EXPERT ADVICE cleaning appears to be crucial . “ As for key actions before winter shutdown , I would say the highest priority is to deep clean the machine ,” stated Shane Sommers , sales manager with Hitek Equipment , Inc ., Kenosha , Wis . “ Take the time to remove all the covers and guards to get into the hard to reach places . With covers and guards removed , it ’ s also a good time to check for wear .” For many , the sunset of a paving season is the time to reflect and take stock .
“ Questions I would ask ,” said Sal Rizzo , president of Salsco , Cheshire , Conn . “ are : Did I lose business because I didn ’ t have the right machine for the job ? Did I go after the right jobs ? Did I leave jobs on the table ? What would help me be more competitive , productive and profitable ?” Rizzo continued , “ Very often purchasing new equipment can open doors that were closed to businesspeople who are against change . One area of the paving market often overlooked is small jobs . There are machines designed to do the small jobs which can be very high profit jobs for the company , which sets itself up to do this type of work . “ I have seen companies set themselves up to take the small jobs from other contractors who would rather not bother with the small jobs and are willing to pay a premium just to have someone else take care of it . This is one way to improve profits without increasing negative cost exposure . Let ’ s face it , profit is what maters if you expect to stay in the ring !” Mike Smith with Salsco added : “ As we all emerge from this Covid period , we all want to come back stronger than before and new equipment that will open new doors is key to making this happen .” Before putting the machine away for the season , Sommers also recommends inspecting the auger and screed for wear . “ On full size paving machines , it would also be a good opportunity to inspect the drive chains , tracks and rollers for wear as well .” End of paving season is the time to give machines the detail and attention they need to ensure a smooth and profitable start to the next paving season . Andy Adamcik , territory manager with Weiler , Knoxville , Iowa , offered a machine inspection checklist that can guide contractors when conducting a full machine inspection at the end of the season :
• Electrical system -- Generator -- Fuses -- Harnesses
• Operator stations -- Check all switches , toggles , buttons
• Hydraulic system -- Fittings -- Hoses
• Engine -- Clean Radiator -- Check / replace oils and filters
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November 2020