help selecting replacement components, reviewing lubrication or investigating recurring failures, you can book a free peak season readiness check with one of our product experts, or chat with the ACORN team.