WEBVTT
00:00:06.000 --> 00:00:08.240
Season one, episode seven.
00:00:08.480 --> 00:00:10.880
Let's talk about some equipment maintenance.
00:00:11.039 --> 00:00:14.560
Taking care of your equipment, your equipment will take care of you.
00:00:14.800 --> 00:00:17.679
Hello everyone, and welcome to the Thornton Edge.
00:00:17.760 --> 00:00:28.719
I'm Tony Thornton, and for the next few minutes, we're going to discuss a subject that doesn't always get the attention it deserves, but can have a tremendous impact on profitability and productivity.
00:00:28.879 --> 00:00:29.920
Equipment maintenance.
00:00:30.079 --> 00:00:42.960
After more than 50 years in the fence industry, I've seen companies invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in trucks, skid steers, augers, trailers, compressors, welders, specialized equipment for installation.
00:00:43.119 --> 00:00:48.479
I've also seen those same companies neglect the very assets that help them make money every day.
00:00:48.640 --> 00:00:51.039
Equipment doesn't break because it's old.
00:00:51.200 --> 00:00:54.399
More often than not, it breaks because it wasn't maintained.
00:00:54.479 --> 00:00:58.880
As I've often said, preventive maintenance is always cheaper than emergency repairs.
00:00:58.960 --> 00:01:00.079
So let's talk about it.
00:01:00.240 --> 00:01:01.200
What's the challenge?
00:01:01.439 --> 00:01:04.159
Equipment failures never happen at a convenient time.
00:01:04.319 --> 00:01:06.560
It's always during the busiest week of the year.
00:01:06.719 --> 00:01:18.239
The skid steel won't start, the auger gearbox fails, a trailer tire blows out, the truck breaks down, the compressor quits working, suddenly an entire crew is standing around waiting.
00:01:18.400 --> 00:01:27.040
The customer is waiting, the schedule falls behind, the office starts making phone calls, the owner is frustrated, and the repair bills keep growing.
00:01:27.200 --> 00:01:30.000
The actual repair cost is only part of the problem.
00:01:30.239 --> 00:01:43.760
Lost production, employee downtime, rental equipment, customer dissatisfaction, project delays, overtime required to make up for that time, and those hidden costs often exceed the repair itself.
00:01:43.840 --> 00:01:49.680
I've seen companies lose thousands of dollars because of a problem that could have been prevented with a simple inspection.
00:01:49.920 --> 00:01:53.519
Understanding your equipment is an investment is the first start.
00:01:53.680 --> 00:01:56.000
Here's something every contractor should remember.
00:01:56.239 --> 00:01:58.879
Your equipment is not an expense.
00:01:59.040 --> 00:02:00.000
It's an investment.
00:02:00.239 --> 00:02:10.159
Every truck, every trailer, every skid steer, every auger, every chainsaw, every compressor, every tool, they're all revenue producing assets.
00:02:10.319 --> 00:02:13.360
If your equipment isn't working, your crews aren't producing.
00:02:13.439 --> 00:02:17.039
And if your crews aren't producing, your company isn't making any money.
00:02:17.199 --> 00:02:20.240
The best contractors don't wait until something breaks.
00:02:20.400 --> 00:02:28.560
They develop maintenance schedules, they inspect equipment daily, they track repairs, they replace worn parts before failure.
00:02:28.719 --> 00:02:32.159
They understand that reliability creates productivity.
00:02:32.319 --> 00:02:33.599
Think about it this way.
00:02:33.840 --> 00:02:39.199
Would you rather spend 30 minutes performing maintenance in the shop or lose an entire day on a job site?
00:02:39.360 --> 00:02:41.039
The answer seems pretty obvious.
00:02:41.199 --> 00:02:42.400
So what's our solution?
00:02:42.560 --> 00:02:45.919
How do fence contractors improve equipment reliability?
00:02:46.080 --> 00:02:48.080
I believe there's four important steps.
00:02:48.240 --> 00:02:54.000
First, we got to create a maintenance uh a pre excuse me, create a preventive maintenance schedule.
00:02:54.159 --> 00:02:59.520
We gotta have normal oil changes, hydraulic systems, grease points, tires.
00:02:59.680 --> 00:03:01.840
We gotta look at our belts, our filters.
00:03:01.919 --> 00:03:05.520
We gotta inspect our batteries, and we gotta check those trailer lights.
00:03:05.599 --> 00:03:07.680
And don't leave maintenance to chance.
00:03:07.840 --> 00:03:09.120
Put it on the calendar.
00:03:09.199 --> 00:03:11.680
And secondly, perform daily inspections.
00:03:11.840 --> 00:03:14.879
Crew leaders should inspect equipment before leaving the yard.
