Equipment maintenance doesn’t have to be an overwhelming or costly endeavor for a golf course’s turf management team, says Mike Kriz, equipment manager at Arrowhead Country Club, Rapid City, S.D., and one of the featured speakers during the “Managing Your Equipment Fleet in a Tough Economy” educational seminar at the 2012 Golf Industry Show.
In fact, Kriz outlined some key areas for superintendents and equipment managers to focus in on.
Operate at peak performance
You will pay dearly if you wait for equipment to breakdown. Instead, establish a proactive program that has a purpose and has the commitment of both the equipment technician and the superintendent. Schedule routine equipment inspections and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for routine maintenance and service intervals.
Improve efficiencies
Do not be satisfied by the status quo; always be improving your maintenance program. Avoid the “We’ve always done it this way in the past” philosophy for equipment maintenance. Look outside to other courses to learn how other shops eliminated waste and costs. Most importantly, keep an organized shop.
Monitor and analyze spending
Identify unnecessary expenditures. Do you need three of one part when one is enough? Examine and question all charges – from the price for replacement parts to the cost of shipping them to your shop. Always review receipts and invoices for mistakes.
Eliminate waste and abuse
Insist on accountability from your staff, and that includes everyone from laborers to technicians. Properly train your workforce. A properly trained operator will use equipment like it’s supposed to be used, and not have it flopping around your course incurring repair expenses.
Control equipment costs
Equipment manager Mike Kriz outlines some key areas to keep equipment costs down and to increase efficiencies.
