How Tacoma Truck Mechanics Eat lunch

Erker's Truck Repair

Darren eating lunch haha

Expanding Erker's Truck Repair

253 896 0445 

Erker’s Auto and Truck Repair 

2311 Pacific Hwy E 

Fife, WA 98242

erkerstruck1@comcast.net 

www.erkerstruckrepair.com 

Tacoma Diesel Mechanic Humor

Erker's Truck Repair
2215 Pacific Hwy E.
Fife, WA 98424
253-896-0445
erkerstruck1@comcast.net
www.erkerstruckrepair.com

Tacoma Truck Shop Hangs Engines, Not Fish

Erker's Truck Repair
2215 Pacific Hwy E.
Fife, WA 98424
253-896-0445
erkerstruck1@comcast.net
www.erkerstruckrepair.com

Just a little laughter for the holidays.

Erker's Truck Repair
2215 Pacific Hwy E.
Fife, WA 98424
253-896-0445
erkerstruck1@comcast.net
www.erkerstruckrepair.com

No PM, No Production (as featured in Vehicle Service Pros Magazine)

No PM, No Production

BY STAN ORR, CAE
CREATED: AUGUST 13, 2012

OUTLINING AND IMPLEMENTING A SUCCESSFUL PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

Financially healthy fleets, whether large off-road equipment, trucking or automotive, typically have one thing in common: a world-class preventive maintenance program. The purpose of a PM program is to ensure routine maintenance and replacements are done at the appropriate time to prevent bigger problems and additional, unexpected costs from cropping up later.

In the most general terms, the cost of not following a PM program can result in loss of production as a result of excessive, unplanned equipment downtime, shortened machine and machine component life and poor utilization of available manpower.

Not every fleet can boast a world-class program. One of the biggest contributors is the investment that goes with the territory. A proactive PM program requires a significant time and effort investment on the part of the equipment manager and the team of technicians. During hectic workdays, PM often falls by the wayside.

The other challenge is not having a full understanding of what a solid PM program entails. Many perceive preventive maintenance of mobile equipment as little more than the changing of oils, fluids and filters.

While these are all certainly important pieces to any complete PM puzzle, they represent just a tiny section of the big picture. A complete program may include such procedures as cleaning, inspections, testing, sampling, measurements, adjustments and the replacement of specific items to prevent faults from occurring.

ALLOWS COMPLETE CONTROL

PM is a major factor that a fleet manager can completely control, and one that will significantly reduce the owning and operating cost of the machine when done properly.

The first step when looking to implement a new or take an existing program to the world-class level is to understand the two basic types of maintenance strategies - proactive and reactive - though only one - proactive - truly can be called strategic.

Successful PM programs are built on a proactive approach, or identifying areas to address before they become major problems and cost issues. There’s an old saying: “Fix it before failure.” Applied to a proactive program, it means setting planned inspection intervals, based on a combination of manufacturer’s recommendations and the fleet manager’s intuition and experience, and following through in a timely, efficient manner.

These intervals are often identified in terms of fuel consumption, hours of operation or mileage or a combination of factors, and include every task from changing engine oil to scheduling major replacements.

Conversely, a reactive approach is sitting back and waiting for issues or breakdowns before giving the machine the attention it deserves. This approach doesn’t allow planning ahead or scheduling repairs when they are more convenient, and is the most expensive maintenance practice.

PROGRAM COST DIFFERENCES

This following general example shows the cost difference between a proactive and reactive maintenance program:

Based on average wear characteristics, a haul truck’s brake pads have 1,000 miles of expected use. Through standard telematics tracking methods as part of the proactive PM program, the equipment manager knows when a vehicle hits the 1,000-mile mark the brake pads should be replaced. To replace at this time can be done for a cost of $155.

If the brake pads are not replaced at this time, the rotor will likely be damaged, and the cost jumps to $230. That’s addition to the original cost to simply replace the worn pads.

This is a 48 percent increase in the cost of maintenance that could have been avoided with simple attention to detail and a proactive program, not to mention downtime costs due to more thorough repairs needed.

Over time, multiple instances such as this, increase operating costs significantly. This shows, not only the importance of a good PM program, but a proactive one.