00:03:15.039 --> 00:03:18.159
Small problems become large problems when ignored.
00:03:18.400 --> 00:03:21.120
Third, train your employees to respect your equipment.
00:03:21.439 --> 00:03:30.479
Operators should understand proper operation, safe loading, routine cleaning, basic inspections, good habits extend equipment life.
00:03:30.560 --> 00:03:32.879
And fourth, keep maintenance records.
00:03:33.039 --> 00:03:34.560
We need to track these repairs.
00:03:34.719 --> 00:03:38.319
We need to monitor our operating costs on every piece of equipment.
00:03:38.479 --> 00:03:44.960
Know when repairs become more expensive than replacement, and good records lead to better decisions.
00:03:45.120 --> 00:03:47.199
Your equipment reflects your company.
00:03:47.360 --> 00:03:51.759
There's another benefit to maintain equipment that often gets overlooked.
00:03:51.919 --> 00:03:53.280
It's a professional image.
00:03:53.439 --> 00:03:59.840
Customers notice it, a clean truck, a well maintained trailer, organized tools, equipment in great condition.
00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:02.800
It tells customers they've hired a professional.
00:04:03.120 --> 00:04:04.479
Employees notice too.
00:04:04.639 --> 00:04:08.400
People take pride in working for companies that invest quality equipment.
00:04:08.560 --> 00:04:11.360
Well maintained equipment also improves safety.
00:04:11.520 --> 00:04:19.920
Faulty equipment creates unnecessary risk, and proper maintenance protects your employees and your team members as much as it protects your investment.
00:04:20.079 --> 00:04:24.399
So remember this equipment maintenance isn't simply about mechanics.
00:04:24.560 --> 00:04:29.279
It's about professionalism, safety, efficiency, and your reputation.
00:04:29.439 --> 00:04:32.639
So I'd like to ask you this week, here's your challenge.
00:04:32.800 --> 00:04:39.360
Take a look at your equipment and management process and ask yourself, do we have a preventive maintenance schedule?
00:04:39.519 --> 00:04:41.680
Do crews perform daily inspections?
00:04:41.839 --> 00:04:44.800
Do we track repairs and maintenance costs?
00:04:45.040 --> 00:04:47.360
Do employees receive equipment training?
00:04:47.680 --> 00:04:51.759
Are we replacing equipment strategically or simply waiting for breakdowns?
00:04:52.079 --> 00:04:55.680
And perhaps the biggest question, are we managing our equipment?
00:04:55.839 --> 00:04:57.680
Or is our equipment managing us?
00:04:57.839 --> 00:05:00.879
The answer could have significant impact on your profit.
00:05:01.199 --> 00:05:03.360
So I'd like to leave you with this final thought.
00:05:03.519 --> 00:05:08.480
Your equipment is one of the largest investments your company will ever make.
00:05:08.800 --> 00:05:09.920
Treat it that away.
00:05:10.079 --> 00:05:12.160
A truck isn't just transportation.
00:05:12.319 --> 00:05:14.720
A skid steer isn't just a machine.
00:05:14.959 --> 00:05:17.759
An auger isn't simply another tool.
00:05:17.920 --> 00:05:22.639
They are assets that help your team serve customers and generate revenue.
00:05:22.800 --> 00:05:27.439
The companies that consistently succeed understand something very important.
00:05:27.680 --> 00:05:31.199
Equipment maintenance is a cost, is not a cost.
00:05:31.439 --> 00:05:39.759
An investment in productivity, it's an investment in safety, it's an investment in reliability, and it's an investment in profitability.
00:05:39.920 --> 00:05:47.839
Take care of your equipment, take care of your employees, take care of your customers, and your business will be stronger because of it.
00:05:48.079 --> 00:05:50.639
I want to say thank you for spending these few minutes with me.
00:05:50.720 --> 00:05:58.480
And if you have any interest in a free consultation scorecard on your business, visit Fence Consulting Group and click on free scorecard.
00:05:58.639 --> 00:06:02.319
Also, check out the Fence Masters Peer-to-Peer group and become a member.
00:06:02.480 --> 00:06:03.759
We would love to have you.
00:06:03.920 --> 00:06:09.360
Remember, your equipment doesn't determine your success, but how you maintain it certainly can.
00:06:09.600 --> 00:06:17.759
Invest in preventive maintenance, protect your assets, reduce downtime, and build a company that's prepared to perform every single day.
00:06:17.920 --> 00:06:21.519
Hey, I'm Tony Thornton, and this has been the Thornton Edge.
00:06:21.600 --> 00:06:24.639
I'll see you next time and keep on fencing.
