Maintenance And Upkeep Of Fleet Vehicles With Special Uses
No matter what kind of business you operate, maintaining a fleet of vehicles is a lot of work and can often require finding specialty parts for some vehicles. Equipment used on a daily basis that uses hydraulic cylinders or pumps can be one example. These vehicles need regular maintenance as well as inspection and maintenance of the other systems.
Regular Maintenance and Upkeep
Like every vehicle you own, the trucks and cars in your fleet need to have regular maintenance on them. The tires should be inspected and rotated, the oil changed, the lights checked, and the transmission fluid changed when needed. If you want to keep your fleet running, it is critical that you do these things to avoid breakdowns and catch problems early. A good mechanic will know what to check to spot early warning signs of trouble in your vehicles and address it quickly to avoid having an important vehicle out of commission.
Inspection of Special Systems
If you have specialty vehicles in your fleet, like bucket trucks or lift trucks, special attention should be given to the inspection of the hydraulic and electrical systems that control the bucket. The last thing you need is a failure that leaves a worker stranded high in the air or a lift that won't raise because of a system problem. Take the time to look these parts over during regular maintenance to avoid unforeseen problems.
Replacing and Repairing Failed Parts
It is possible that a part that is faulty may still function to some degree. It is better to replace these parts than to take a chance that one will fail when it is needed most. If the part can be repaired or rebuilt, that is an alternative, but if not, get a new part and replace the old one as soon as you can. There is no reason to take chances with the vehicle going down or people getting hurt if the component stops working.
Sourcing Specialty Parts
When it comes time to replace these specialty parts on your vehicles, you may find you have to go outside your normal channels to get what you need. The bucket truck that you use daily may require a part that is not carried at the local auto parts store, so going to the manufacturers for the replacement is sometimes necessary. The dealer where you bought the truck may also have the parts on hand since they sell the vehicles regularly. You likely won't find a bucket truck supply shop nearby, but it is common to find equipment supply shops that carry bucket truck parts, lift truck parts, heavy equipment, and more.