Construction downtime describes a period when construction operations are inactive. This duration can span anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the cause.

Downtime can occur for multiple reasons, such as equipment breakdowns, routine maintenance and weather. Planned downtime can be beneficial to avoid unplanned downtime through measures like preventative equipment maintenance, but unplanned downtime can set your project back, costing your business time and money.

The right strategies and techniques can prevent unanticipated downtime from impacting your operations. In this post, you’ll learn how to reduce downtime and increase productivity in your construction projects.

6 Common Causes of Construction Downtime and How to Avoid Them

Several factors can lead to construction equipment downtime or downtime that impacts other parts of your project.

1. Shipping Delays

When you have parts and materials coming to your job site from various locations, shipping delays are always a potential issue. Whether you have to deal with a supply chain disruption that pushes your delivery date back by weeks or forget to order an item halfway through the project, shipments can lead to unexpected downtime.

Though some shipping issues are unavoidable, you can take steps to prevent them as much as possible:

• Plan carefully. Devoting extra time to the project planning stage helps ensure you don’t overlook any critical steps, tools or materials.
• Request expedited shipping. If you’re in a bind for equipment parts or attachments, see if there’s an option to prioritize shipping and get your items sooner.
• Rent equipment. Renting can be an efficient solution to get the equipment you need, especially if you only need these parts temporarily.

2. Weather

Certain weather conditions can prevent construction crews from completing projects on time.

• Rain: Rain can create slipping hazards for equipment and operators. It can also cause sites to become unnavigable or cause wood to warp, crack and swell.
• Wind: High winds can pose risks while operating equipment, especially in elevated platforms like boom lifts, scissor lifts and vertical personnel lifts. Extreme winds can also damage unfinished projects, especially when combined with rain. If strong enough, these winds can also strain and break equipment.
• Lightning: Lightning is a serious occupational hazard for construction crews, as metal construction equipment is conductive. Lightning can strike exposed personnel or damage equipment, endangering any operators present.
• Dryness and heat: Severe heat can overwhelm equipment, impeding its performance or causing it to break down. Extremely dry conditions can increase the amount of dust in the air, which can clog and jam sensitive components.

During the initial project planning phase, check the forecast for inclement conditions that could affect completion. Try to avoid scheduling tasks when these conditions are expected to occur.

3. Operator Incidents

In the private sector, the construction industry reported the highest number of fatal work injuries in 2022 due to construction equipment accidents like:

• Falling from equipment, ladders and elevated work surfaces
• Electrocution from equipment coming into contact with power lines
• Getting caught between or in equipment
• Getting struck or hit by a piece of equipment

Properly training your crew on equipment use and safety procedures can reduce the number of accidents and downtime. They should also use the appropriate safety gear and personal protective equipment, including:

• Fall harnesses
• Hardhats or helmets
• Safety glasses
• Protective footwear
• Respirators
• Earmuffs or plugs
• Gloves and hand protection

4. Power Outages

A power outage can impede construction workers’ ability to complete projects on time. Thankfully, various solutions can help crews continue work as usual when the power goes out:

• Power generators: A generator can power equipment like drills, saws, compressors and pumps. It can also charge battery packs for electric equipment.
• Light towers: Light towers illuminate construction sites, providing optimal visibility for workers. They make it easier for crews to see what they’re doing, lowering the risk of injuries and improving safety. Light towers are portable and generate their own power, making them assets in nighttime operations, blackouts and power outages.

5. Management and Communication Challenges

Construction sites need effective planning, teamwork, communication and leadership for successful project completion. A lack preparation can cause a lull in your operations, making it far more difficult to complete tasks on time.

The best way to combat this problem is to hire strong managers and supervisors for your construction team. All team members should remain in the loop about their roles and responsibilities, as well as project schedules, timelines and deadlines.

Project managers should regularly check in at every phase of the project and make themselves available to answer any questions crew members might have. Additionally, they should ensure each piece of equipment and every operator is in the right place at the right time. That way, you can ensure projects run smoothly and stay on track.

6. Equipment Issues

Sudden equipment breakdowns are another typical cause of construction downtime. The reality is that construction machinery is prone to wear and tear. Ongoing preventative maintenance can help your machines perform their best, keep minor equipment issues from turning into major ones and extend the life span of your equipment.

Keep a preventative maintenance schedule for each machine in your fleet. The right maintenance schedule will depend on numerous factors, such as the manufacturer’s guidelines and how often the machine is used. By scheduling preventative equipment maintenance with a knowledgeable service provider, you can ensure your fleet receives the regular care and attention it requires.

Additionally, using the incorrect equipment for the job can waste time, reduce productivity and present hazards for operators. It’s smart to work with experienced dealers who can connect you with the right equipment to ensure you use the ideal solutions for the job.

Turn to Warren CAT for Construction Equipment and Maintenance Services

By investing in the proper machinery and keeping up with routine maintenance, you can minimize unwanted construction equipment downtime and the costs that come with it. Luckily, Warren CAT can help in both of these areas.

As an authorized Cat^® dealer, we can work with you to find construction equipment that suits your projects, needs and budget. We have various solutions for rent and purchase, including dump trucks, bulldozers, skid steers and attachments. Our technicians also perform routine maintenance and emergency repairs, keeping your Cat equipment reliable and efficient.

