It’s only the start of 2025 yet, and several industries will be facing a significant financial blow.. Why? The recent tariffs.
The Trump administration’s recent implementation of substantial tariffs on imported equipment and parts will increase the cost of pretty much every replacement part or new machine.
The construction industry is likely to face one of the biggest economic headwinds.. From loaders and excavators to other heavy equipment used in construction, the near-term cost will increase drastically.
With the US government imposing tariffs potentially as high as 54% on bringing in new equipment from other countries, construction company owners and fleet managers feel worried about the inflating costs that are soon to hurt their bottom line like a pile driver.
It only makes sense to use the equipment you already have for as long as possible. This isn’t just a good idea anymore – it’s the smart way to make sure your work gets done on time and your business does well financially.
Let’s face it – it is going to be tough for the construction business in 2025. Increasing your bottom line will be hard, purchasing new equipment will take forever, and every minute of downtime will cost you more. So, taking good care of your equipment is not a choice anymore – it’s the key to keeping your business operational and competitive.
The True Cost of Equipment Downtime in 2025: It’s Brutal
Think about it: How much money could you lose when a big project stops for a whole day? Especially when it’s a core asset like your main excavator, the essential lift, or the generator that makes all the power. We’re talking about losing a lot of money because you won’t be able to get done with work, would miss deadlines, and would even have to pay hefty fines.
And here’s the really tough part that you will face in 2025 – you cannot count on those fast repairs and getting new parts quickly. Given the current situation, it is pretty hard to get parts shipped; even a tiny, cheap part that costs just a few dollars could take several weeks to arrive. That means you could lose a lot of money without getting any work done. It is not only inconvenient but can also wholly sabotage your project.
Why Construction Needs Preventive Maintenance Now More Than Ever: Your Project’s Insurance Policy
Given the current situation, waiting until your equipment breaks down so you can fix it is a risky move for your projects and your money. It is similar to playing Russian Roulette with your project timelines and budgets. Performing preventive maintenance, i.e., checking and fixing your equipment regularly before it breaks, isn’t just another cost – it’s like having an insurance policy for your project.
The only way to stay on track is to take care of your equipment ahead of time to prevent minor delays and not let them mess up your whole schedule and cost you a lot of money. Since you’re going to keep using your old equipment because new ones are hard to get, having a solid PM strategy to maintain them is your best way to stop those annoying breakdowns amid a job that can completely hinder your work.
And here’s a bonus: when you regularly take good care of your equipment and keep records of it, you can help pass safety checks and avoid fines from OSHA. Trust us; nobody wants extra penalties on top of the higher costs of acquiring new equipment.
4 Ways to Extend Equipment Lifespan (And Cut Costs)
Are you ready to do things that can be done right away? Let’s discuss four key ways the best maintenance management software can help to extend your equipment lifespan:
Service equipment that works hard, smarter
Do not rely on fixing things every six months, no matter what. Keep track of the equipment you use the most and service them after they’ve been used a certain number of hours (like every 100 hours or whatever the machine maker suggests). This helps you detect minor issues before they become big ones.
Monitor equipment that breaks down a lot
A CMMS solution helps you identify the equipment that keeps running into problems all the time. It is important to flag them, look at their repair history, and then decide what needs to be done. Is it a minor fix? Does it require a major repair? Or is it time to consider getting a new one?
Make your technicians check equipment before using them
Make it a rule that your technicians have to use PM checklists on their mobile devices to inspect equipment before they start using them. This helps them catch little issues before they turn into big problems and cause costly downtime.
Keep all your equipment information in one place
You shouldn’t rely on using different spreadsheets and paper files. CMMS software helps you centralize all your equipment history, making it easier for you to see the big picture and make smarter decisions about whether to buy a new machine or fix the old one – especially when new equipment costs you a lot more now.
How EZO CMMS Keeps Your Jobsite Equipment Running Like a Well-Oiled Machine
What’s the best way to move beyond paperwork, spreadsheets, and guesswork to keep your construction equipment running smoothly? This is where EZO CMMS comes in. It’s not just maintenance management software; it’s your digital command center that helps you keep everything ready to go. Here’s how it helps on the job site:
Automatic schedules that remember for you
You can set up maintenance schedules for each equipment based on how much it is actually being used – like how many hours it has run or when it was last fixed. You don’t need to guess when that bulldozer needs its next oil change.
Usage-based repair triggers
If your equipment works overtime, EZO CMMS can automatically create repair requests based on that use. This helps you detect issues before they turn into big breakdowns.
Digital checklists on phones
Your technicians on the field can use checklists on their phones or tablets to check everything from a quick look before beginning to work to a more detailed weekly inspection. They can log issues directly from the site, with photos and notes, ensuring nothing gets missed.
A record of your equipment history
With EZO CMMS, you can keep a detailed record of your equipment history, including all the repairs and maintenance performed on each asset. This helps keep track of everything, making sure vendors do their jobs right and making smarter decisions later on, especially when you decide to sell your equipment.
Reporting issues in real time from the field
Instead of scribbling notes on clipboards, your technicians can instantly report any problems they find on the field using the checklists on their phones. They can even add photos. This speeds up the repair requests and improves communication.
Build Smarter With the Equipment You Already Own: EZO CMMS Can Help
Thanks to those extra tariffs, new equipment costs you even more now. That’s why it is crucial to maintain, optimize, and extend the lifespan of the assets you already own. Remember, you can still control them!
EZO CMMS isn’t just used to schedule oil changes; it is used to give you the power to stay on budget, make your projects less likely to be delayed due to unexpected downtime, and help you keep more margins for your hard-earned money in these challenging economic times.
So, are you ready to see how EZO CMMS can help you keep every excavator, bulldozer, crane, and scissor life working and ready – without spending a fortune on new, tariff-laden replacements?
Book your free demo today, and let’s find a smarter and stronger way to run your construction operations.
