Renting Vs. Buying Heavy Equipment

As contracting and construction companies continue to take on large projects, the idea of renting equipment might be a better idea that purchasing it. Renting might be a better alternative in comparison to purchasing for multiple reasons. Consider all of the aspects and weigh the possibilities that would be best for the company. Advantages of… Continue reading Renting Vs. Buying Heavy Equipment

The Bottom Line – Keeping the Fleet, Fleet

Fleet managers have long understood the value of reducing maintenance costs and maximizing fuel economy.  After all, this is one of the most direct avenues they have to positively influence PAD.  Thankfully, advances in technology have lead to many game changing powertrain innovations, which have helped make the dream of a maintenance free fleet a… Continue reading The Bottom Line – Keeping the Fleet, Fleet

Make Roadside Inspection Violations a Snap

GUELPH, Ont. – Drivers and employers alike were thrilled to discover that the year 2015 saw the lowest out-of-service results ever according to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. However, simple violations during roadside inspection seem to be a recurring problem. In order to improve each company’s truck fleet, employers at the seminar hosted by the Private… Continue reading Make Roadside Inspection Violations a Snap

Preventative Maintenance Improves Fuel Economy and Truck Life

Continued preventative maintenance on diesel trucks, buses and heavy equipment extends the life of the vehicles while improving fuel economy. Diesel engines that undergo careful maintenance procedures can improve fuel efficiency up to 10% on the open road. Good continued maintenance will give trucks, buses and other equipment  longer life spans and may also help them sustain their value in… Continue reading Preventative Maintenance Improves Fuel Economy and Truck Life

Easy Security Measures to Reduce Job Site Theft

Job site theft can put a damper on productivity and slow down even the best workers if they don’t have the tools they need. Reducing theft of tools can be done simply with a few common sense tips and tricks. Mark Your Perimeter – Putting up a fence around the job site will keep out would… Continue reading Easy Security Measures to Reduce Job Site Theft

Tips for Battery Maintenance

Mangers, truck and heavy equipment mechanics, and equipment enthusiasts understand the key to keeping a battery in good condition is preventative maintenance. For example, it’s important to examine the starting and charging system. Fleets may change technologies or battery types.  Any time one part of a fleet’s system is changed without looking at all of… Continue reading Tips for Battery Maintenance

Your Shop Makes Money, Right? Here’s How to Produce a Little More

SHOP LABOR typically produces the highest profit margins of any other department in a trailer dealership. So when management can find ways for technicians to become a little more effective, it can have a big impact on the bottom line. A recent webinar put on by the National Trailer Dealers Association was designed to do… Continue reading Your Shop Makes Money, Right? Here’s How to Produce a Little More

Timely Tips: NG Oil Selection, Piston Ring Identification, Tire Inflation

Using diesel engine oil in a natural gas engine will cause valve torching, piston scuffing and a reduction of spark plug life. Additionally, oils with high ash content may cause valve and/or piston damage that leads to excessive oil consumption and catalyst degradation. You can avoid this by following all engine OEM recommendations and requirements… Continue reading Timely Tips: NG Oil Selection, Piston Ring Identification, Tire Inflation

Top Brake Questions Answered

The No. 1 job of truck brakes is safety; within that application, there’s more than one way to stop a truck. Drums have been the brake of choice for many trucks, but air disc brakes (ADBs) continue to gain popularity in nearly all heavy-duty on-road applications. “Current [ADB] market penetration is in the 12% to… Continue reading Top Brake Questions Answered

MBWA: Management by Wandering Around, Not Walking Away

Some say a quick way to know what is going on is to read a report. Not sure I agree. When the costs hit the reports, it is too late. Data is good, but maybe too late! There are some quick ways to understand what is going on in your shops, especially if you or… Continue reading MBWA: Management by Wandering Around, Not Walking Away