CONDITION BASED PM

On the road to a world-class maintenance program there’s one additional maintenance strategy: condition based. Also often referred to as predictive maintenance, it’s a proactive approach with the goal of removing repairs from the equation as often as possible.

Condition based maintenance aims to predict potential issues, and eliminate them at the root before they ever grow into a problem.

When it’s decided to implement a new or improve an existing program, many asset managers are at a loss for where to begin. It doesn’t have to be a hassle or headache. Rather, simply following a few tips and approaching the process with thought and planning will ensure desired end-results are achieved.

Each operation will have its own variables dependent on each machine’s application, servicing facilities, service people and site management practices. Before developing a new program or improving an existing, it will be beneficial to gather and review all information and documentation regarding the current PM practices.

In the event no official documentation exists, it must be created. The manager in charge should meet with the appropriate team members, including those who are actually performing PM tasks, to determine what is actually being accomplished versus perceptions of what is being accomplished.

When this information has been organized, it can be used as the base for a world-class program.

PARTICULAR PM PRACTICES

In order to be effective, PM practices must be developed for each machine model and each machine application. Using one set standard across machine models and applications may result in over-servicing or under-servicing a machine, both of which may be detrimental to the machine and the associated cost of maintaining the machine.

As a starting point, managers should look to the equipment manufacturer’s guidelines. Most major manufacturers have developed and documented inspection programs for various intervals on their machines. The inspections are based on average machine applications, assume proper operation, and that machines are using all fluid, oils and filters that meet or exceed the manufacturer’s recommendations.

After looking at individual manufacturer guidelines, the next step is to look at hour intervals. These are generally established as eight hours per day, five days per week, and 176 hours per month, and generally repeat every 2,000 hours. The manufacturer’s criteria must be considered as a starting point and modified to fit each individual’s application and circumstances to be effective.

The intervals that are selected and established for each individual’s operations must be designed to the company’s machines, specifications, policies and a host of other variables.

DEDICATED POINT PERSON

When the PM program has been clearly defined, the final step - aside from actual execution - is to establish the point person for implementation. Whether it’s an appointed technician, shop foreman or the asset manager, tasking one person with implementation and follow through ensures the program won’t fall off or become nothing more than a manual that ends up at the bottom of a desk drawer.

Technology has made it easier to ensure PM programs are successful. Telematics allows precise monitoring and delivers real-time data even when the machine and fleet manager are out in the field.

It’s all in how much the fleet manager chooses to utilize the technology and delegate tasks.

The value of a strong, proactive PM program can’t be overstated. From excessive and unnecessary repairs to added costs from lost productivity when a machine goes down, PM is one of the most important investments an asset manager can make in his or her fleet.

With a small upfront time investment and ongoing commitment, any asset manager can implement a PM program, or take a current one from average to world-class.

Stan Orr, CAE (Certified Association Executive), is president and chief staff officer (CSO) of Association of Equipment Management Professionals (AEMP). It is the premier organization serving those who manage and maintain heavy equipment.www.aemp.org.

-Erker's Truck Repair

www.erkerstruckrepair.com

Erker's Truck Repair

2215 Pacific Hwy E.

Fife, WA 98424

253-896-0445

erkerstruck1@comcast.net

Why You Should Have a Health and Wellness Program for Your Fleet?

Over-the-road (OTR) truckers have the propensity to lead one of the unhealthiest lifestyles in today’s working class. The very nature of the work is sedentary. The work in and of itself is somewhat monotonous. It is easy to eat when one is bored and that happens a lot! The very nature of the drive is charming. It draws us to this business and at the same time it is what makes us overweight.

Health and Wellness Programs are common in just about every industry and a viable option for owner/operators and fleet managers. The benefits of a health and wellness program:

• better morale
• lower employee turnover
• pride in work from the previous two benefits
• overall just better productivity and efficiency
• it looks good to insurance companies and get you a better premium

​Let us explain.

​Health programs indicate to team members that you do care about them and not just the bottom line. Feeling appreciated, as we all know, creates better attitudes and a sense of team membership. Read any employee management book and you’ll see that workers that feel like team members produce more,  becasue they are more positive from taking pride in their work.

