[Stonehenge]

Now that Spring is springing, it's time to knock the cobwebs off the saws, blow the dust from the compactors and get everything ready for the new season.

Assuming everyone did the usual winterizing, are there any steps you take in Spring to get your tools ready for work?

[diginahole]

I usaully take the saws, tamper and skidsteer to the dealer for a good service and saftey inspection. Of course this year I will be starting with all new equipment so other than making sure that I have everything no other prep needs to be done.

[Stonehenge]

You have your dealer service, eh? We do that for the skidsteer, but I kind of enjoy taking apart the saws and cleaning them and checking them over. Only takes me 10 minutes or so per saw, cleaning, oil change on compactors and tub saws takes around 20 - 30 minutes.

What does the saw/compactor service run you?

[diginahole]

Service is about $30 + parts. During the season I do most service in the field myself but I like to have the pros look over the stuff in the spring.

I will crawling out of the dark ages by getting my first laser this year, does anyone have thiers serviced annually and is this very costly? I never had the dumpy checked more than my own spin it end for end test.

[Rex Mann]

I have my laser checked every year. It gets bounced around during the year. One employee even backed into it with the skidloader.

They calibrate it and give it the once over.

Runs about $100.00 from the dealer. They service it right on site. I would definitely do it.

Peace,

[Stonehenge]

Rex - What do they do to check it? Is it something internal, or are there external measurements taken to verify accuracy?

[Rex Mann]

Jeff,

They do a lab and field test on it to make sure its within the
specifications. Its one of those things you have to have faith
that they did it and did it correctly.

Peace,

[Paul]

How about a field test, we do this once a month and send ours out once a year. Our slope laser gets sent out twice a year just to make sure that they are accurate at slopes. Our hand tools get checked out , we buy a kit our supplier sells, spark plug, air filter, and fuel filter. Our bigger equipment is on a computer program for oil filters, hyd filters, anti-freeze, ect. Smaller repairs we do inhouse larger problems go to the dealer. Most of our equipment is less than 3 years old so theres not too much that goes wrong.

[Stonehenge]

Paul, I thought you had some really old saws....

[Paul]

On that mostly new equipment I was talking about of "heavy stuff"

[Stonehenge]

Ok.

I've heard of some people sharpening their shovels - anyone here do that?

[diginahole]

I often do the new ones they stay sharp after that.

[Bexter]

We do almost all our own repairs ... every truck is brought in and thoroughly checked in the winter... brakes done..Clutches etc. We keep a supply of all oil, fuel and air filters for every truck and piece of equipment we have. Same goes for all small equipment.
Yes I sharpen all shovels.... But that’s a regular thing all season long.

[diginahole]

Oh ya I forgot about the trucks. The law here requires all commercial vehicles be certified safe by a licenced mechanic annually. We have this done at this time of the year.