Ruppert Landscape Appoints Kang President & COO
Jessica Schwartz
Cost Saving Equipment Maintenance
How fleet software can make preventative maintenance truly proactive. Proper equipment maintenance is just as important for landscaping fleets as proper vehicle maintenance. Without a comprehensive maintenance strategy in place for equipment, landscaping companies can experience increased expenses in downtime, repair, and replacement costs. Equipment Maintenance Strategies In order to do their job, your crew needs safe, operational, and reliable equipment. Being proactive with maintenance is the best way to ensure these criteria are met, and you can do that by creating a thorough maintenance strategy. Leveraging fleet management software (FMS) to implement and monitor your equipment maintenance strategy helps improve uptime through real-time asset monitoring and service workflow automation. FMS allows you to create either individual preventive maintenance (PM) schedules and/or bulk service programs for your equipment—with each asset maintained according to utilization, OEM specification, equipment type, or other criteria you dictate. Additionally, FMS automates maintenance workflows to maximize equipment lifespan, monitor expenses, and improve uptime. Take the case of ProQual Landscaping in Tempe, AZ: an operation that began with 10 trucks rapidly grew to over 85 various assets. With over $1 million in asset value, ProQual Landscaping’s fleet is its largest asset. From trucks, vans, tractors, and every piece of equipment in between, the company had outgrown the use of complex spreadsheets and needed to create a more proactive process. The company also decided it was best to bring its maintenance in-house. By utilizing FMS, “ allowed us to create proactive maintenance plans that saved us 33% in ...
Five Fleet Management Considerations
Landscape contractors are tasked with managing many business and equipment aspects. A holistic fleet management program can help your business stay efficient and profitable. Here are five considerations: Find a fleet program as nimble as your business. Staying nimble will help you through challenging times. Several equipment manufacturers offer fleet discounts for a single unit and have starter fleet programs for small landscapers that can benefit them as they grow their business. For larger landscapers, companies may offer tiered programs. Landscapers who purchase more units can realize greater unit discounts as they grow their business. Look for loaner units. Loaner units are another key item that a landscape professional must look for in a fleet management program. These units are intended to keep landscapers up and running, so they can keep on-schedule and fluid in their own business schedule. Investigate flexible payment options. Many fleet programs have several payment options available, whether it be cash purchase, financing, or leasing. Look for a fleet program that offer discounts for cash purchases or the flexibility of varied term financing options. When financing, don’t feel stuck with one option—there are dealers that can offer a variety of finance solutions whether it’s a straight monthly payment or even skipping winter months. There are alternatives out there that can help plan for seasonal business growth and variances. Some manufactures also offer very competitive leasing options that allow you to expense your new mower purchases. Build a partnership with your local dealer. A landscaper’s relationship with ...
Five Fleet Management Considerations
Landscape contractors are tasked with managing many business and equipment aspects. A holistic fleet management program can help your business stay efficient and profitable. Here are five considerations: Find a fleet program as nimble as your business. Staying nimble will help you through challenging times. Several equipment manufacturers offer fleet discounts for a single unit and have starter fleet programs for small landscapers that can benefit them as they grow their business. For larger landscapers, companies may offer tiered programs. Landscapers who purchase more units can realize greater unit discounts as they grow their business. Look for loaner units. Loaner units are another key item that a landscape professional must look for in a fleet management program. These units are intended to keep landscapers up and running, so they can keep on-schedule and fluid in their own business schedule. Investigate flexible payment options. Many fleet programs have several payment options available, whether it be cash purchase, financing, or leasing. Look for a fleet program that offer discounts for cash purchases or the flexibility of varied term financing options. When financing, don’t feel stuck with one option—there are dealers that can offer a variety of finance solutions whether it’s a straight monthly payment or even skipping winter months. There are alternatives out there that can help plan for seasonal business growth and variances. Some manufactures also offer very competitive leasing options that allow you to expense your new mower purchases. Build a partnership with your local dealer. A landscaper’s relationship with ...
