At Lontto, we believe that your concrete block-making machine is only as good as your regular maintenance. Proper cleaning and preventative maintenance can increase the operational lifespan of your brick-making machine by up to 20% to 40%. We've written this article to help you maintain your concrete block machine, including how often you should clean it and the proper maintenance procedures you need to complete.

Key Takeaways:

  • You can maintain your concrete block-making machine by regularly cleaning and conducting safety checks on your block machine.
  • You should clean your machine at least once a month.
  • Daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance can reduce your machine's downtime by 30%.

How to Maintain Your Concrete Block-Making Machine

You can maintain your concrete block machine by cleaning it monthly and conducting safety inspections to identify any abnormality that needs maintenance and servicing. Maintenance of your cement block-making machinery is essential not only to increase your machine's operational lifespan, but to prevent injuries as well. Timely inspections can reduce the downtime of your machine by 30%.

And when you've invested between $15,000 to $150,000 on a hydraulic brick-making machine, putting the machine to work for as long as possible will improve the return on your investment considerably.

How Often Should you clean your Block Machine?

how often should you clean your block machine how regularly should you maintain your block machine

You should clean your concrete brick machine at least once a month, although additional cleaning may be necessary if you use your block machine more than 8 hours a day. We've outlined a daily and monthly cleaning schedule that makes a huge difference when implemented consistently:

Daily Cleaning Monthly Cleaning
  • Use compressed air or brush to remove loose particles and debris from the machine body
  • Clean all attachments on the molds thoroughly
  • Remove debris, sand, and dust around the top mold
  • Clean residual concrete mix from hopper, molds, and conveyor after each use
  • Perform a thorough inspection of the hydraulic system
  • Clean or replace oil filter elements as needed
  • Clean and inspect all hydraulic control valves and pumps
  • Remove accumulated microdust that can impede mechanical parts

Pressure washing is an integral part of cleaning your automatic block machine properly. Ensure that the water pressure for your hose never exceeds 600 psi (4.14 MPa), and keep the nozzle at least 12 inches away from the machine. If cleaning chemicals off your machine, reduce the pressure to below 50 psi (345 kPa).

How to Carry Out Routine Maintenance for a Concrete Block Machine

Like cleaning, you should inspect and perform regular maintenance on your concrete block machine daily, weekly, and monthly intervals. We've outlined a maintenance schedule for you to follow, with more specific instructions below:

Daily Maintenance Tasks Weekly Maintenance Tasks Monthly Maintenance Tasks
  • Check the top mold for looseness and clean all mold attachments
  • Remove debris, sand, and dust around the top mold
  • Inspect all nuts and tube connections, tightening if loose
  • Check hydraulic station seals and hoses for leaks or damage
  • Perform thorough oil-level inspection
  • Examine mid-to-high-pressure oil lines
  • Check all pressure connections
  • Conduct a detailed inspection of the hydraulic system
  • Clean or replace oil filter elements
  • Check hydraulic control valves and oil pumps
  • Verify oil level indicators and pressure gauges

Pre-Operational Maintenance

Before machines have to work, performing a pre-op maintenance check is critical. Inspect all the fasteners, check the hydraulic station seals, and verify their oil level. Ensure your control system is operational and has the proper function to stop the block machine if necessary.

Sensor Maintenance

Cleaning the proximity sensors, ensuring they're in the correct position, and removing any dust or debris can help reduce the likelihood of injury. Calibrating and testing your machine's sensors will give you the peace of mind that your components are functioning — and quick to shut off if not.

Moving Parts Maintenance

Apply lubricant to all grease points of your block machine, then inspect the vibrant transmission parts. All moving parts, like the hydraulic pump, should not stutter or lag while in motion.

Post-Operational Maintenance

Once your machine's operation is complete, post-operational care is essential to minimize pre-op maintenance. Tasks like removing debris from molds, cleaning the attachments on pallets, and dirty parts of your machine will reduce the chance of long-term rust and other issues.

Winter/Low-Temperature Maintenance

The following steps outline the necessary maintenance requirements during low temperatures:

  • Drain all the hydraulic fluids when the machine is not in use
  • Add antifreeze for lubrication to prevent freezing
  • Switch from D2 to D1 fuel for better cold-weather performance
  • Monitor tire pressure, as it can drop 10-20% in temperatures below 50℉

Applying lubricant and grease and following the other maintenance and repair guidelines we've outlined will help your machine survive the worst weather conditions. If you're confident about your maintenance prowess, why not invest in one of Lontto's high-quality brick-making machines? Get your free quote today!

FAQs on How to Clean Block Machines

How do you clean concrete blocks?

You can clean concrete blocks by removing loose debris with a stiff brush or compressed air, then apply a mild detergent solution. Follow it up with a thorough scrub, soft-bristled brush, and pressure washer.

What are the different types of machines used to produce concrete blocks?

The main types of concrete block machines include hydraulic block machines, automatic block machines, semi-automatic machines, and manual machines. Each type of block machine the manufacturer offers excels at producing a specific type of concrete block aimed at construction projects or raw materials.

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chao zhang

Author: Chao Zhang

I am Chao Zhang, I have been working in the brick making industry for over 10 years. I have a deep understanding and research on various models of block making machines, especially automatic brick machines, concrete block machines, compressed earth block machines, clay brick machines, cement brick machines. I have a special understanding of this industry. I can help my clients choose the suitable brick machine and assist them in designing and building a brick production factory. If you want to know everything about brick making machines, please contact me. I am happy to help you.