00:00:06.000 --> 00:00:08.240
Season one, episode seven.
00:00:08.480 --> 00:00:10.880
Let's talk about some equipment maintenance.
00:00:11.039 --> 00:00:14.560
Taking care of your equipment, your equipment will take care of you.
00:00:14.800 --> 00:00:17.679
Hello everyone, and welcome to the Thornton Edge.
00:00:17.760 --> 00:00:28.719
I'm Tony Thornton, and for the next few minutes, we're going to discuss a subject that doesn't always get the attention it deserves, but can have a tremendous impact on profitability and productivity.
00:00:28.879 --> 00:00:29.920
Equipment maintenance.
00:00:30.079 --> 00:00:42.960
After more than 50 years in the fence industry, I've seen companies invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in trucks, skid steers, augers, trailers, compressors, welders, specialized equipment for installation.
00:00:43.119 --> 00:00:48.479
I've also seen those same companies neglect the very assets that help them make money every day.
00:00:48.640 --> 00:00:51.039
Equipment doesn't break because it's old.
00:00:51.200 --> 00:00:54.399
More often than not, it breaks because it wasn't maintained.
00:00:54.479 --> 00:00:58.880
As I've often said, preventive maintenance is always cheaper than emergency repairs.
00:00:58.960 --> 00:01:00.079
So let's talk about it.
00:01:00.240 --> 00:01:01.200
What's the challenge?
00:01:01.439 --> 00:01:04.159
Equipment failures never happen at a convenient time.
00:01:04.319 --> 00:01:06.560
It's always during the busiest week of the year.
00:01:06.719 --> 00:01:18.239
The skid steel won't start, the auger gearbox fails, a trailer tire blows out, the truck breaks down, the compressor quits working, suddenly an entire crew is standing around waiting.
00:01:18.400 --> 00:01:27.040
The customer is waiting, the schedule falls behind, the office starts making phone calls, the owner is frustrated, and the repair bills keep growing.
00:01:27.200 --> 00:01:30.000
The actual repair cost is only part of the problem.
00:01:30.239 --> 00:01:43.760
Lost production, employee downtime, rental equipment, customer dissatisfaction, project delays, overtime required to make up for that time, and those hidden costs often exceed the repair itself.
00:01:43.840 --> 00:01:49.680
I've seen companies lose thousands of dollars because of a problem that could have been prevented with a simple inspection.
00:01:49.920 --> 00:01:53.519
Understanding your equipment is an investment is the first start.
00:01:53.680 --> 00:01:56.000
Here's something every contractor should remember.
00:01:56.239 --> 00:01:58.879
Your equipment is not an expense.
00:01:59.040 --> 00:02:00.000
It's an investment.
00:02:00.239 --> 00:02:10.159
Every truck, every trailer, every skid steer, every auger, every chainsaw, every compressor, every tool, they're all revenue producing assets.
00:02:10.319 --> 00:02:13.360
If your equipment isn't working, your crews aren't producing.
00:02:13.439 --> 00:02:17.039
And if your crews aren't producing, your company isn't making any money.
00:02:17.199 --> 00:02:20.240
The best contractors don't wait until something breaks.
00:02:20.400 --> 00:02:28.560
They develop maintenance schedules, they inspect equipment daily, they track repairs, they replace worn parts before failure.
00:02:28.719 --> 00:02:32.159
They understand that reliability creates productivity.
00:02:32.319 --> 00:02:33.599
Think about it this way.
00:02:33.840 --> 00:02:39.199
Would you rather spend 30 minutes performing maintenance in the shop or lose an entire day on a job site?
00:02:39.360 --> 00:02:41.039
The answer seems pretty obvious.
00:02:41.199 --> 00:02:42.400
So what's our solution?
00:02:42.560 --> 00:02:45.919
How do fence contractors improve equipment reliability?
00:02:46.080 --> 00:02:48.080
I believe there's four important steps.
00:02:48.240 --> 00:02:54.000
First, we got to create a maintenance uh a pre excuse me, create a preventive maintenance schedule.
00:02:54.159 --> 00:02:59.520
We gotta have normal oil changes, hydraulic systems, grease points, tires.
00:02:59.680 --> 00:03:01.840
We gotta look at our belts, our filters.
00:03:01.919 --> 00:03:05.520
We gotta inspect our batteries, and we gotta check those trailer lights.
00:03:05.599 --> 00:03:07.680
And don't leave maintenance to chance.
00:03:07.840 --> 00:03:09.120
Put it on the calendar.
00:03:09.199 --> 00:03:11.680
And secondly, perform daily inspections.
00:03:11.840 --> 00:03:14.879
Crew leaders should inspect equipment before leaving the yard.
