Abstract: This article describes how extreme maintenance practices can help extend equipment lifespans. In today’s economy, everyone is trying to stretch things as far possible. Whether it’s stretching time between oil changes in the car or holding off on buying that new pair of work boots you know you need, everyone is pushing the limits. The construction industry is no exception. Its economic downturn has prompted many contractors to run equipment for more hours than normal. Capital for new machines is scarce so equipment is being kept longer and worked harder. Knowing that the equipment has to last, managers carefully watch oil samples for wear particle signals that mean component failure is approaching. And some equipment managers are even replacing small components, such as water pumps and alternators, before they fail. “We’re probably adding 20 percent more to the life of our equipment than we would in normal economic times,” says Rex Davis, a vice president at RMCI Incorporated, Albuquerque, New Mexico. “Sooner or later we have to make some decisions (about trading in equipment). It doesn't do any good to have new equipment if you don’t have work for it. Hopefully the economic tide will turn soon.”
Publication Year: 2010
Publication Date: 2010-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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