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Here are some quick reminders of the value of scheduled maintenance to keep your mobile elevating work platforms (MEWP) fleet up and running in peak condition:

1. Safety – The number one goal with any MEWP is safety. Failure to obey the instructions and safety rules in the Service, Maintenance Manuals and Operator’s Manual for your machine could result in serious injury or death.
2. OSHA – Documented scheduled maintenance records are essential to an OSHA inspection or investigation in the event of an operator incident. The inability to provide these records could put you at risk of liability, even in the event of incidents are related to user or operator error.
3. Parts Life – Failure to maintain even the smallest components, such as filters, could reduce the life expectancy of key componentry, including engines and hydraulic components, resulting in unplanned repairs and replacements.
4. Machine Performance – Poor maintenance to key machine components, including batteries, hydraulics, engines and wire ropes can cause operation to be slow or inefficient, reducing productivity and machine performance on jobsites.
5. Reduce Unplanned Downtime – Time is money to both rental equipment owner and operator. Waiting on a part failure before servicing equipment increases the likelihood of downtime on the jobsite, potentially causing exponential costs in lost productivity, labor and expedited shipping of replacement parts.
6. Reputation – In a competitive marketplace, the cost of decreased performance of MEWPs your rental fleet is your business’s reputation. Most rental customers have a choice of providers and will remain loyal to one over another as long as the provider respects the real-time value of uptime on jobsites.
7. Residual Value – Performing scheduled maintenance may also pay dividends at the end of the MEWPs’ service life. Used equipment customers and OEMs pay according to how they grade the equipment. This grading includes appearance, wear-and-tear and functional performance, all of which are impacted by the machine’s maintenance history.
8. False Economy – As above, try and think more of the total cost of ownership and rental return on investment rather than the individual costs of scheduled maintenance items. It’ll make the most sense year-over-year.
9. Simplified Processes – Maintenance time and costs have been reduced with a new consolidated maintenance protocol for all Genie® booms, scissor lifts and telehandlers. Updated procedures simplified intervals in the Maintenance Manuals provide equipment owners the flexibility needed to keep your MEWPs on rent longer, while making routine tasks a priority.
10. New Technology and Services – Other new developments, such as online service and maintenance training, technical support apps, new rental software, telematics and third-party routine maintenance providers have created opportunities for maintenance efficiencies. One or more may minimize the impact of scheduled maintenance on your operations, such as mechanisms to automate and delegate this work and maximize existing in-house resources.