In construction, durable heavy machinery is important for project success, financial planning, and overall efficiency.
But how do you ensure optimal efficiency and durability for your heavy-duty machinery? This blog examines the process of equipment aging, the factors influencing its lifespan, and strategies for extending your construction equipment life expectancy.
RPM Machinery is a reliable construction equipment dealer. They can assist you in understanding the lifespan of your fleet and finding sustainable equipment management strategies. Whether you’re experienced or new to the industry, we are here to help.
What is the Average Lifespan of Construction Equipment?
The lifespan of construction equipment is important for the long life of heavy machinery. There are several important factors to consider.
First up, we have the “average lifespan” of these heavy-duty assets. On average, construction equipment tends to serve dutifully for 10 to 15 years. But that estimated number depends on many things, one of which is whether it has undergone proper maintenance.
Next, you should address financial aspects – the balance between owning and operating costs. This encompasses the initial investment, owning the equipment, and the ongoing operational costs. Think of it as the upfront commitment and the continuous financial push and pull with maintenance and repair costs.
Doing regular maintenance tasks like changing oil and inspecting carefully can help reduce the cost of unexpected repairs. Taking meticulous care of equipment has multiple benefits. It prevents breakdowns and improves performance.
Additionally, it can potentially increase the lifespan of the equipment. This, in turn, reduces financial burdens related to ownership, operation, maintenance, and repairs. It’s not only about how long your equipment lasts but also the quality of service it provides over time.
Finally, consider what type of machine you have and how much use it has gotten. Some heavy-duty warriors, like excavators and loaders, might gracefully retire after a decade of intense service. More durable equipment, such as light towers, can last for 15 years or more.
The Cost of Heavy Equipment Machinery Downtime
Experiencing equipment downtime in a construction business can have profound and far-reaching consequences. When heavy machinery breaks down, it can cause more than just inconvenience. It can seriously hurt the company’s finances and how well it operates.
Just a few days without working equipment can lead to big money losses, possibly reaching tens of thousands of dollars. The consequences go beyond money; projects can fall behind schedule, risking deadlines and possibly losing contracts.
There are two types of downtime. The first type is planned downtime, such as when your machine is undergoing scheduled maintenance. The second type is unplanned downtime, which occurs when machinery breaks and can’t be used until it is fixed. Unplanned downtime is particularly detrimental, given the industry’s average two-week wait time for repairs.
In the current economy, it is often difficult to get new machinery quickly. Getting new machinery quickly is often challenging in the current economy. Unplanned downtime can be costly and its impact depends on the duration, repair expenses, and the type of machinery affected.
Whether it’s a 30-ton excavator, wheel loader, or compactor, having crucial construction equipment sidelined for even a week or two proves extremely costly, leading to missed deadlines, lost contracts, and potentially even workforce layoffs.
Downtime expenses can quickly increase, from hundreds to thousands of dollars per hour. This highlights the need for proactive maintenance and reducing unexpected disruptions in construction.
How To Increase Heavy Equipment Uptime
Improving heavy machinery uptime and performance is crucial in the construction industry. To achieve this, consider the following actionable steps:
- Compile a Comprehensive Equipment List: Start by creating a detailed inventory of your heavy machinery. Understanding the full spectrum of your heavy-duty machines lays the foundation for effective maintenance planning.
- Document Routine Maintenance Requirements: Develop a meticulous list outlining the routine maintenance needs specific to each heavy-duty machine. Adapting these needs for tough machines is important to make them last longer.
- Prioritize Employee Training: Provide comprehensive training programs to ensure your workforce is skilled in the proper operation of heavy-duty machines. Skilled operators lower the risk of damage, helping to increase the lifespan of your machinery.
- Implement a Proactive Maintenance Schedule: Establish a proactive maintenance schedule aligned with manufacturer recommendations for heavy machinery. Regular, scheduled maintenance acts as a preventive measure, identifying potential issues before they escalate and minimizing unexpected downtime.
- Maintain Detailed Records: Keep meticulous records of all maintenance activities, repairs, and inspections for your heavy-duty machines. Historical data helps predict future maintenance and troubleshoot, promoting equipment longevity.
By incorporating these strategies, you not only increase heavy machinery uptime, you also contribute to the durability and cost-effectiveness of your heavy-duty machines. To make heavy machinery last longer in construction, a proactive approach that meets their tough requirements is essential.
Learn more about how to increase heavy equipment uptime in our most recent white paper
Explore RPM Machinery’s CASE Equipment Services
In the world of heavy equipment, ensuring peak performance and reliability is not just a priority; it’s a necessity. At RPM Machinery, we stand as your dedicated partner in achieving and maintaining the optimal functionality of your machinery.
We offer specialized CASE equipment services for projects and job sites in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Franklin, and Lafayette areas. We know that accuracy and efficiency are important, and we work hard to provide personalized solutions for any problems you face.
Contact RPM Machinery now to improve your equipment’s performance, reduce downtime, and help your projects succeed. We offer reliable services and prioritize the health of your machinery.
