For most contractors the 2017 pavement maintenance season is over...but that sure doesn’t mean their work is finished. Winter is the time when, because work has either slowed or stopped, contractors finally have the time to reflect on the season just ended – at the same time they look ahead to 2018 and beyond.
So as you evaluate your 2017 operation (and hopefully celebrate your success) and plan for 2018, make sure to take a hard look at the equipment that served you during the year. Was it out of service too often or too long for or maintenance? Did it perform at its optimum level when it was in the field? Can an equipment upgrade make your crews more efficient? Are there newer models out there that could improve your job quality and productivity – and bottom line?Now’s the time to be asking those questions – and this issue of Pavement Maintenance & Reconstruction can be a big help if you determine you need to replace equipment that is functioning at less than its peak level.
But replacing equipment isn’t the only area contractors consider at this time of year. What about the equipment you rented throughout the season? Without a doubt renting equipment is a great way to enhance your fleet without locking you in to a monthly payment. But did you rent a roller often enough that it might make sense to buy one? What about that skid steer you added on jobs all season long?
And if you’re thinking about adding a new service this issue can be your best place to start your search.But whatever you learn as you take a hard look back and an optimistic look forward, if a new piece of equipment, tools, or materials are in your future, spend some time with this Issue to get yourself started.
And when you do pursue adding something you learned about from this Showcase Issue, remember to tell manufacturers where you saw it!
