Boosting Construction Efficiency

During the last few years, we’ve faced many supply chain related challenges,” said Steve Vizanko, aftermarket parts manager for Pettibone/Traverse Lift. “There have been inconsistencies in lead times and getting items when we need them. We’ve evaluated items with higher variation and longer lead times, and made sure we developed a plan to carry more stock to try to mitigate any downstream effect to our customers.”

Pettibone/Traverse Lift parts programs, Vizanko related, are largely driven by volume. Customers and dealers committing to a higher volume of parts are incentivized by pricing, and in turn realize improved margins from lower costs. 

“Be proactive by stocking inventory, especially with common parts that you are turning regularly,” Vizanko also advised. “Take advantage of free freight and other programs where you can minimize the cost of goods.”

As the aerial industry continues to face product delays due to shipping and labor shortages, it pays to have telehandler replacement parts on hand, especially common wear parts, noted Wade Jones, sr. director of operations at JLG Industries in You Asked, We Answered: Why Should You Stock Common Wear Parts? “That will reduce the amount of downtime needed to get a machine back on the job site and improve your efficiency,” he said.

“When it’s time to replace a part, you need to make the replacement as quickly as possible to get the equipment back on the job site,” Jones continued. “But if you don’t have the part in stock, you will need to either go to your equipment provider or order it. With the current state of delayed deliveries and parts shortages across industries, it could take some time to receive the new part. If you order the wrong part, those delays will be even longer.”

That’s why it makes sense to take a proactive approach and keep extras in your product inventory, Jones related. Stocking common wear parts will allow you to repair the machine more efficiently, resulting in less unplanned downtime than if you had to wait for the part to arrive. That ensures the project stays on schedule.

“Parts may also become discontinued, so having them in stock prevents needing to find another alternative,” Jones said. “While there is the upfront cost of buying spare parts, you will save in the long run by reducing the cost of downtime.”

Jones advised that the most efficient and economical way to stock common wear parts is to create a comprehensive inventory system, and to do that, ask yourself these questions:

• What equipment is critical to our services — and what common wear parts does it use?
• What are the common wear times for parts we use?
• How would I characterize the parts? 

“Once you have a better idea of what parts are critical to keeping your fleet up and running, start breaking down the specifics of the type of inventory you should stock,” Jones explained. “For machines that are integral to your services, you will want to have a fully stocked spare parts inventory. Even if a machine is new, that doesn’t eliminate the need for spare parts.

“Maintaining an inventory list with lead-time and delivery information is also important,” Jones continued. “If there are parts that are regularly difficult to source or with known delays, those should be kept in stock. For example, they may only be available from a single vendor or must be shipped from overseas.

“You should also set aside a space for the inventory and organize the parts to save time when you need to find one,” Jones added. “The system you use should be shared with anyone who needs access to the parts. Make sure they follow the check-out/check-in process so you keep an accurate record of parts and know when it’s time to order.”

That organization process, according to Jones, should include classifying parts. For example, designating parts as critical will help prioritize them for ordering. You can create these classifications and prioritizations however best fits your parts, equipment, and needs but a critical part is always one that greatly affects your machine’s performance if it fails.

Jones also advised regularly reviewing your parts designations as they could change over time. Check your inventory for any excess as well to help lower costs and allow you to see if there are any inaccuracies with inventory records.

“Incorporating a stocking process for common parts is taking a proactive approach as opposed to reactively ordering when they need to be replaced immediately,” Jones stated. “As you learn to track and better manage the spare parts, you’ll also be able to increase your savings and benefits.”

Parts Programs 

Genie offers parts ordering by phone, fax or online for its telehandler products using parts manuals and a serial number-based lookup system. The company also has a Fleet Services Parts program covering other aerial manufacturers’ equipment. Parts are available for delivery and on-site parts pick up is offered at facilities in Washington and Mississippi. 

JLG offers three lines of parts with an expansive inventory, including competitive parts for mixed-fleet operations. Through the JLG Aftermarket Parts team replacement items are available for: 

• JLG Genuine Replacement Parts are factory-approved and tested to ensure original specs are met. The parts are also available through the company’s distributor network.
• MaxQuip by JLG provides an expansive parts line with more than 26,000 SKUs across over 65 product categories and 71 popular brands, including Genie, SkyJack, Snorkel, MEC, Terex, Gehl, JCB, Bobcat, Haulottte, Case, Ingersoll, Rand, and Dana, Altec and Marklift.
• JLG Reman offers remanufactured parts that come with a one-year warranty for platform rotators, hydraulic swivels, controllers, electrical systems, battery chargers, Sevcon systems, ZF and Dana axles and transmissions, and Ford, GM and Deutz engines.

The Pettibone Parts & Service team is available to help with Extendo, Traverse, Cary-Lift, or Speed Swing parts. Genuine Pettibone parts are available throughout an extensive network of dealers. The company also publishes a list of recommended spare parts, such as filters and hoses, that customers should keep in stock.

TVH supplies telehandler parts with a searchable database of 500,000 references for all major makes and models. The one-stop online shop offers the full range of telehandler parts and the ability to place orders for delivery. The company also has in-house experts to assist in finding the right part through email and phone.