Maximizing and Managing a Mixed Fleet

Construction companies often accumulate a variety of machinery over time, ranging from excavators, bulldozers, access equipment, telehandlers, and more. Each piece of equipment has its strengths, weaknesses, and maintenance requirements. 

Although diversifying offers flexibility, there are complexities in managing a fleet of varying equipment brands.  

In this blog, we will help in guiding you through how to manage and maximize a mixed fleet effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned fleet manager or construction business owner, we are here to help equip you with the knowledge to streamline your processes to maximize profitability. 

What Is a Mixed Fleet? 

A mixed fleet includes various operational equipment, such as fleet vehicles and maintenance or service vans and trucks. These pieces of equipment may vary in brand, weight, size, and use. 

Companies can get the best prices available by investing in a mixed fleet. For this reason, mixed fleets have become especially common in the heavy equipment industry, thus creating an urgency to learn how to manage one properly.  

How to Maximize and Manage a Mixed Fleet  

To minimize problems and create an equipment lineup that works, it’s important to develop a comprehensive fleet management strategy.  

For a successful mixed fleet business strategy, owners need the right data to help them accurately calculate a machine’s value and avoid serious financial losses. To calculate a machine’s residual value, businesses must calculate the operating costs, capital expenditures, acquisition costs, amortization costs, and maintenance costs.  

How to Build a Preventative Maintenance Program 

Preventative maintenance will allow you to maximize your equipment to the fullest. It will lower the overall operating costs and reduce equipment downtime. 

1. Build an asset list. The first step to creating a successful preventative maintenance program is to build an asset list. This list should include the make, model, serial number, image, and schematics. In addition, businesses should collect all paperwork on the assets, such as OEM manuals, warranties, and other specifics on installations, repairs, and parts replacement.
   
   
2. Develop a baseline on costs. The second thing that should be done is to develop a baseline on labor and costs. This baseline will make it easier to track how well your new PM program is doing.  
   
   
3. Create and Implement the Preventative Maintenance Program. Business owners should also create preventative maintenance inspection checklists. These are lists of things to look for, small issues that could develop into bigger problems.  
    
   1. Next, implement preventative maintenance tasks recommended in the OEM manuals. To be extra cautious, check for company updates that might include new guidelines. Also, discuss possible preventative measures with your technicians. 
      
      
   2. Once you have a plan, make sure you have what you need to do it. After reviewing the inspections and tasks, list the necessary parts and materials. Don’t worry about stockpiling everything at once. Get what you need for the current tasks and schedule the rest to arrive later.  
      
      
   3. After gathering the necessary materials, develop a preventative maintenance schedule. To create a schedule, think about the necessary tasks and when they must be performed. Consider how long each task takes to complete and ensure the allotted time is sufficient for the job.  
      
      
   4. Once the plan is in place, assign trained technicians and vendors to complete the work. If no personnel are available, consider investing in additional training for your maintenance techs.  

Keep an eye on maintenance costs and adjust as needed. If you detect any equipment malfunctions, ensure regular inspections by assigning technicians or consider consulting a trusted industry expert for a thorough check-up.  

Leppo Rents Supports Your Business  

Leppo Rents is here for all your equipment needs. We support various brands and can help you get the right piece of equipment for the job. 

Are you in need of any rental equipment? All of our rental equipment will be delivered fully fueled, checked over, and ready for the job. If you’re not sure which equipment is best for the job, don’t worry, we will introduce you to all your options and suggest other equipment you will likely need for the job you are doing. Contact us today to get started.