In the landscaping industry, are we truly prepared for equipment breakdowns? Often, we find
ourselves focused on completing our tasks, using either new or older equipment without
considering the potential for failures. Breakdowns can occur unexpectedly, and sometimes we
may even anticipate an issue only for it to manifest at the most inconvenient times. Throughout
my years in business, I have encountered various breakdowns, ranging from tire failures and
belt issues to trailer axle problems and complete engine failures.
To mitigate these challenges, it is essential to prepare proactively when purchasing equipment.
This includes acquiring spare belts, tires, and bolts that are known to wear out. However, it is
impossible to stock every potential replacement part needed for daily equipment failures.
Recently, I purchased a brand new mower, which, after only a day and a half of use and
approximately an hour and a half of operation, experienced its first breakdown. The belt head
detached and became entangled under the tensioner pulley. Unfortunately, since the mower
was newly released and the dealer had not yet received extra belts in stock, they promptly
arranged for a replacement belt and installed it for us. They also provided a backup demo unit to
ensure our work could continue uninterrupted. Fortunately, the mower manufacturer
acknowledged this issue and issued a recall, allowing us to resolve it swiftly.
This experience highlights that even with new equipment, unforeseen issues can arise,
underscoring the importance of having necessary parts readily available for quick repairs. To
maintain smooth operations, I recommend keeping essential items such as tires, belts, spindles,
pulleys, and extra bolts on hand. Additionally, it is beneficial to learn how to replace these
components in the field, as every minute spent returning to a dealer for repairs translates to lost
time on the job.
Over the years, we have consistently used one brand of mower and one brand of small
equipment, enabling us to understand what needs replacement and how to perform these tasks
ourselves. This approach ensures we can quickly return to work, often within a couple of hours.
As your business grows, it is crucial to maintain a stock of tools and parts, whetherin your truck
or trailer or your shop.
Another effective strategy for preparing for breakdowns is to always have a backup mower,
weed whip, and other essential tools that you utilize daily. When purchasing a new mower,
refrain from disposing of the old one; instead, keep it as a backup or ensure you have a smaller
mower, such as a 20-inch model, available for use. Additionally, retain older small equipment as
long as it remains operational; if it requires minor repairs to function, consider making those
repairs to ensure you have a reliable backup.
By implementing these straightforward practices, you can be prepared for equipment
breakdowns approximately 90% of the time.