EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE chasing process . If you do need to purchase equipment , meet with your dealer to prepare a quote , and consider all payment options , including upfront cash , financing offers , and leasing offers .
Parts management is vital to limiting machine downtime . Take some time this offseason to revamp your parts department , which will improve your profitability once the mowing season starts up again . First , assign inventory ownership , limiting the number of employees with access to parts storage . With one person overseeing the parts department , it ensures efficient management of the inventory .
Organize and label bin locations , creating a designated , labeled part storage location so that the manager is aware of where things are and what needs restocking . Include a minimum stocking level on the label so the manager knows when things need to be reordered .
Finally , create an immediate tracking process and schedule regular inventory reviews . It may be tempting to wait until the end of the day to track parts that were used , but that increases the chances that a part will be used without notice . Establish an immediate tracking mechanism through work orders or spreadsheets to limit the risk of forgetting a part . Then , on a periodic basis , review the parts inventory , using the time to examine what is being used and adjust minimum levels accordingly . Add or remove parts that are needed or not needed anymore . If new machines join the fleet , make sure you have the right parts . As fleets grow , so does the need for parts . By revamping your process now , you can avoid unnecessary setbacks come spring .
Consult with your equipment dealer Selecting the right equipment is another key to successfully being prepared for winter . But there are so many options on the market that choosing the right machine for the application can often feel overwhelming . Fortunately , an equipment dealer is a great resource to help identify the right machine for the job . A dealer will be able to walk you through the options and discuss property size and type , the type of jobs you would like to complete , as well as any other special needs .
The primary machines used to maintain land during the winter are utility vehicles , front mowers and compact utility tractors . While all three machines have benefits and features that make each ideal for winter maintenance , each machine can also be used for jobs in warmer months as well .
Utility vehicles can be a great solution for maintenance during the winter months due to the versatility of the machine . From transporting handheld equipment , materials ( such as salt ) and crewmembers to using attachments to prep the grounds before a winter storm , utility vehicles are great for winter maintenance . The ability to customize utility vehicles with a heated cab is ideal for winter , as it keeps workers comfortable and productive , even in below-freezing temperatures . Additionally , utility vehicles are designed to be compatible with a wide variety of attachments . For example , blade attachments can make snow plowing more manageable , while bed sprayers can also double as a de-icing mechanism .
A machine often associated with warm-weather jobs is the front mower . While the name may be deceiving , front mowers are ideal for winter work , including snow blowing and plowing . Implements such as snow blowers can attach to front mowers and clear even the most difficult-to-remove snow . Those located in areas with less snowfall should consider using a rotary broom or blade to remove lighter amounts of snow much more efficiently . Most front mowers have a cab option , which further enhances the appeal for users during the cold months .
Another machine to consider for winter work is a compact utility tractor . Commonly associated with mowing and digging , compact utility tractors can handle a wide variety of tasks through the use of implements . In winter months , blades , blowers , snow pushers and brooms help keep grounds clear in even the heaviest of snow . Also available with a heated cab , compact utility tractors allow operators to stay productive in all conditions . Additionally , the ability to use other implements , including mowers , loaders and backhoes makes compact utility tractors a great solution for maintenance throughout the year .
With winter fast approaching , it ’ s imperative to make sure equipment is properly prepared for the frigid temperatures . Always maximize the use of attachments and implements , make sure equipment is properly serviced and in good standing , and properly store machines if they won ’ t be used during the winter months . SFM
Nick Minas is go-to market manager at John Deere . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com October 2021 | SportsField Management
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