Category: Fleet Maintenance

Eight Tips on Garbage Truck Maintenance for New Haulers

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Are you new to garbage truck maintenance? These vehicles require regular upkeep for optimal operation, and utility vehicle repair poses some challenges that are unique to this type of truck. To keep your vehicles in top shape, use the following tips on garbage truck maintenance.

Develop a preventive maintenance program

Regular servicing is key to garbage truck maintenance. Set up a program that involves regular inspections, servicing and repairs. Determine the frequency of maintenance and stick to this schedule. For example, you may want to schedule general garbage truck maintenance every 150 or 300 miles and more extensive maintenance every 2,500 to 3,000 miles.

Create a preventative maintenance checklist

Your checklist should include a full range of inspections to cover all the systems and prevent the need for future utility vehicle repair. Be sure to include oil changes, filter changes, cooling system inspections, electrical system inspections, tire rotations, exhaust system inspections, lighting checkups, brake system inspections and more. For a complete list of garbage truck maintenance items, contact your local experts who specialize in heavy equipment repair.

Equip drivers for reporting

Drivers must complete daily inspections as part of proper garbage truck maintenance. Provide each driver with an appropriate checklist for this inspection. It should include vehicle safety systems, the truck’s interior and body, as well as other miscellaneous items such as the radio.

Perform body maintenance

The engine and other system components are not the only parts to consider for garbage truck maintenance. Be sure to keep the body in top operating condition as well. These trucks can take a beating during daily use, which puts stress on systems such as forks, rollers, pins and other moving parts of the body. Check for any cracking or other wear in metal components and make appropriate body repairs as soon as possible.

Maintain the hydraulic system

This system is essential for garbage truck performance. Inspect these parts regularly for leaks or other issues. If any problems are noted, take the truck to an experienced mechanic immediately for utility vehicle repair.

Check emissions

Emissions inspections can prevent more extensive utility vehicle repairs. Be proactive about checking emissions systems to avoid future problems. Partner with a trusted mechanic to check the emissions systems regularly.

Maintain brakes and tires

Garbage trucks require frequent stopping, so check brake systems regularly for wear and tear. Inspect tires every day for proper pressure and healthy tread depths.

Keep it clean

Clean trucks regularly, both inside and out. This will prevent debris build-up, which can interfere with truck operation. It will also keep your brand image high and help boost driver morale.

Your local truck experts

Want more tips on garbage truck maintenance? Contact the team at Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. We specialize in utility equipment, trucks and other heavy-duty machinery. We offer on-site repair, line boring services, welding, machining, hose assemblies, steel sales and other machine products. Give us a call today with any questions about utility vehicle repair. We look forward to helping you keep your fleet in optimal condition.

The Benefits of Having a Good Relationship with Your Mechanic

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It’s always smart to be a savvy shopper, but when it comes to searching for a trusted mechanic to work on your heavy-duty vehicle, you need to have complete trust in the person who’s working under the hood. It’s best to establish a continuing relationship with your mechanic rather than shopping around for the best deal when it comes to vehicle repairs. Here are just a few of the main benefits you can expect when you build a solid relationship with your heavy vehicle mechanic.

Reliable service

One of the key advantages to developing a continuing mechanic relationship is that you’ll have complete confidence in the repair services they provide. Whether you work in the utility, logging or hauling industries, your heavy-duty vehicle is your livelihood, and you can’t trust just anyone to provide the specialized repairs that these rigs require.

Since safe operation of your vehicle is crucial to your own safety as well as to others on the road, it’s not too much of a stretch to say that your mechanic should be someone you trust with your life. By establishing a great working relationship, you’ll be able to trust the quality of every repair, whether minor or major.

Faster repairs

While the speed of repairs varies from shop to shop, having a positive relationship with your mechanic usually helps you get your equipment fixed faster. Taking your heavy equipment to the same shop every time means your mechanic already has a working understanding of your vehicle. They will understand what parts have recently been replaced, as well as how your driving patterns could cause wear and tear on certain components of your vehicle.

Instead of taking your vehicle to a new shop every time and starting from scratch, develop a positive mechanic relationship that allows your service technicians to hit the ground running whenever you bring your vehicle in for repair.

Discounted repairs

It follows that when a service provider can accomplish faster repairs on your heavy-duty vehicle, you’re more likely to see a savings on the overall cost for repairs than you would by visiting a new shop. Since the mechanic will have familiarity with both you and your vehicle, you’re more likely to receive better rates, or “friend prices,” for repairs, although this will ultimately depend on shop policies.

A mechanic who knows your vehicle can also determine what repairs are absolutely essential for your rig versus what qualifies as routine maintenance. Your trusted technician can recommend a beneficial routine maintenance schedule for your vehicle, ensuring you pay for exactly what you need rather than for unnecessary repairs.

While it may be tempting to hunt around for a mechanic who will undercut the competition in terms of the price to repair your vehicle, keep in mind that you always get what you pay for. It’s best to have a great mechanic relationship so you can always trust the person who’s working on your expensive equipment. Contact Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. today to discover more of the benefits of developing a positive relationship with your mechanic.

What Is Fleet Maintenance Management and Why Is It Important?

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If you have company-owned vehicles, you have a fleet. Whether they’re forklifts, pickup trucks, trailers or company cars, fleet maintenance is crucial in Lexington, OR. Keeping your fleet well-maintained is the key to its longevity. Unfortunately, many companies underestimate the need for regular fleet maintenance—especially the importance of hiring an outside company to do the job.

Keeping your fleet well-maintained ultimately saves a lot of time, money and manpower, especially when you work with a company like Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. Read on to find out how fleet maintenance can benefit your company:

When you need fleet maintenance or utility vehicle repair in Lexington, OR, the team at Bailey Heavy Equipment Repair, Inc. can help. Call us today to learn more about our services and schedule your own fleet maintenance management plan. We look forward to working with you!