From experience, driver’s that consistently have problems with their vehicles, logs, and load and unload times tend to be those without pride in their company or job. Make them feel appreciated, and help them in other areas of their lives, e.g. health and wellness, and you could signifigantly improve your productivity and efficiency.

Some Ideas.

• Monthly/Quarterly Meeting/Classes

Even something as simple as a meeting/class on how to keep healthy while on the road will do good when implemented and followed up with goal achievement recognition.

• Have them create goals with action plans

Give your drivers the opportunity to set health goals so they can see the improvement and feel good about what they have achieved

• Offer to pay for Gym memberships 

Often times paying for a gym membership is the very reason that people have not yet joined. Get rid of that objection and all they have left is which membership option will work best for them.

Follow this with monthly check in requirements to ensure that you aren’t wasting company dollars and your truck loads will get lighter (our attempt at humor). 

Some Ideas to Get You Rolling.

Encourage your team to get fit menally and physically  by offering these suggestions to stay occupied and healthy on the road:

  1. Eating Healthy on the Go

Grocery stores have parking for tractors and trailers, so there is no excuse not to stay stocked up on healthy pre-made food.

•Pre-washed bags of lettuce and spinach
•Pre-washed and cut vegetables (to eat alone or put on your lettuce)
•Pre-washed and cut fruit
•Whole pieces of fruit those are easy to clean (apples, oranges, plums, bananas)
•Grilling meat (especially chicken and turkey breasts, they also come in cooked already varieties to put on salads)

 2. Exercise

We hear this excuse all the time. Exercise is hard when you are an OTR driver. You drive for 11 hours straight (at least that is all you are supposed to do) then take 10 hours off, and that is if you have the perfect day right? Tomorrow you are back at it again, repeating the cycle. When you push that hard, where do you fit in exercise? Let’s look at that one. Running shoes are an inexpensive option and very easy to store. You can go walking or jogging in the same places you already stop at. When you hit the rest area, get out and walk for a few minutes. Jog into the rest area, park in the furthest spot and jog in. We know there is not time in the middle of the day for much, but set aside time at the end of the day for exercise

 3. Sleep

Sleep is essential to good health. You live in the cab of your truck. Do not settle for the cheapest when it comes to a mattress and pillow. Choose one that is very comfortable. You need to get as much sleep as possible in your 10 hours off and to do that your sleeping conditions must be as comfortable and as quiet as possible

  4.  Mind

The job can be boring. Mile after mile after mile of monotonous roads, trees and signs. You can easily become distracted or you can think too much. Do you know that sometimes thinking too much is a bad thing? A few suggestions on how to make every mile count and not be a distracted driver.

•Audio books. Purchase or rent audio books and listen to your favorite authors or develop
favorite authors. Use the opportunity to learn about subjects that fascinate you. Audible.com is an easy and inexpensive way to get books on your phone.
•Language tapes. You do not have to have the goal of becoming fluent in another language, but
you can learn some phrases. This is especially useful if you deal with a number of individuals
who speak a different language. Learn a few of things to say in their language. The amount of
respect you will earn will be insurmountable. Talking back to the tape can keep you engaged,
awake and alert. Pimsleur is a great interactive listening program.
•Music. Branch out in your taste of music. Do you listen to country music? Try listening to
Bach or Tchaikovsky. Is rap music your taste? Try listening to world music. Your options are
numerous

5. Family

OTR work does not always lend to the most family time. Take the opportunity to talk to those who mean the most to you. Taking to them makes you feel connected and keeps you active and interested in their lives, it also gives you an opportunity to see what your life is like and why you fell in love with driving. Driving may not be the most healthy of professions, but if we take the time to understand its weakness and work with it we can make it a healthy option for new drivers too. Most new drivers gain a few pounds their first year. Although, once they get onto a system and understand how they can make changes and fit in exercise it will all make sense.

If these ideas do not seem to fit into your business, make them fit or come up with ideas of your own. There are also companies that can make programs for you. 

-Erker’s Truck Repair

www.erkerstruckrepair.com
Erker's Truck Repair
2215 Pacific Hwy E.
Fife, WA 98424
erkerstruck1@comcast.net