Behind the Scenes at Diggerland: How We Keep the Machines Running

Diggerland is a unique and exciting UK theme park where both children and adults can operate real construction machinery. From JCB skid steers to dumper trucks, every visit to Diggerland offers a hands-on adventure unlike any other theme park. But have you ever wondered what it takes to keep all these impressive machines running smoothly day after day?

In this behind-the-scenes look at Diggerland, we’ll explore the extensive work that goes into maintaining our fleet of construction machinery. You’ll discover how our dedicated team of mechanics, engineers, and support staff ensure that every piece of machinery is safe, reliable, and ready for action. Keeping Diggerland running isn’t just about thrills – it’s about safety, precision, and teamwork.

The Importance of Maintenance at Diggerland

At the heart of Diggerland’s thrilling attractions are powerful construction machines that are not typically found in traditional theme parks. These full-sized excavators, dumpers, and telehandlers undergo significant wear and tear due to daily use by thousands of excited visitors. This makes routine maintenance absolutely essential to ensure the park operates smoothly.

The key to Diggerland’s success lies in keeping these machines in peak condition, and this involves a combination of regular checks, servicing, and expert attention from a team of highly trained mechanics. Safety is our top priority, and we take every precaution to make sure that every ride and piece of equipment is functioning as it should.

Daily Safety Inspections

Before the park opens its gates each day, our mechanics carry out rigorous safety inspections on all the machinery. These daily checks involve examining the machines for any signs of damage or wear, testing the engines, hydraulics, and controls, and ensuring that all safety features are working perfectly.

Each machine has a checklist that is followed to ensure nothing is missed. These checks are thorough and cover everything from fluid levels to tyre pressure. If any machine shows signs of needing repair or adjustment, it is taken out of operation until it’s fully repaired and safe to use. 

We also use this time to clean the machines and make sure they’re in top visual condition for our guests. After all, part of the Diggerland experience is the thrill of riding in a real, working digger that looks and feels as powerful as it is!

Regular Servicing and Preventative Maintenance

In addition to daily checks, Diggerland’s machines undergo regular servicing, similar to how you might take your car in for a routine check-up. Our team follows strict maintenance schedules, which are based on the hours each machine has been operated and the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Preventative maintenance is essential to avoid breakdowns and ensure long-term reliability. This process involves replacing worn-out parts, changing oils, checking hydraulic systems, and performing any necessary adjustments to keep the machines running smoothly. By staying ahead of potential issues, we can reduce downtime and ensure that visitors can enjoy uninterrupted fun at the park.

At Diggerland, we work closely with leading machinery brands like JCB, Manitou, and Komatsu to ensure we are following best practices for maintaining these complex machines. Our mechanics are trained to work with the specific models we use, giving them the expertise to diagnose and fix problems quickly.

The Role of Technology in Machine Maintenance

Keeping a fleet of construction machinery in top condition requires more than just hands-on expertise – it also involves advanced technology. At Diggerland, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to monitor the performance of our machines. These tools help us identify issues before they become serious problems, ensuring that any repairs can be carried out swiftly and efficiently.

For example, many of our machines are equipped with telematics systems that provide real-time data on their performance. This allows our mechanics to track things like engine temperature, hydraulic pressure, and fuel efficiency. If a machine is running hotter than usual or showing signs of a potential issue, we can address it before it affects the guest experience.

This proactive approach to maintenance helps us ensure that our machines are always ready to operate at peak performance, even during the busiest times at Diggerland.

Another aspect of managing our fleet of machinery includes renewing the machines every 3 to 5 years. Our Diggerland machines will be passed over to our sister company, International Plant Sales, where they will be sold on to other operators. We will then purchase brand new machinery directly from the manufacturers, ready for our visitors to use.

The Human Factor: Diggerland’s Expert Mechanics

While technology plays a key role in keeping the machines running, it’s the human expertise at Diggerland that truly makes the difference. Our mechanics are highly skilled professionals with extensive experience working with heavy machinery. Many come from backgrounds in construction or agriculture, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the team.

The team works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every machine is safe and functioning properly. Whether it’s diagnosing an engine problem, replacing a hydraulic hose, or performing routine maintenance, our mechanics are the unsung heroes of Diggerland. They work quietly and efficiently to minimise any disruption to the park’s operations. Often completing repairs and servicing during off-peak hours or after the park has closed for the day.

Repairing Machines: When Things Don’t Go to Plan

While we do everything we can to prevent issues, sometimes machines do break down – that’s just the nature of working with heavy machinery. However, when something goes wrong, our team is ready to act swiftly.

Our on-site repair facilities are equipped with everything needed to fix machines quickly. From welding equipment to spare parts, we have the tools and resources to get broken-down machines back in action. If a machine can’t be fixed on the spot, we often have backup vehicles to ensure that guests don’t miss out on the experience. Alternatively, we have close connections with the manufacturers who will send fitters out with specialised parts that we wouldn’t always have access to!

Our goal is always to minimise downtime and ensure that guests have the best possible experience, even if a machine temporarily goes offline. In most cases, any issues are resolved within a few hours, thanks to the dedication and skill of our maintenance team.

Training the Team: Staying Up to Date

Maintaining a fleet of diggers, dumpers, and telehandlers requires constant learning and development. At Diggerland, we invest in ongoing training for our mechanics and engineers to ensure they stay up to date with the latest advancements in machinery technology.

Our team regularly attends training sessions, and manufacturer courses to learn about new models and techniques for maintaining and repairing machines. This commitment to continuous improvement allows us to keep Diggerland’s machinery operating at the highest level of performance.

We work closely with the Diggerland Plant Training School who offer NPORS accredited courses for our staff members. If you’re looking to get your foot in the door in the construction industry, then getting your digger ticket is the perfect way to begin. Take a look at their NPORS courses in Kent, and around the UK, and contact an instructor today!

Have You Visited Yet? Don’t Forget To Prebook Your Tickets!

Prebook your tickets today for the ultimate day out at our UK theme park. Don’t forget to also follow us on social media for the latest news and offers. All of our channels can be found here: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Diggerland/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diggerland.uk/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@diggerlanduk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Diggerland_UK

All information correct as of: 10/10/2024