Equipment Maintenance/Replacement Parts Strategy: How To Maximize Extractor Life, Reduce Downtime & Increase Operational Revenue

By Jonathan Smalley, President and CEO of U.S. Products

Jonathan Smalley

People break things. And, after a while, things just wear out. That includes Floor Care Equipment, Extractors and Tools.

What are the main reasons? Lack of care. Rough loading/unloading (and dropping) of equipment. Heavy use — for long periods of time over many years. And, not conducting maintenance or emptying and cleaning the instruments after each use.

Eventually, you’ll need replacement parts.

The key is to have a good maintenance and replacement parts strategy in place, as well as a long-term manufacturer who’ll back you up when you need the parts or service.

This maintenance and replacement parts strategy is crucial. It will help you minimize downtime, maintain optimal cleaning performance, extend the lifespan of your equipment, and help your team cover more square footage in less time. Here’s how to create a strategic approach.

Five Proven Ways to Create a Strong Equipment Maintenance and Replacement Parts Strategy:

1. Have Spare Parts to Minimize Downtime and Reduce Lost Work.
   What: When a floor extractor or other equipment breaks down, this can halt cleaning operations, stop productivity and create delays in work planning.
   Why: Having spare parts on hand minimizes the time equipment is out of service.
2. Conduct Planned Preventative Maintenance, So Equipment is High-Performing.
   What: Regular inspection and replacement of worn parts help prevent significant breakdowns and maximize expected ROI and value of equipment over time.
   Why: Preventative maintenance reduces the likelihood of unexpected failures and helps make sure that machines continue to operate at peak performance.
3. Replace Worn Parts Early to Increase Crew Effectiveness, Reduce Multi-Part Damage.
   What: Worn parts can damage other components of the machine. Worn, clogged and damaged parts can also compromise the cleaning effectiveness of floor extractors and equipment
   Why: Clogged tools and brushes can strain the motor, and create greater, more expensive damage to the equipment. Produce consistent cleaning results, properly maintained floors, and happy customers by replacing worn parts before productivity and quality are impacted.
4. Conduct Proactive Parts Replacement to Reduce Costs, Extend Equipment Lifespans.
   What: You can lower your repair costs by changing a worn part before you have to replace a major component, authorize full service, or replace the entire machine. Predictive and proactive equipment maintenance addresses potential machine, pump, heater, motor, flow, and even electrical cord damage early on.
   Why: If a machine is down, what will the crew use on the worksite? Regular equipment inspection, maintenance and parts replacement reduces long-term operational costs and minimizes downtime. Replacement parts can prevent minor problems from developing into major, expensive repairs, and significantly extend the lifespan of floor extractors.
5. Always Use Manufacturer’s Parts to Ensure Equipment Compatibility and Quality.
   What: Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are engineered and designed to provide the highest performance under the operational specifications of the original equipment.
   Why: Be sure to check with the original manufacturer to determine whether they have upgraded the original parts for increased performance, durability and reliability. The manufacturer can also help select the appropriate tool or accessory that will further increase the life and use of equipment.

The Basics — Care For Your Equipment

A good supply of replacement parts is essential for proper floor equipment care. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Products)

When properly cleaned, cared for, and maintained on a regular basis, machines will be in good working condition so that they are always ready for use. Here are tips for equipment maintenance planning.

• Make Maintenance an Easy Task.
  • Whether your facility has one carpet care machine or a whole fleet of them, it is important to have a maintenance plan in place.
  • Your team can conduct daily/regular basic equipment maintenance in 5-15 minutes after the job is finished. Have a checklist in place to make it fast and easy — every time.
• Use Your Equipment Regularly.
  • Regular Extractor and Tool use will ensure your team also performs fast maintenance and will help identify worn parts or underperforming tools.
  • Regularly-used equipment means regularly-maintained equipment, as well as better performance, reduced downtime and shorter job time.
• Only Use Fresh Water and Approved Chemicals in Your Equipment.
  • Many work crews make the mistake of adding unapproved chemicals in an extractor’s solution tank. These chemicals can damage parts and pumps.
  • Use only approved liquids (see user’s manual) in your equipment.
• Clean and Empty the Equipment.
  • Empty the Tank — Remove the solution tank and empty it. Rinse it out so it is clean for the next use.
  • Clean Out the Collection Tray — Remove the dirt and debris that has accumulated in the machine’s collection tray.
  • Flush the Spray Nozzle — Clear the nozzle by spraying clean water through the pump and nozzle.
  • Wipe and Wind the Power Cable — A dirty power cable can lay down dirt on a carpet or floor. Wipe the power cable clean and free any kinks by wiping it with a cloth as it’s being wound. The equipment will also look better when this is done.
  • Store Equipment in a Safe, Dry Space — Properly store and protect equipment when not in use, so it doesn’t roll around or get damaged by stacked objects, or used by un-trained operators.

Put It Into Action: Create A Strategy To Extend The Life Of Your Cleaning Equipment

1. For all new and existing equipment develop an online product maintenance checklist that can be accessed by field teams. It’s as easy as having a checklist app on a phone. Track the regular product maintenance digitally, and have crews note any excessively worn parts or wear and tear.
2. Set milestones for predictive and preventative equipment maintenance. Note heavy wear on parts and machinery based on specific jobs, surfaces, length of service time, and square footage use.
3. Link to manufacturers’ videos that provide regular maintenance tips and techniques. Provide these tips to the field teams and regularly review the processes.
4. Contact the manufacturer in advance to pre-order spare/replacement parts for floor extractors and equipment, so that the parts are available for fast maintenance. Make sure replacement parts are on hand to keep equipment operational. Plan to quickly address worn parts early, and prevent minor issues from escalating into costly repairs, full service or even machine replacement.

Your Replacement Parts Strategy Will Reduce Downtime And Create Operational Revenue

Extractors and floor care equipment are efficient, provide extended square footage cleaning, and are sustainable for long life when properly cleaned, cared for, and maintained on a regular basis.

It’s important to prepare in advance to keep these machines in good working condition —- so they are always ready for use. By having readily available replacement parts, you can replace the worn parts and keep the machines and crews working.

• Building Maintenance Contractors and Cleaning Professionals should remember to plan their regular equipment maintenance as part of operations.
• Floor Care Professionals should identify their equipment manufacturers and stock up on replacement parts in advance to minimize downtime and maintain optimal cleaning performance.
• Properly maintained equipment and original manufacturer spare parts help extend the lifespan of extractors, and allow cleaning operations to run smoothly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

Jonathan Smalley is the CEO of U.S. Products, and an expert in the production of high-performance commercial Jan-San Floor Cleaning Extractors that are used by thousands of operations and professionals to increase compliance, cleanliness and faster operation in facilities. Smalley also heads SmaK Plastics, the parent company of well-known industry brands: Flextank advanced oxygen-permeable polyethylene tanks and hoppers; RotoEdge Pro production software; and Columbia MFG utility pedestals and vaults.

U.S. Products has been the longtime manufacturer of Jon-Don Prospector and EZ Spot Extractors, Wands and Tools. U.S. Products’ extractors are reliable, powerful systems based on more than 30 years of technology development and customer service and are designed and built in the USA. Visit https://usproducts.com.