---
title: How to get to know your machine better (and avoid costly breakdowns)
description: Well-maintained equipment that’s used correctly and that’s right for the job will stay productive for years.
---

[Shaping your vision and reality into success](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en)

# [How to get to know your machine better (and avoid costly breakdowns)](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/how-to-get-to-know-your-machine-better-and-avoid-costly-breakdowns)

 Written by [Toromont Cat](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/author/toromont-cat) | Mar 16, 2022 6:17:35 PM

[Well-maintained equipment](https://www.toromontcat.com/service/cva) that’s used correctly and that’s[right for the job](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/game-changing-technologies-for-our-customers) will stay [productive for years](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/how-to-maximize-productivity). The key to preventing breakdowns is to follow a few simple tips. Our experts share their advice on how to listen to what your machine is trying to tell you.

## **Get acquainted with your manual**

Your Cat equipment manual contains all the information you need to operate and maintain a piece of heavy equipment in a well-organized, easy to read format. With its clear illustrations, step-by-step procedures and checklists, it’s easy to get straight to the information you’re looking for.

 

### **Listen to your operators and your gut**

With experience and gut instincts, operators can really develop a feeling for their machines. A noise, drop in RPMs or a control that doesn’t respond as quickly as usual are all indicators of potential issues. If you are a technician or manager, encourage your operators to tell you if they sense something’s off. If you’re an operator, you can signal the alert yourself.

 

#### **Stop the machine if there’s a problem**

Halting operations for an equipment malfunction costs a lot less than a major problem that stops a unit dead in its tracks on site.  If you think there might be a problem, the most logical course of action is to stop and look into the matter. What’s more, stopping a machine that’s got a problem is the safe thing to do and could help avoid an accident.

 

##### **When in doubt, have it inspected**

Toromont Cat \[1\] certified technicians carry out two kinds of inspection.

TA1 and/or TA2 inspections of your equipment are a simple way of assessing its condition. By identifying problems at their source, you can avoid much more expensive problems and much longer downtime. Don’t wait for a breakdown to act!

 

**A TA1** **inspection** is a visual inspection to detect and assess problems that can be seen, along with a complete report.

- Inspection of fluid level, colour and condition
- Inspection for leaks and faulty seals
- Visual inspection of the structure and for wear
- Checking any noises
- Checking for broken, lost or missing parts

 

**A TA2** **inspection** includes all items covered under a TA1 inspection plus a more detailed examination:

- Pressure checks
- Cycle time checks
- Cylinder drift checks
- Back to factory standards
- Fault codes download
- Scheduled oil sampling

###### Contact your Toromont Cat representative

###### or local branch to book an appointment for your next inspection

 

[View full post](https://blog.toromontcat.com/en/how-to-get-to-know-your-machine-better-and-avoid-costly-breakdowns)

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