Manufacturers are always searching for ways to make their machines more serviceable and accessible for contractors. The practice of maintaining equipment is crucial to enhancing productivity, as well as ensuring machine dependability and safety.

So, what are some ways to properly maintain equipment, thereby saving costs and improving equipment reliability?

The Starting Point
Of course, proactive and preventive maintenance of equipment is very important in order to save costs, prevent machine failures and improve equipment performance.

Manufacturers advise that an authorized dealer should perform the initial inspections of the machine. From there, the standard maintenance checks should include daily inspections, weekly maintenance and service intervals. These procedures should be regularly documented for tracking and reference purposes. Also thoroughly inspect tools and equipment prior to use.

Good Lubrication

Improved lubricant quality can result in the documentation of energy savings, which can then lead to a reduction of maintenance costs and an increase of equipment reliability, as well as profitability.

Field Service
One way to improve the maintenance of equipment is to provide solutions for field maintenance needs. For example, one large piece of equipment that offers a field maintenance solution is Thunder Creek's Service and Lube Trailer (SLT). It has been redesigned to provide extended storage. Owners who have recently purchased the trailer can install many features and preferences to expand their field service needs, such as for DEF systems and rear utility boxes. The front enclosure is larger than the previous model, providing owners more space to "add toolboxes, workbenches, grease delivery systems and added oil/fluid capacity." The trailer also has a combination generator/air compressor or an optional 3-in-1 welder/generator/air compressor to help with field maintenance and repairs.

Telematics
A further way to practice preventive maintenance of heavy equipment is using telematics, an interactive device that can be installed in a vehicle to capture data. This type of technology allows owners to create their own maintenance intervals for servicing a machine or replacing parts, and then be notified when those intervals are met. Many solutions can monitor the performance of various components of a machine, detect mechanical failures and alert supervisors at the office or in
the field.

D.I.Y. or Send it Out?
When it comes to servicing your equipment for maintenance and repairs, choosing in-house technicians or a third party should be determined based on many factors such as cost savings and control, quality of work and customer service, and assets and parts.

Cost plays a major factor in deciding what type of maintenance to pursue. In-house technicians can give the company more control over their costs, thus avoiding markups. Yet, costs can be high when staffing, training and inventory management is needed to provide an in-house technician program.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2015 automotive maintenance and repair mechanics made an average of $39,360 per year. The initial costs of training and inventory are not included in that sum, and so an in-house technician would cost even more for the company, whereas third parties are usually able to spread such costs out.

With regards to quality of work and customer service, in some cases, third party providers may be desired for specialized work and in-house technicians for general maintenance, due to the fact that some technicians may not have the proper expertise to complete a job if there is not enough time to train them properly.

Having an inventory of equipment and parts is extremely important if you choose to do-it-yourself. It can take time to order the right pieces and can often cost more for individual purchases. Outside sources often have fully stocked parts inventories.