If your business uses heavy equipment, keeping it serviced should always be a priority. These machines are more than just tools; they are investments that need protecting. On average, replacing a piece of heavy equipment can cost a company over $100,000, so preventative maintenance is a cost-saving necessity.
Whether your company owns one piece of heavy equipment or 100, you should regularly have professional maintenance done by skilled professionals or whenever wear and tear become apparent. Explore tips and recommendations to keep all your heavy equipment performing its best and earning you as much money as possible.
Why Service Heavy Equipment Regularly
Broken-down equipment is any business owner’s nightmare. Business-critical machines need to work correctly at all times, as downtime means a loss of income and the cost of repair or replacement. Beyond its function, it is also essential to maintain the value of these machines as an investment and capital resource should your company need it.
Regular preventative maintenance has several direct advantages, including:
● Fleet reliability means less downtime
Preventative maintenance keeps machines working at peak performance. You won’t need to work slower because a machine is not as efficient as it once was. Additionally, your production continues without broken or offline machines.
● Protects investment
You can maximize the tens of thousands of dollars invested in heavy equipment by efficient daily use and a long productive lifespan. The better the machine works, and the longer it keeps going, the more you get for your money and the higher the return on the initial investment.
● Improves resale value
Reselling older machines is a great secondary source of income for businesses. If a machine is in excellent shape, you can sell it for top dollar, sometimes replacing most of the initial cost.
● Increases profitability
Profitability is defined by money earned per unit of money spent. If you can lower your production costs by maximizing the efficiency of your heavy equipment while minimizing operating costs, your profitability increases, even if your workload or sales remain the same.
Ensure Your Fleet is in Peak Condition
No matter what heavy equipment you use, keeping it in peak condition as much as possible is critical. Every piece of equipment has a necessary maintenance routine and issues to keep an eye on. Below are general guidelines for ensuring your fleet is in peak condition:
1. Following manufacturers recommendations
Following the manufacturer’s instructions is essential for successful heavy equipment maintenance. Keeping machines in excellent shape ensures that any repair is covered under warranties and prevents voiding user agreements. Manufacturer recommendations might include:
● A schedule of recommended service
● Software updates
● Performance specifications and specific use instructions
2. Properly training operators
Just because an operator used a similar model or has worked with a similar machine does not mean they know how to use a specific piece of heavy equipment from different manufacturers.
Every operator should have training at several intervals to ensure worker and equipment health, safety, and efficiency. These intervals include training before operating new equipment, even if the equipment is similar to past machines, running daily equipment checks, proper equipment storage, and safety protocols for the equipment.
3. Appointing a dedicated equipment manager
A dedicated equipment manager might add to your staff budget, but they will dramatically lower your equipment costs. This employee is responsible for all your equipment and is in charge of training equipment operators, performing routine inspections, and scheduling preventative maintenance and repairs.
Hiring an equipment manager can save your business in the long run and prevent equipment malfunction. It can also help prevent workplace injuries due to lack of training or improper equipment use that can cost your company profits and safety.
4. Establishing a relationship with a reputable dealer
A reputable dealer can be the difference between spending tens of thousands of dollars on the correct make and model for your work and wasting money on a machine that won’t do what you need.
A reputable dealer like Monk JCB should be a one-stop shop for purchase, parts, service, and warranties. Our team is knowledgeable about heavy equipment, honest about recommended repairs, and helpful with scheduling routine maintenance.
