As a construction firm owner, you know that repairs and maintenance are always necessary for doing business. But construction equipment is pretty expensive, especially heavy-duty ones. For example, an excavator can cost between $75,000 to $150,000. That’s a lot of money.
Thankfully, there are ways you can save money on it, and that’s by doing repairs. Following these five tips, you can keep more money in your pocket and get the most out of your construction equipment.
Know Your Equipment
The better you know your construction equipment, the easier it will be to spot potential problems before they arise. Familiarize yourself with the manual and ensure you understand how each piece of equipment works. This way, you can catch minor issues before they turn into big (and expensive) problems. Here are some efficient ways you can know about your equipment.
- Equipment training: Training you and your employees on how to operate the equipment is essential. It will help everyone be more familiar with it and know what to look for when something isn’t working right.
- Research online: Some construction equipment can be found online, and there are often manuals and other documentation available. This can help you understand more about your equipment and what needs to be done to keep it running smoothly.
- Read manuals: Most pieces of equipment come with manuals, and it’s essential to read them. This will help you understand how the equipment works and what needs to be done to keep it running correctly.
Perform Regular Maintenance
Another way to save on construction equipment repair is to perform regular maintenance on your machines. This means keeping an eye on oil levels, air filters, and tire pressure. By staying on top of routine maintenance, you can prevent more significant issues from developing down the line. Here is some essential maintenance you have to do for your heavy-duty equipment.
Oil Change
Many construction equipment, such as excavators, requires an oil change interval of 1,000 hours. Once you’ve reached this milestone, it’s time for an oil change. Not changing the oil can lead to wear and tear on the engine, costing you more money in the long run.
Air Filter Replacement
The air filter is responsible for keeping dust and other particles out of the engine. Over time, it can become clogged, which can cause the machine to work less efficiently. Therefore, it’s important to check the air filter regularly and replace it when necessary.
Tire Pressure Check
Tires are an essential part of any construction equipment. They provide traction and stability but can also be expensive to replace. That’s why it’s essential to check the pressure regularly and keep them inflated to the proper level. This will help extend the life of your tires and save you money in the long run.
Invest in Quality Parts & Equipment
Invest in quality materials when it comes time to repair or replace parts on your construction equipment. This may cost more upfront, but it will save you money in the long run by preventing costly repairs down the line. Additionally, consider investing in high-quality construction equipment – it may cost more initially but will pay off over time.
When repairing, there are some ways you can save on high-quality construction parts for your equipment. First, you can purchase high-quality aftermarket construction equipment parts. Aftermarket parts are those made by a company other than the equipment manufacturer. They are often just as good as OEM parts but cost less.
You can also look for used construction equipment parts. Used parts can be a great way to save money, but it’s vital to ensure they are in good condition before purchasing them. Check for wear and tear and ensure they are compatible with your construction equipment.
Shop Around for Repairs
Once you need repair, take some time to compare shops and prices before making a decision. When it comes to something as crucial as your construction equipment, you’ll want to ensure that you’re getting the best possible service at a fair price.
Be proactive about repairs
Finally, one of the best ways to save money on construction equipment repair is to be proactive about repairs rather than waiting until something goes wrong. If you notice a minor problem, take care of it immediately rather than putting it off until it becomes a more significant issue (and a more considerable expense).
Following these five tips can save money on construction equipment repair and keep your business running smoothly. Construction equipment is an integral part of any business – by taking care of it, you can avoid costly repairs and operation running smoothly for years to come!
