Yesterday, 02:55 PM
Restarting Operations with Heavy Equipment
After returning from a long stint in New Mexico, the transition back into full-scale worksite operations required a blend of equipment maintenance, site preparation, and logistical coordination. The fleet included several Caterpillar machines—most notably a 977L track loader and a 950 wheel loader—alongside support vehicles and attachments. These machines, though reliable, had been sitting idle and needed attention before returning to productive service.
The first step was a thorough inspection of hydraulic systems, fuel lines, and electrical connections. Machines that had been parked for months often develop issues like dry seals, corroded terminals, and sediment in fuel tanks. A technician in Colorado once noted that even a week of inactivity in humid conditions could lead to injector sticking in older diesel engines.
Terminology Notes
The worksite itself had changed during the absence. Rainfall had softened the ground, and wind had shifted stockpiles of gravel and fill. Regrading was necessary to restore access paths and drainage slopes. The 977L was used to push and level material, while the 950 handled bucket loads of aggregate for pad construction.
A key challenge was reestablishing the base layer for a new equipment pad. Using a mix of crushed limestone and recycled concrete, the team compacted the surface with a vibratory roller. Moisture content was monitored to ensure proper compaction—ideally between 8% and 12% depending on material type.
Equipment Maintenance and Upgrades
Several machines required more than routine service. The 977L had a leaking tilt cylinder, which was rebuilt using a new seal kit and polished rod. The 950’s starter motor had failed intermittently, traced to a worn solenoid contact. Replacing the solenoid and cleaning the ground strap restored reliable ignition.
Recommendations for post-storage maintenance include:
Logistics and Crew Coordination
Restarting operations also meant coordinating deliveries of fuel, aggregate, and parts. A temporary fuel tank was installed with a filtration system to prevent contamination. The crew was briefed on safety protocols, including equipment blind spots and communication signals.
Toolbox talks were held daily to reinforce site awareness. Topics included:
Stories from the Field
A grader operator in Texas recalled returning from a long break and finding his machine’s blade hydraulics sluggish. After flushing the system and replacing a clogged pilot filter, the grader regained full responsiveness. He emphasized the importance of checking secondary filters often overlooked during routine service.
In another case, a small crew in Oregon restarted a gravel pit after a seasonal closure. Their first task was clearing overgrown access roads using a dozer and chainsaws. The team documented every repair and adjustment, creating a maintenance log that helped them avoid repeat failures.
Conclusion
Returning to a worksite after time away requires more than just starting engines. It demands a methodical approach to equipment inspection, site reconditioning, and crew coordination. With attention to hydraulic integrity, fuel quality, and safety culture, even older machines like the 977L and 950 can return to full productivity. The key is treating the restart as a fresh deployment—not just a continuation—and building from a foundation of readiness and resilience.
After returning from a long stint in New Mexico, the transition back into full-scale worksite operations required a blend of equipment maintenance, site preparation, and logistical coordination. The fleet included several Caterpillar machines—most notably a 977L track loader and a 950 wheel loader—alongside support vehicles and attachments. These machines, though reliable, had been sitting idle and needed attention before returning to productive service.
The first step was a thorough inspection of hydraulic systems, fuel lines, and electrical connections. Machines that had been parked for months often develop issues like dry seals, corroded terminals, and sediment in fuel tanks. A technician in Colorado once noted that even a week of inactivity in humid conditions could lead to injector sticking in older diesel engines.
Terminology Notes
- Track Loader: A crawler machine with a front bucket used for loading, grading, and excavation
- Wheel Loader: A rubber-tired loader used for material handling and stockpile management
- Hydraulic Bleed: The process of removing air from hydraulic lines to restore full pressure
- Fuel Sediment: Particulate matter that settles in tanks and can clog filters or injectors
- Grease Points: Designated areas on equipment requiring regular lubrication to prevent wear
The worksite itself had changed during the absence. Rainfall had softened the ground, and wind had shifted stockpiles of gravel and fill. Regrading was necessary to restore access paths and drainage slopes. The 977L was used to push and level material, while the 950 handled bucket loads of aggregate for pad construction.
A key challenge was reestablishing the base layer for a new equipment pad. Using a mix of crushed limestone and recycled concrete, the team compacted the surface with a vibratory roller. Moisture content was monitored to ensure proper compaction—ideally between 8% and 12% depending on material type.
Equipment Maintenance and Upgrades
Several machines required more than routine service. The 977L had a leaking tilt cylinder, which was rebuilt using a new seal kit and polished rod. The 950’s starter motor had failed intermittently, traced to a worn solenoid contact. Replacing the solenoid and cleaning the ground strap restored reliable ignition.
Recommendations for post-storage maintenance include:
- Drain and replace hydraulic fluid if sitting longer than 6 months
- Inspect battery terminals and charge levels
- Replace fuel filters and bleed the system
- Grease all pivot points and check for bushing wear
- Test electrical systems under load to identify weak relays or corroded connectors
Logistics and Crew Coordination
Restarting operations also meant coordinating deliveries of fuel, aggregate, and parts. A temporary fuel tank was installed with a filtration system to prevent contamination. The crew was briefed on safety protocols, including equipment blind spots and communication signals.
Toolbox talks were held daily to reinforce site awareness. Topics included:
- Safe refueling procedures
- Hydraulic pressure hazards
- Spotter responsibilities during machine movement
- Emergency shutdown protocols
Stories from the Field
A grader operator in Texas recalled returning from a long break and finding his machine’s blade hydraulics sluggish. After flushing the system and replacing a clogged pilot filter, the grader regained full responsiveness. He emphasized the importance of checking secondary filters often overlooked during routine service.
In another case, a small crew in Oregon restarted a gravel pit after a seasonal closure. Their first task was clearing overgrown access roads using a dozer and chainsaws. The team documented every repair and adjustment, creating a maintenance log that helped them avoid repeat failures.
Conclusion
Returning to a worksite after time away requires more than just starting engines. It demands a methodical approach to equipment inspection, site reconditioning, and crew coordination. With attention to hydraulic integrity, fuel quality, and safety culture, even older machines like the 977L and 950 can return to full productivity. The key is treating the restart as a fresh deployment—not just a continuation—and building from a foundation of readiness and resilience.
