The Equipment Cycle Part 4 – Leveling Up (aka Continuous Improvement)

It’s not about fixing more — it’s about maintaining better. Part 3 of the Equipment Cycle breaks down the Repair & Maintain It stage: Build proactive maintenance plans; Monitor machine condition and performance; Make smart, timely repairs; Know when to rebuild for a second life.

Owning equipment is just the beginning — how you operate it determines if you’re profitable. Part 2 of the Equipment Cycle breaks down the Operate It stage: Track hours and usage like a pro; Train operators for performance; Match machines to the right work; Control fuel and idle costs.

Buying and selling equipment isn’t just paperwork — it’s where profit is made (or lost). Part 1 of the Equipment Cycle breaks down the Acquire & Dispose stage: Set smart fleet standards; Buy right, every time; Plan replacements like a pro; Sell at peak value.

Decode utilization risk to understand how single- and dual-rate methodologies differ.

Understand the essential interactions of the Equipment, Operations, and Accounting teams in equipment management.

Understand the strengths and weaknesses of cost-tracking systems.

Michael Kelley and Mike Vorster interview Craig Gramlich from Lonewolf Consulting about his experience in equipment management on the Yellow Iron, Black Smoke podcast.

Capital weighting allows a fleet to more effectively measure utilization.

An efficient cycle of equipment management includes these four activities.

How an understanding of internal cost structures boosts efficiency and profitability.

Utilization rates enable fleets to more accurately compare equipment costs.

For most heavy-equipment contractors, achieving effective fieldwork hinges on just two essential elements: equipment and personnel. These two components share an interdependent relationship, with equipment relying on skilled operators to fulfill their functions, and people depending on the equipment to efficiently complete their tasks. If either of these elements is missing, no work in the…