Whether we’re talking about a car, a bulldozer, a tractor, or maybe some other type of vehicle that you may use to get the job done, maintenance is extremely important. Not only is equipment very expensive to replace, but it goes without saying that being down even one or two vehicles for a short period of time can greatly hinder company performance. Instead of waiting until the worst-case scenario occurs, we want to make sure you know how to extend the life of the products you have. We’ll cover some of the basics today that every beginner should know and understand.
Purchasing is Just the Beginning
Buying new equipment can be intimidating. There is so much to know. How often does this particular vehicle need to have its oil changed? Does the company you bought it from offer warranties and if so, are your comfortable with the guidelines and rules that must be kept up in order to stay within that warranty? Something as simple as not having a car inspected on a regular basis can mean saying ‘bye-bye’ to the warranty. Often, first-time purchasers will forget these seemingly minor details, which can end up costing you a large chunk of cash down the road. Look into the company’s extended warranty solutions and see if those won’t just work better for you. Shopping around and purchasing wisely are two ways to put yourself in the best situation possible, without all the hassle. You’re allowed to be, and should be picky when it comes to any large purchases.
Getting to Know That Owner’s Manual
While it may seem impossible to be able to know absolutely everything about your latest product, it’s important that you take the time to read all the fine print. As we briefly mention in the previous section, keeping up with your vehicle (let’s focus on tractors in this section, to keep things simple) is imperative to its life. If you want to add extra years to your new tractor, make sure to know how often to take a gander at the engine, and the chassis lubrication. An owner’s manual is a must-have, no matter how experienced you are on the job. Many manufacturing companies have them available on their websites if yours is lost or one wasn’t provided to you.
Be sure that you have the proper tools to care for that new tractor (or other machinery) of yours. While the number and size of the tools you currently have for your car may be just fine, when it comes to tractors, there are many more required. Figure out what types of tools you’ll need to add to your collection and buy them ahead of time to make checking up on your oil, wheels or engine a stress-free process. Being prepared for anything will mean quicker fixes and speedier recovery times.
Areas to Take Special Care of
The more vehicles you have to worry about, the more important it is that you have and maintain a regular check-in schedule in order to ensure productivity across the board. It doesn’t matter if you are working with a backhoe, excavator or a forklift: the rules are the same. Put focus on those wheels, those belts, that arm or the hydraulics. Take a moment to think about what each machine is used most for and which areas may require a bit more attention.
At first, all of this can feel extremely overwhelming but try not to let it be. As long as you pay close attention to manufacturer recommendations, keep up with fluid levels and keep those babies protected from the elements, your work is going to be a lot easier for you. In time, tracking which vehicle needs what, when is going to become second nature to you. Remember, if the time does come that you need to replace parts, consider going to companies other than the manufacturer. Sometimes this may save you a pretty penny, especially if you’re already out of warranty.
Jack Dempsey is the author of today’s post and owns a tours and travel company. It is imperative for him to take care of his Buses and SUV’s which he gives for hire to interested clients. He suggests the services of
ValuePart Australia for spare parts of vehicles. He also likes blogging and regularly writes articles in which he sheds light on the finer points of his profession.