Signs Your Rock Drill May Need Maintenance

Noticing changes in a machine's usual operating behaviour is an important part of rock drill maintenance. A new leak, unusual vibration in hydraulic hoses or a change in operating readings may be a finding that the maintenance team needs to assess.

A symptom alone, however, does not identify which component has failed. The right approach is to record the observation, compare it with the technical documentation for the specific model and determine maintenance needs through the appropriate checks.

1. Monitor Unusual Leaks

Where oil around a rock drill comes from, and under what conditions it appears, matters. Ordering parts before identifying the source of a leak can lead to an incorrect assessment of what is needed.

Not every trace of oil indicates a fault. On some rock drills, oil discharge in certain areas can be expected as part of normal lubrication. The distinction between normal lubrication behaviour and abnormal leakage should be made using the operating and maintenance instructions for the specific model.

A report to the maintenance team should include the location of the leak, when it was first noticed and whether it changes during operation. A photograph taken from a safe distance can also help communicate the finding.

2. Pay Attention to Changes in Vibration

Vibration that differs from the rock drill's normal operating behaviour may require inspection. However, a specific component should not be diagnosed as faulty based on vibration alone. The points to inspect should be determined by the equipment design and the relevant maintenance instructions.

When an operator reports increased vibration, specifying the operating stage in which it occurred gives the maintenance team a more useful starting point. It is also important to record whether the symptom is continuous or occurs only under certain conditions.

Inspection and intervention should follow the relevant service procedure after the equipment has been made safe.

3. Assess Measurements alongside Maintenance Records

Measurements are as important as observations when assessing maintenance needs. However, which readings to monitor, the conditions under which to measure them and how to interpret the results depend on the system in use.

For equipment with condition monitoring capabilities, the measurements defined in its technical documentation can support maintenance assessments. An inspection method or limit used for one model should not be applied directly to another.

Companies can record operating hours, observed symptoms, measurements and previous interventions together in their maintenance records. This allows later inspections to draw on the equipment's history as well as its current condition.

4. Base Parts Replacement Decisions on Inspection Results

Noticing a symptom starts the inspection process. The decision on which parts to replace should be based on the maintenance and service instructions for the specific model.

It is therefore inappropriate to give a single replacement interval or wear limit for all rock drills. Where measurements are required, the appearance of a part or a photograph alone should not be considered sufficient.

When preparing a maintenance request, it is useful to gather:

• The model and serial numbers of the machine and rock drill
• The location of the symptom and the operating conditions
• Operating hours and details of the most recent maintenance
• Measurement results and fault records, where available
• Previous work carried out in the same area

This information helps organise the inspection process and communicate the identified parts requirements accurately.

5. Match the Identified Requirement with the Right Spare Part

Once a technical inspection has identified the parts that need replacement, procurement should be handled with the same care. Sharing the part number, rock drill model, serial number and relevant catalogue page together helps clarify the request.

When sending a spare parts enquiry to AKKOM, include these details and the quantities required. An accurately identified parts list makes quotation preparation and planning maintenance materials easier.

The aim of rock drill maintenance is to notice changes in operating behaviour promptly and turn inspection findings into appropriate action. Regular observation, documented maintenance history and accurate parts identification are complementary steps in this process.