6 reasons to consider outsourcing your equipment maintenance

In a recent webinar session and accompanying article (excerpted below), United Rentals detailed the considerations for outsourcing mobile equipment maintenance.

Outsourcing your maintenance allows you to focus on the core areas of your business, potentially increasing profitability

A maintenance strategy is essential for all equipment, but coming up with and enforcing a solid maintenance program while running a commercial construction business can be a tall order.

Outsourcing fleet maintenance is an option worth considering for many businesses. With that in mind, Bret Kasubke, director of sales and marketing for United Rentals’ Customer Equipment Solutions group, provided six reasons why outsourcing maintenance may be a smarter, more efficient and more cost-effective choice for many construction companies.

1. Comply with regulations and reduce liability

Fleet maintenance isn’t just about reducing repair costs, it’s also about protecting your company legally and keeping employees safe. Certain types of equipment are subject to maintenance regulations. If you outsource maintenance to qualified professionals, they’ll make sure you comply with relevant government standards. The provider will also keep detailed service records, which could help reduce your liability if your equipment is involved in an on-the-job incident.

2. Make sure maintenance gets done

If you’re overseeing your own fleet maintenance, it’s easy to postpone servicing. After all, it’s difficult to pull a piece of equipment from a job site, where it’s making you money, to have it serviced. With outsourcing, your equipment will be serviced on a regular schedule to maximize uptime.

United Rentals, for example, can proactively schedule and complete required inspection and maintenance services per time intervals and/or usage. It also offers an onsite, turnkey solution for equipment and vehicles located at large sites.

3. Gain access to qualified labor

One of the biggest challenges in maintaining a fleet, especially a mixed fleet, is finding qualified, capable mechanics. The shortage of skilled labor in many areas is real. When you outsource your equipment maintenance to a qualified service provider with experience in mixed fleets, you don’t need to worry about finding or training mechanics. That work is done for you.

4. Save time and realize cost efficiencies on parts

In addition to leveraging the service provider’s mechanics, you’ll also be able to tap into their supply chain. Companies that service fleets have the purchasing power and priority order status to get you the parts you need fast, often at price points below standard retail pricing than you’d pay. Providers with large parts inventories may already have the needed parts on hand, which helps to get your equipment up and running faster, saving money in the process.

5. Require fewer people and resources

Hiring and retaining employees is costly. With outsourcing, you’ll need fewer equipment maintenance staff — and likely, fewer service trucks and repair tools. You’ll also eliminate the need to lease a maintenance management system.

6. Freedom to focus on your core business

Most commercial construction operators make money when they’re performing work on site or bidding new jobs. Outsourcing your maintenance allows you to focus on those core areas of your business, potentially increasing profitability.

As a business owner, you probably wouldn’t dream of doing your own taxes; it obviously pays to use a tax accountant. For many construction businesses, the same idea applies to fleet maintenance. You might be able to save money, and certainly time, by outsourcing it to the experts.