Whether you’re seeking construction equipment or preventative maintenance services, Warren CAT is here for you. Let us know how we can assist you by sending us a message or calling 866-292-7736 today.

Service Your Equipment

Businesses looking for an affordable way to secure the equipment they need for an upcoming project can benefit from renting from a trusted dealer. There are many circumstances when opting for rental machines is preferable and can help your operation meet important project goals, like when you have limited funds or last-minute needs.

Understanding the advantages of heavy equipment rentals can help you decide whether they’re right for your job. Construction equipment rentals can benefit your business in various ways:

1. Reduced Upfront Costs

A major advantage of renting equipment is getting access to the machine you need without high upfront costs. Your business may not have the funds available to invest in something new, and rental options afford you the tools needed to support project productivity without tying up too much capital.

Renting also offers protection from depreciation losses, and your business does not have to take on any debt to continue working on revenue-generating projects.

2. Forgo Storage Challenges and Expenses

Another perk of renting heavy equipment is avoiding common storage challenges. If you have an expansive fleet, finding adequate storage solutions in a convenient location can be challenging. Large pieces of equipment require a lot of space, and accommodating every machine can quickly become expensive.

Renting eliminates the need for on-site storage, saving your business time and money. When your rental term is up, you can return the machine to your dealer and forgo any storage hassles.

3. Fulfill Short-Term Needs

Your business can also turn to equipment rentals when you need to fill a gap in your fleet or tackle a new type of project. Renting is the ideal solution for getting a machine you require for short-term needs. It allows you to save costs while competitively bidding on various projects. You can diversify the kinds of jobs your team completes and select rental options that specifically suit your unique applications, supporting greater effectiveness and productivity.

4. Access to the Latest Technology

Most dealers frequently update their rental equipment inventory, helping customers like you gain access to the latest technologies and advancements in the industry. Newer equipment models with upgraded software offer advanced capabilities to enhance precision, streamline your operations and boost efficiency.

If you do not have the available capital to invest in newer equipment and tech, renting can be a cost-effective way to get the tools you want and need to stay competitive.

5. Reduced Maintenance Requirements

Construction equipment requires rigorous ongoing maintenance, repairs and servicing to remain in top condition and achieve optimal performance. Renting allows you to secure the machines and attachments your business requires without having to worry about upkeep.

In most cases, the rental company tackles machine maintenance needs, and you can rely on them for dependable, well-cared-for solutions. They are responsible for rental equipment maintenance and ensuring the machines you pay for are up and running as intended.

If your business is responsible for maintenance, a machine breakdown or failure could cause project downtime and delays. Renting helps you keep operations running smoothly to support productivity and profitability.

6. Reduce Transportation Logistics

Another benefit of renting heavy equipment is forgoing the stress of coordinating transportation. Since driving your equipment to most job sites is out of the question, you’d have to rent or invest in a tractor-trailer to haul your machines. Especially large models may require oversized or overweight load permits to legally transport them on the road.

When you rent equipment, the rental company will typically handle the transportation. They can deliver your rental directly to your job site and pick up the equipment after your rental term. Your team will enjoy greater convenience and less stress.

7. Increase Financial Flexibility and Control

Machinery rental allows businesses greater financial flexibility. Because renting is cost-effective, you do not have to tie up a lot of your capital. You can continue investing in other important areas of your business while still taking on new projects. With improved cash flow and greater control over your equipment costs, you can increase profitability.

Renting also allows you to have greater oversight of your project, as you don’t have to worry about additional expenses like repairs or inspections. Instead, you can get the machines you need, take on the projects you want and stick to your budget.

8. Try Before You Buy

A huge advantage of renting construction equipment is the opportunity to test different options before adding them to your fleet. You can try new machine sizes and models to determine which one suits your typical operations the best.

Ask your operators for feedback on the machine’s performance and whether it would benefit your project productivity. Your business can avoid investing in the wrong equipment and make informed decisions about which pieces to purchase.

9. Take on New Project Types

Businesses can also leverage construction equipment rentals to explore new job opportunities and open new streams of revenue. With access to specialized machines and tools, your team can take on new types of projects that ultimately benefit your bottom line. Renting makes it possible to expand your services without permanently growing your fleet.

10. No Resale Hassles

When you invest in your equipment, you must put time, money and energy into retaining the asset’s value. When it is time to sell, you must consider both the resale market and your equipment’s condition. Renting allows your business to forgo the financial responsibilities and hassles of selling a machine when you are done with it.

11. Minimize Your Fleet

Equipment rentals are a useful tool for businesses looking to minimize and optimize their fleet. With fewer machines comes fewer storage, maintenance, repair and operational costs. You can save money while streamlining fleet management and improving equipment utilization. Renting allows you to get the right equipment for your job site without complications or strained resources.

Find Reliable Rental Equipment From the Warren CAT Rental Store Today

If you are looking for quality construction equipment for rent in Texas or Oklahoma, turn to the selection available from the Warren CAT Rental Store. Our team will help you find the rental machines, attachments or power solutions your business needs to thrive, and we’ll provide support along the way for a seamless experience.

Whether you need to fulfill short-term project needs or your budget constraints are keeping you from investing in a new piece of equipment, our rental solutions are here for you. Browse the rental inventory from the Warren CAT Rental Store, or contact us for more information today.

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