The complaint is an old one: older appliances and equipment were built to last, so they say, and newer versions were built for planned obsolescence. While it might seem that way sometimes, this complaint isn't especially accurate in the construction industry. Newer equipment is usually built very well because companies want to keep their good reputations and help customers.
Still, the tendency to hold on to older, trusty equipment is understandable. You know how each piece works and what condition each is in. But there does come a time when that built-to-last quality finally gives out. It's best to replace the equipment well before your equipment breaks down, and once you do, you will likely see a great improvement in many factors.
Safety Concerns
A major issue for those using old equipment is safety. While you no doubt do your best to inspect the equipment, the older it gets and the more stress it goes through, the greater the chance of something unsafe happening. Maybe a crucial part falls off, or perhaps an emergency stop function malfunctions.
With new equipment, that strain, stress, and wear is no longer an issue. The machinery is in top form, and while it's always possible that a piece of equipment could be a lemon, you're likely to get one that works very well and is thus a lot safer to use.
Rather than taking a chance, check out new equipment so that you can continue to work without worrying about the safety of your contractors.
Efficient Operation
New equipment is also more efficient than older models. Additionally, as time goes on and stress takes its toll on the old equipment, the efficiency can wear down. Maybe the equipment moves more slowly, or maybe it requires more maintenance and thus eats into the time you could be working.
New equipment will still need maintenance, but it won't need as much repair. The manufacturer has likely also improved on some of the maintenance and repair methods to make them take less time. You'll be able to get a lot more work done because you won't have to take that equipment out of service for yet more repairs.
Fuel Savings
Along with efficient operation comes more efficient fuel use for motorized equipment. With the potential for rising fuel prices a concern, you want all the fuel efficiency you can get. Machinery that uses fuel nowadays is made to stretch out supplies, but you won't get that benefit unless you replace your older equipment.
Better Technology
Trading in your old equipment for new equipment can also bring you better technology. The changes in equipment is often not only with efficiency but also in actual improvements in how the machinery works, what parts it needs, and how it does its job. Machinery that requires a worker to be seated inside may be more ergonomic, or the shocks may be much better so that operation is smoother and less jarring for the worker's back.
You can also upgrade to equipment that is more computerized. Computer technology can lead to improvements such as more exact cuts. The finished construction project can look cleaner as a result.
Cost Overruns
Finally, there is the issue of spending too much money on repairs. Every piece of equipment, from cars to construction machinery, has moments when it requires some pricey repairs. But if you are replacing only one part, it makes no sense to dump the entire machine.
Things are a lot different when the machinery requires lots of repairs on a frequent basis. When you start to spend more per month for repairs than you'd pay for new equipment lease or loan payments, then you probably want to start looking for new equipment.
Older machines that work well are a blessing, but if you've noticed that the machinery is becoming slower, using up a lot of fuel, or really denting your budget for repairs, it's time to search for new equipment. Remember, you can also rent equipment for a while instead of buying immediately.
If you'd like to start investigating new equipment, call us here at RDS Equipment, Inc. Whether you want to rent or buy, we can help you evaluate new models of equipment and find the ones that work best with your projects.