00:03:15.039 --> 00:03:18.159
Small problems become large problems when ignored.
00:03:18.400 --> 00:03:21.120
Third, train your employees to respect your equipment.
00:03:21.439 --> 00:03:30.479
Operators should understand proper operation, safe loading, routine cleaning, basic inspections, good habits extend equipment life.
00:03:30.560 --> 00:03:32.879
And fourth, keep maintenance records.
00:03:33.039 --> 00:03:34.560
We need to track these repairs.
00:03:34.719 --> 00:03:38.319
We need to monitor our operating costs on every piece of equipment.
00:03:38.479 --> 00:03:44.960
Know when repairs become more expensive than replacement, and good records lead to better decisions.
00:03:45.120 --> 00:03:47.199
Your equipment reflects your company.
00:03:47.360 --> 00:03:51.759
There's another benefit to maintain equipment that often gets overlooked.
00:03:51.919 --> 00:03:53.280
It's a professional image.
00:03:53.439 --> 00:03:59.840
Customers notice it, a clean truck, a well maintained trailer, organized tools, equipment in great condition.
00:04:00.000 --> 00:04:02.800
It tells customers they've hired a professional.
00:04:03.120 --> 00:04:04.479
Employees notice too.
00:04:04.639 --> 00:04:08.400
People take pride in working for companies that invest quality equipment.
00:04:08.560 --> 00:04:11.360
Well maintained equipment also improves safety.
00:04:11.520 --> 00:04:19.920
Faulty equipment creates unnecessary risk, and proper maintenance protects your employees and your team members as much as it protects your investment.
00:04:20.079 --> 00:04:24.399
So remember this equipment maintenance isn't simply about mechanics.
00:04:24.560 --> 00:04:29.279
It's about professionalism, safety, efficiency, and your reputation.
00:04:29.439 --> 00:04:32.639
So I'd like to ask you this week, here's your challenge.
00:04:32.800 --> 00:04:39.360
Take a look at your equipment and management process and ask yourself, do we have a preventive maintenance schedule?
00:04:39.519 --> 00:04:41.680
Do crews perform daily inspections?
00:04:41.839 --> 00:04:44.800
Do we track repairs and maintenance costs?
00:04:45.040 --> 00:04:47.360
Do employees receive equipment training?
00:04:47.680 --> 00:04:51.759
Are we replacing equipment strategically or simply waiting for breakdowns?
00:04:52.079 --> 00:04:55.680
And perhaps the biggest question, are we managing our equipment?
00:04:55.839 --> 00:04:57.680
Or is our equipment managing us?
00:04:57.839 --> 00:05:00.879
The answer could have significant impact on your profit.
00:05:01.199 --> 00:05:03.360
So I'd like to leave you with this final thought.
00:05:03.519 --> 00:05:08.480
Your equipment is one of the largest investments your company will ever make.
00:05:08.800 --> 00:05:09.920
Treat it that away.
00:05:10.079 --> 00:05:12.160
A truck isn't just transportation.
00:05:12.319 --> 00:05:14.720
A skid steer isn't just a machine.
00:05:14.959 --> 00:05:17.759
An auger isn't simply another tool.
00:05:17.920 --> 00:05:22.639
They are assets that help your team serve customers and generate revenue.
00:05:22.800 --> 00:05:27.439
The companies that consistently succeed understand something very important.
00:05:27.680 --> 00:05:31.199
Equipment maintenance is a cost, is not a cost.
00:05:31.439 --> 00:05:39.759
An investment in productivity, it's an investment in safety, it's an investment in reliability, and it's an investment in profitability.
00:05:39.920 --> 00:05:47.839
Take care of your equipment, take care of your employees, take care of your customers, and your business will be stronger because of it.
00:05:48.079 --> 00:05:50.639
I want to say thank you for spending these few minutes with me.
00:05:50.720 --> 00:05:58.480
And if you have any interest in a free consultation scorecard on your business, visit Fence Consulting Group and click on free scorecard.
00:05:58.639 --> 00:06:02.319
Also, check out the Fence Masters Peer-to-Peer group and become a member.
00:06:02.480 --> 00:06:03.759
We would love to have you.
00:06:03.920 --> 00:06:09.360
Remember, your equipment doesn't determine your success, but how you maintain it certainly can.
00:06:09.600 --> 00:06:17.759
Invest in preventive maintenance, protect your assets, reduce downtime, and build a company that's prepared to perform every single day.
00:06:17.920 --> 00:06:21.519
Hey, I'm Tony Thornton, and this has been the Thornton Edge.
00:06:21.600 --> 00:06:24.639
I'll see you next time and keep on fencing.
