The Ultimate Equipment Stand Maintenance Guide
Heavy equipment such as some griddles & charbroilers is part of every single commercial kitchen. Some of this equipment can weigh hundreds of pounds so you’ll need a proper spot to house them. Equipment stands are designed to hold these cumbersome items while keeping them at a reasonable operating height. With that said, equipment stands are in constant use & need to be maintained regularly. What should you keep on the lookout for?
In this article, we’ll go over 3 tips to keep your equipment stand in good condition. These tidbits are useful for any type of equipment stand, so this makes your maintenance routine much easier. Let’s begin the journey.
1. Mind the Weight Limit
Thanks to the reinforced channeling & lower gauge on equipment stands, they are much more capable of housing heavy equipment than standard worktables. However, this does not mean equipment stands have unlimited weight capacity.
Try to keep the weight no more than 750 lbs. In the rare instance you notice any sagging or buckling, you are nearing the limit. Also, do not stack larger items as this can only bring the equipment stand to its capacity.
2. Structural Checks
There are many facets to an equipment stand to monitor for any damage due to the day-in, day-out use. Here are a couple of items to watch:
a. Each equipment stand has anti-slip edges that are designed to keep heavy equipment from falling off the surface. Check to see if these edges are not bent or disfigured in any capacity.
b. Equipment stands have adjustable legs with bullet feet as a standard. Check to see that these legs are not bent or damaged. Don’t forget to check the gussets too. If your equipment stand has casters instead, check to see if they glide smoothly along the floor & that there are no hiccups. Lastly, the legs should not wobble or be unbalanced.
c. The undershelf is also important to keep an eye on. Check to see if there are any instances of wear & tear or damage. Check especially in the area where the undershelf is attached to the legs.
3. Yes, You Have to Clean Too
Is it really a big surprise? Luckily, cleaning an equipment stand is relatively simple compared to some more complex items where there are deep crevices to pay attention to.
In the case of an equipment stand, wipe down the surface first using a non-abrasive cleaner & soft cleaning towel to remove any leftover debris, spills, or other undesirables. Remember to sanitize the top with a food-safe commercial sanitizer. Repeat this for the undershelf.
Next, wipe down all the legs & check to make sure nothing is obstructing them. Clean the crossbracing as well. As mentioned above, casters must glide smoothly so check for any dirt or debris that may be caught in the wheel(s). Remove it immediately & test out the mobility.
IMC equipment stands are engineered for heavy use & years of service in high volume commercial facilities. However, the longevity of your equipment stand will depend on your maintenance routine & keeping on top of any issues that may crop up. For a closer look at our equipment stands, click here.
