One of the first steps in preventive maintenance, according to Heath Watton, regional manager for Southeastern Equipment Company, a landscape equipment distributor, is to create an inspection checklist and then make sure your operators know how to complete all the inspections. Even small problems on features that are seldom used can indicate larger problems that without immediate attention can lead to lost time and money down the road. Completed checklists also help protect your company when there are warranty claims.

 

Besides checking for telltale leaks, record any uneven wear on the tires, tracks and attachments, especially the cutting edges, as these are good indicators that service is needed.

Performing preventive maintenance on compact landscaping equipment is vital to keeping your machines running. Whether your landscaping business uses a skid steer, backhoe, or mini excavator, a routine inspection plan will help you avoid unnecessary downtime for repairs while increasing the value of your investment.

Heath Watton, regional manager for Southeastern Equipment Company, has seen his share of poorly maintained equipment.

"Machines will come in with dented panels and leaking fluids, and it is evident that no one has been taking care of them," says Watton. "Then, a month after the warranty expires, something serious will go wrong that could have been addressed and avoided had regular inspections occurred."

Whether you plan on upgrading your fleet every few years, or using a piece of equipment until it dies, proper maintenance will help you get the best return on your investment.

"If someone is going to spend the money to buy one of these specialized machines, then the inspections need to happen every day," says Watton.

Equipment that undergoes recommended inspections, uses certified OEM parts, and is well maintained will also fetch a higher resale value at trade-in, allowing you more flexibility when upgrading or expanding your fleet.

How to Create an Inspection Routine
Follow a Plan
"The most important part of any maintenance routine is to first have a plan," says Watton. "It's like dusting your house: if you're going to do it every Tuesday, do it every Tuesday."

Almost every machine sold today comes with recommended manufacturer checklists, which generally include daily inspection suggestions. Watton recommends following these suggestions to create an effective and comprehensive maintenance routine.

Train Your Operators After finalizing an inspection checklist, every operator should receive a copy and understand how to complete it. Small issues are often overlooked or ignored by operators who are not properly trained.

"Many times an operator will push a button and nothing will happen. Because they may not use that feature all the time, it is possible they will ignore the problem and continue to work around it," says Watton. "However, this small problem could actually be the indicator of a larger overall issue that can get worse without immediate attention. It can also create a situation where all of a sudden you need to use that feature, and are unable to do so, costing you time and money while it is repaired."

Every button, lever, switch, meter and gauge, no matter how insignificant, should be checked and noted if it is not operating properly. Pump the brakes to confirm they are working and test all safety equipment.




Underlining the value and importance that manufacturers are placing on preventive maintenance, ground level checkpoints and easy access to internal components are features that they are commonly touting on their newest machines. For older models that are not as easily accessible, more time should be allowed to complete inspections.

By training your operators on your maintenance checklist, problems can be identified at the earliest possible time and repairs can be scheduled before the issue becomes more serious. Additionally, your operators are in the best position to complete a daily inspection in a timely and efficient manner.

Follow Through
Provide a copy of the checklist to your operators every day, and have them fill it out before using the machine. This will reinforce the routine for your operators and provide accountability if they fail to complete the inspections. As an added benefit, completed checklists are a great supplement to maintenance records for any repair or warranty claims.

While it may seem like a daily inspection will cost additional time and money to complete, in the long run it is worth it, adds Watton.

"At the landscaping level, equipment is highly specialized. From attachments to machines, owners are making significant investments. Failure to conduct these inspections will hurt the bottom line of these machines and that investment."

What to Look For
If a manufacturer's recommendation for daily inspections was not provided for your machine, or you decide to create your own routine, here are some tips on what to look for during your maintenance check.

Exterior
Conduct a walk around of the entire machine, inspecting the cab, body, and glass for any dents, defects, or other issues. Check all lights and reflectors to ensure they are operating properly and don't need any attention. Next, inspect your tires or tracks for tears or foreign objects. Take note on how your equipment is wearing, as uneven wear can be a sign of issues or that maintenance is needed. Additionally, look for any signs of leaks, which should be addressed immediately. Finally, check any attachments for wear and tear and inspect any cutting edges.

Interior
Test every button, lever and switch to ensure that its feature is operating properly and as expected. Pump the brakes to confirm they are working, and test any other safety equipment. Finally, check all of the meters and gauges for accurate readings.

Internal Components
Most machines today come with ground level checkpoints and easy access to internal components. Take advantage of this to check any site gauges or dipsticks and make sure all fluids are filled. Look for any leaks or obvious signs of issues, and check your belt tension and battery charge as well.

Conclusion
Whether you're operating an entire fleet of landscaping equipment, or just one machine, it is important to have a maintenance plan in place. Not only can preventive inspections increase your productivity and extend the life of your equipment, they also ensure you receive the best return on your investment.