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How to Reduce Equipment Downtime on Construction Sites

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With a legacy spanning 65+ years, ASCO is known across Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico as a dependable partner for equipment, service, and support. We specialize in providing top-quality equipment backed by expert support and responsive service. Whether you’re managing a large fleet or sourcing the right machine for a specific job, our team is here to help you find the best solution to keep your operation running smoothly and reduce equipment downtime.

Equipment Downtime Costs You More Than Just Time

If your equipment is down, your crew isn’t working– and that’s a problem. Not only does it cost you money, it delays progress, disrupting schedules and driving up unexpected costs. 

At ASCO, we know every minute counts on the job site. We have over 200 factory-trained certified technicians and 140 field service trucks equipped with the latest technology, providing you with 24/7 service to keep your equipment running.

How do you reduce equipment downtime? Below you’ll find tips based on ASCO’s decades of experience supporting contractors and fleet managers across Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.

1. Plan Preventive Maintenance to Minimize Equipment Downtime

The most effective way to minimize unplanned downtime is to commit to planned maintenance. Our comprehensive Planned Maintenance Agreements for single machines or full fleets help maximize uptime, minimize maintenance expenses, and control risk.

Routine inspections are also key to making sure everything is running smoothly. Make sure your crew is following a daily, weekly, and interval maintenance schedule to catch minor issues before they become major problems and keep every machine operating safely and efficiently.

Examples of daily inspections:

  • Walkaround inspections (look for leaks, damage, loose bolts)
  • Check fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, hydraulic fluid, DEF)
  • Inspect tires or tracks for wear, damage, or proper tension

Examples of weekly inspections:

  • Inspect hoses and belts for signs of wear or cracking
  • Drain water from fuel/water separators
  • Clean cooling systems (radiators and air intakes)

Examples of scheduled maintenance intervals (250 hours, 500 hours, etc.):

  • Change engine oil and filters
  • Replace hydraulic and fuel filters
  • Inspect and flush hydraulic fluid as needed

As your equipment partner, ASCO is committed to minimizing your machine’s downtime at the lowest price available. We are dedicated to developing our team members through ongoing in-house and manufacturer training and education programs on over 25 different lines of equipment.

2. Choose the Right Equipment for the Job

Using the wrong piece of equipment can lead to unnecessary wear and tear, breakdowns, and costly downtime. Whether it’s undersized machinery being pushed beyond its limits or the wrong attachment for the application, the wrong equipment will slow your crew down and delay your deadline. Ask yourself the questions below to ensure your equipment matches your needs for the jobsite.

  • What type of material are you moving? Dirt, rock, debris, pallets, etc.
  • How much lifting or digging power is required? Consider operating weight, lift capacity, breakout force
  • What are the space and terrain conditions? Narrow space? Muddy, rocky, or uneven ground?
  • How many hours per day will it run? High-use machines may need heavier-duty specs
  • What attachments are needed? Buckets, forks, augers, hydraulic tools
  • Will this be used for multiple tasks or just one? Versatility vs. specialization

At ASCO, our team is equipped with years of experience in heavy equipment to make sure you’re ahead of the game. We take the time to understand your application, your jobsite, and your goals, so you get the right machine for the work ahead. Choosing the right equipment will reduce downtime before your project even begins. It’s crucial to get your crew set up for success, and ASCO is always a phone call away to answer any questions you may have.

Contact us if you have questions about what type of equipment would best fit your needs, from quarry work to mining operations.

3. Train Operators to Extend Equipment Life and Prevent Downtime

Well-trained operators are your first line of defense against downtime. Overloading your machine, ignoring warning lights, or skipping warm-up procedures can lead to premature wear on your equipment. Our team is happy to come out to your jobsite and prepare your crew with the right tools and knowledge to run the equipment safely to reduce downtime.

With over 27 locations across Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, We’re On It to hands-on training, expert support, and fast answers, right where the work happens.

4. Use High-Quality OEM Parts and Fluids

Getting the right parts for your equipment shouldn’t be a challenge. ASCO has access to over $21 million worth of parts for heavy equipment, compact equipment, agriculture equipment, material handling equipment, and mining equipment in stock. We are a heavy equipment parts dealer for many equipment lines, from CASE Construction Equipment parts to Bobcat forklift parts. We also have access to millions of aftermarket parts at a competitive price.

Need parts for your equipment? Contact us today and our parts department will get in touch to keep you going.

5. Partner with a Fast, Reliable Equipment Dealer

At ASCO, we know every minute counts on the jobsite. That’s why we invest in what matters most: fast, reliable service. With over 200 factory-trained technicians, 140 field service trucks, and 27 locations across Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, we’re ready to respond quickly, no matter where the job takes you.

Our team uses the latest diagnostic technology, stocked parts, and deep equipment knowledge to get your machines back up and running. When it comes to keeping your jobsite moving, We’re On It.


Hear from one of our many satisfied customers:

“I want to commend the staff at ASCO, Terrell, Texas, for their performance during a recent service need on my Case 120C Tractor. From my service writer, Kellie Riley, to my Tech, Ross, and my sales rep Josh Warner, who helped me get the ball rolling, I was treated with great courtesy and professionalism. Kelli kept me advised of the status of my needed repair and when the last part which was back ordered arrived, she got Ross on his way the next day. Ross was knowledgeable and completed the needed repair in a timely manner. I am happy to recommend ASCO, Terrell to my friends and family in agribusiness.” – ASCO Terrell Customer

 

Conclusion: Don’t Let Downtime Define Your Jobsite

Equipment issues are not preventable, but they don’t have to be the showstopper for your deadlines. With the right strategy in mind and partnering with the right people, you and your crew can keep moving forward with as little disruption as possible.

Want to maximize your uptime?

Let our team at ASCO support you every step of the way. Whether you need to buy, rent, service, or purchase parts, we’ll provide the fast support you need to get you back on the job. Contact us by filling out a form or call 1-800-687-0008.

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