It never ceases to amaze me how many times I hear operators or equipment managers making disparaging comments, such as “oh this piece of equipment is junk, needs to be replaced, or can’t get out of its own way,” during site visits, shop visits or impromptu meetings. I am guilty of this myself in years gone by, being critical about the machine I was operating saying it was too slow, didn’t have enough power, or I needed a new one.
Now that I find myself on the other side of the equipment spectrum where I am responsible for purchases, costing and tracking all of the details that are linked with so-called “yellow iron,” I now appreciate what is involved with the ownership of construction equipment. I also have to be patient with those who make the negative comments.
Knowing the major investment involved and the costs of maintaining equipment, it would have certainly changed my perspective in my younger years as I continuously tried to make the machine outperform its capabilities at all costs. Why not? It didn’t really affect me; it was not my money. I routinely greased, maintained lubricants at required levels, and made sure my machine was clean and presentable. What more could I do?
Looking back and considering the investment that is required to purchase equipment (and shop tools) should probably change every current or former operator’s appreciation for the commitment to ownership that is involved. After all, it’s the lifeline to the company’s performance effecting not just profitability, efficiency, and maintenance (and who doesn’t want to operate brand new shiny equipment?). As managers, it is our responsibility to keep the equipment bright and shiny, operating at peak efficiency, reducing repair costs, and keeping the overall integrity of the machinery at its best; thus, allowing best resale value at the end of what we deem as useful lifespan.
I apply these practices every day at work. At Empire Services, I take pride in the work my team completes and the way they respect the equipment, especially after a long day of demolishing a burned- out warehouse or excavating rough land for a new housing development. No matter the job, I make sure our fleet of equipment and my team are ready to take on the next project.
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