8 Maintenance Tips for Rented Equipment
Ensuring rented equipment remains in peak condition is crucial for any business, so we’ve gathered insights from CEOs and founders to provide their best maintenance tips. From scheduling regular inspections to conducting pre- and post-use inspections, explore these eight expert strategies to keep your rental equipment running smoothly.
- Schedule Regular Inspections
- Store Equipment Properly
- Maintain Adequate Insurance Coverage
- Provide Proper Training
- Clean Printing Machines Regularly
- Keep Accurate Maintenance Records
- Conduct Pre- and Post-Use Inspections
- Regularly Lubricate for Longevity
Schedule Regular Inspections
Scheduling regular inspections should be at the top of your checklist. Only by inspecting the equipment periodically can you spot any signs of wear and tear, minor damages, or malfunctioning parts early on.
Let’s say you’re renting a piece of machinery for a construction project, and during an inspection, you notice a small oil leak. If left unchecked, that tiny leak could turn into a major issue, leading to costly repairs or even accidents on the job site. By catching it early, you can address the problem promptly, minimizing downtime and potential safety risks.
It also demonstrates responsible behavior, and rental companies appreciate when their clients take good care of their inventory. It builds trust and can even lead to better service and future rental opportunities. Plus, it’s just good business practice to treat rented equipment with care and respect.
Riley Beam
Managing Attorney, Douglas R. Beam, P.A.
Store Equipment Properly
Store the rented equipment in a dry, clean, and secure environment when not in use. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, moisture, or direct sunlight, as these conditions can damage sensitive components and materials.
Marc Bromhall
Founder, StorageBuddy
Maintain Adequate Insurance Coverage
We rent refrigerated trailers for plant storage during warm months to extend our warm-season shipping period. The rental company requires a one-million-dollar professional liability policy, as well as comprehensive and collision coverage. This not only protects their expensive trailer, but it also protects us against damage claims.
Tammy Sons
CEO, TN Nursery
Provide Proper Training
When people rent equipment, there’s often this assumption that they already know how to use it, especially if it’s something seemingly straightforward like a power tool or a piece of machinery. But every piece of equipment has its quirks and nuances, and using it incorrectly can lead to all sorts of issues. That’s why proper training is so important.
It ensures that whoever is in charge of operating the machinery knows how to use the equipment safely and efficiently. They’ll learn things like how to perform routine maintenance tasks, how to spot warning signs of potential issues, and how to operate the equipment in a way that minimizes wear and tear. Plus, they’ll be aware of any specific do’s and don’ts that are unique to that particular piece of equipment.
Gary Gray
CEO, CouponChief.com
Clean Printing Machines Regularly
One essential maintenance tip for ensuring rented printing equipment remains in optimal condition is to perform regular cleaning of the machines. For a sticker printing company like ours, it’s crucial to prevent ink buildup and dust accumulation that can affect print quality and machine functionality.
Regularly wiping down the exterior surfaces and using compressed air to remove debris from hard-to-reach internal components can significantly extend the life and performance of the printing machines.
Additionally, adhering to the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and maintenance not only helps in maintaining the equipment’s condition but also in avoiding potential issues that could arise from improper handling.
David Rubie-Todd
Co-Founder & Marketing Head, Sticker It
Keep Accurate Maintenance Records
I’d say keeping accurate records of your rented equipment’s maintenance and usage should be at the top of your list. You’ll know when it was last serviced, what repairs have been done, and how frequently it’s been used. You can spot any trends or patterns that may indicate potential issues brewing.
For example, let’s say you notice that the equipment tends to malfunction after a certain number of hours of operation. Now, you can proactively schedule maintenance checks or even request a replacement from the rental company before it causes any major disruptions to your project.
Accurate records also come in handy if there are any disputes or discrepancies regarding the equipment’s condition when it’s returned. You’ll have documentation to support your claims and protect yourself from any unwarranted charges or penalties.
Alex Freeburg
Owner, Freeburg Law
Conduct Pre- and Post-Use Inspections
One vital maintenance tip for rented equipment is to implement a rigorous pre- and post-use inspection routine. At Yijin Hardware, we ensure that every piece of equipment is thoroughly checked for functionality and safety before and after deployment.
This practice not only prevents the escalation of minor issues into major repairs but also guarantees that the equipment performs optimally throughout the rental period. Regular maintenance checks enhance reliability and customer satisfaction, securing the equipment’s value and longevity.
Gavin Yi
CEO, Yijin Hardware
Regularly Lubricate for Longevity
One pivotal maintenance tip I often stress, from my experience over the years—particularly in dealing with complex automated systems and heavy machinery at C-FAB LLC—is the importance of regular lubrication. It might seem basic, but consistent, appropriate lubrication of moving parts is critical to preserving the functionality and longevity of rented equipment. This is especially true for industrial mining, steel, aluminum, and marine machinery, which can suffer significant wear and tear due to harsh working conditions.
For example, our work in improving food packaging equipment and processing equipment has shown that regular lubrication can drastically reduce the friction between moving parts, minimizing wear and the likelihood of equipment failures. At one point, after implementing a structured lubrication schedule for a client’s automated packaging line, we observed a 30% reduction in mechanical issues over a six-month period. This is a substantial improvement, considering the downtime and costs associated with repairs.
Moreover, choosing the right type of lubricant is crucial. In my experience, high-quality lubricants, like those provided by Texas Refinery Corp, offer better protection against corrosion, a common issue in food packaging and processing environments due to the frequent cleaning processes. In one case, switching to a high-performing lubricant tailored to the specific environmental conditions of the machinery not only enhanced performance but also extended the equipment’s operational life. This proactive approach to maintenance significantly aids in keeping rented equipment in optimal condition throughout the rental period.
Todd Cleppe
Executive Engineer and Sales, C-FAB LLC
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