Heavy equipment is an invaluable asset for many businesses. Without the right loaders, skid steers, and other machinery, you can’t perform as safely and productively as you need to; therefore, companies put a significant amount of money toward equipment purchases.
However, upfront costs aren’t the only thing you have to worry about when budgeting for equipment. Maintenance is an ongoing expense that can drain your resources if you’re not careful. Fortunately, there are several ways to optimize your maintenance routine and make repairs and replacements as cost-effective as possible. Discover these ways to reduce heavy equipment maintenance costs for your business.
Balance Upfront and Long-Term Costs
Don’t be tempted by the cheapest equipment option. Machinery with a lower upfront cost often breaks down faster, leading to more expensive repairs and maintenance.
Before purchasing equipment, be sure to factor in the upfront cost as well as long-term maintenance costs. A larger initial investment can save you money down the road with fewer repairs and minimal downtime.
Follow a Preventative Maintenance Routine
You can’t eliminate the need for repairs, but you can ensure those repairs are as minor as possible. A preventative maintenance routine is the key to keeping your equipment in great shape all year long.
Regular cleaning and inspections help preserve your machinery while also identifying small issues before they become expensive repairs. By staying on top of your equipment needs, you also minimize lengthy downtime, which means you don’t lose productivity and profit when you do need to service equipment.
Remember to document maintenance visits as well. Detailed records of when you have inspections or when you purchase replacement parts help your team stay up to date on inspections, maintenance schedules, and other crucial details.
Choose Aftermarket Repair Parts
When you do need repairs or replacement parts, make sure you’re purchasing dependable and cost-effective equipment. A reliable aftermarket supplier can offer a high-quality part that meets manufacturer standards without the brand name price.
Aftermarket suppliers also have wider inventories. This makes it easier to find the exact part you need, even when shopping for Bobcat parts and other big brand names.
Looking for aftermarket parts rather than OEM parts when repairing equipment allows you to save money while still servicing your machines with high-quality pieces.
Prioritize Staff Training
Misuse of equipment can lead to broken parts, accidents, and other issues. One way to lower heavy equipment maintenance costs and extend the life of your machinery is to ensure your employees are using equipment correctly.
Invest in employee training so all of your workers have a comprehensive knowledge of best practices, safety protocols, and other key operational knowledge. Proper use of tools and equipment prevents misuse, which in turn reduces the risk of equipment damage and employee injury.
Make sure your onboarding process includes thorough equipment training. Support employees as they stay up to date on any necessary equipment certifications. Additionally, offer ongoing training with annual workshops, lessons, and refreshers for all your employees. By staying up to date on training, you can rest easy knowing your employees always have the most accurate and useful equipment knowledge.
Image Credit: Adobe stock royalty free image FILE #: 334786524
end of post … please share it!
GUIDE: business exit planning
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
home remodeling reference (links to internal page)
 |
 |
 |
 |
| directory | photos | forms | guide |
Helpful article? Leave us a quick comment below.
And please share this article within your social networks.
