Following a project timeline takes hard work. Construction professionals must coordinate many factors, from technician schedules to equipment queues, to ensure projects are completed on time. They even account for potential inclement weather and other common interruptions so that last-minute delays don’t impact the project timeline.
However, if your equipment has an unexpected breakdown or malfunction, it can disrupt your entire project schedule. immediately replacing the machine is often not cost-effective, and in-shop repairs can take a long time to schedule. That’s where emergency field service comes in — professionals who work on your equipment on-site can get your fleet up and running again quickly.
Why Minimizing Equipment Downtime Matters
Project timelines are closely tied to other key metrics in the construction business, including:
- Customer satisfaction: When projects run late, customers may be frustrated with your service.
- Productivity: Combating equipment downtime is essential for increased productivity and smooth operations.
- Company budget: Late projects can mean higher costs since workers still need to be paid.
- Business reputation: If you’re known for running late, clients may choose to hire a competitor.
Establishing a plan for surprise malfunctions or delays that are out of your control is crucial for ensuring you stay on schedule and can get the job done right.
Preventive Measures and Maintenance
Regular machine maintenance is one way to prevent equipment malfunctions in the middle of a project. By scheduling regular checks for your equipment, you can replace old parts before they break. Servicing your machines keeps them running smoothly, efficiently and according to your plan.
However, even with regular maintenance, machines may break down unexpectedly. When damage or an unexpected breakdown impacts your project timeline, emergency field service is often your best option for a quick, professional equipment repair.
What Is Emergency Field Service?
Emergency field service is when trained mechanics and field service technicians come to your location and fix your equipment on-site. Common examples include:
- Hydraulics repair: Issues with a machine’s hydraulics system can be dangerous and often require immediate attention.
- Welding: Some equipment damage requires heavy-duty work, like welding, to fix on-site.
- Engine service: Engine trouble is one of the most common equipment malfunctions in the field and can leave a machine unable to move.
- Undercarriage service: You may need a professional to tend to undercarriage damage on the jobsite to ensure safety.
- Fluid sampling: Testing equipment fluids can provide insight into a machine’s inner workings and potential issues.
Reducing machinery downtime with emergency service is a good solution for unexpected breakdowns or equipment damage. Field service engineers are skilled at troubleshooting on-site and use diagnostic tools to identify equipment issues. They bring all the tools required so they can get your equipment running again as quickly as possible.
How to Get Emergency Field Service
Accessing emergency field service is easy — simply reach out to your local dealership and ask what they have available. There may also be independent service shops nearby that offer emergency assistance. However, you should always check your equipment warranty to ensure that working with an independent shop won’t void any protections. Working with a trusted dealer is always best.
Although you can find emergency equipment repair services after a breakdown, it’s wiser to do your research before a malfunction impacts your project timeline. That way, you have a phone number to call and already know what kind of help is available to you.
How Fast Is Emergency Field Service?
You cannot always anticipate an equipment breakdown, which means you need assistance from emergency field service providers quickly. Emergency service is generally much faster than getting your equipment repaired at a dealership or repair shop. However, the speed of last-minute equipment service can vary depending on the following factors:
- Location: How close are service technicians to your jobsite?
- Technicians: How many technicians are available on a given day?
- Time: Does the company offer emergency services 24/7?
If you have a service contract, you may be given priority for a faster emergency service response. Talk to your local dealership about what their service contract entails. Setting up a contract before you experience unexpected equipment failure can save you time and help you get machines running again quickly.
What Does Emergency Field Service Cost?
Because of its urgency, emergency field service tends to cost more than a scheduled service or repair at a shop. The total cost of last-minute service typically covers new parts, labor and travel time. Every repair is different, so its cost will vary depending on what needs to be fixed with your machinery.
One way to save on emergency field service is with a service contract. These contracts may include reduced rates for specific repairs, so signing up for one is smart. Eventually, everyone in the industry experiences some level of heavy equipment malfunction.
It’s important to weigh the cost of emergency field services against what project delays may cost your company. Although emergency field service is more expensive than other types of repair, it can help your team get back on schedule and save on total project costs.
On-Site Equipment Repair Benefits
There are many benefits to completing on-site equipment repair. Field services are convenient and sometimes necessary. For example, some equipment is heavy and difficult to move to a repair shop. Field service may be the only viable option for fixing the issue, depending on what is wrong with your machine.
The following are key rapid response service advantages:
- Minimal downtime: Emergency response services can significantly reduce equipment downtime.
- Quick restoration of operations: Once your equipment is repaired, you can get back to work.
- Continuity in critical projects: Fixing equipment quickly will protect project flow and timelines.
- Optimized efficiency: Supercharging productivity with on-site repairs allows you to finish projects sooner and cut costs.
- Better project results: Finishing work on time despite machine breakdowns is important for maintaining a great reputation in the industry.
These emergency field service benefits are an asset to your customers and your business. They help protect your reputation, allowing you to handle unexpected setbacks and reduce long-term costs. When equipment malfunctions disrupt your project timeline, you can count on emergency field services to get you up and running again quickly.
Contact a Thompson Machinery Location Near You for Emergency Field Service
Thompson Machinery has been serving hardworking businesses for over 75 years. Our technicians offer emergency field service support for Cat® equipment.
We’re proud to support our local communities across Tennessee and Mississippi with the heavy equipment they need. In addition to emergency field service, Thompson Machinery also sells new, used and rented Cat construction equipment.
Dealing with machine malfunction and worried about your project timeline? Contact us today to learn more about our emergency on-site services!
