Your equipment isn’t just “stuff.” It’s your livelihood. Those saws, skid steers, and mixers are the heartbeat of your business. When they’re running right, your crew’s productive, your jobs stay on track, and you make money. But when something breaks down? That’s stress, lost time, and dollars out the door.
Here at Stevenson Supply & Tractor Co., we’ve been helping contractors protect their investments for over a century. From the early days of farm equipment to today’s high-tech jobsite tools, we can speak from experience when we say that equipment lasts longer when you take care of it.
So, let’s dig into the ins and outs of keeping your equipment in top shape, whether you’re hauling laser levels and stakes or concrete tools and supplies in Solano County. No fluff, just practical advice from people who get it.
Here’s a quick rundown of the most important lessons from this guide:
If you think of maintenance as “something I’ll get around to later,” you’re not alone but that mindset can cost you big time. Proper care isn’t just about keeping things clean; it’s about making sure your business stays profitable.
Here’s what happens when you show your machines some love:
Think of your equipment like a loyal employee, take care of it, and it’ll take care of you.
Skipping maintenance might save you an hour today, but it’ll cost you days (and dollars) down the road. Neglect creeps up slowly, until something critical breaks at the worst possible time.
Picture this: you’re halfway through a concrete pour and your power screed sputters out. Or your backhoe’s hydraulics start leaking mid-job. Now you’re calling rental companies, paying rush fees, and missing deadlines.
That’s not bad luck, it’s usually bad maintenance.
Here’s what can go wrong:
Bottom line: neglect is the most expensive maintenance plan you can have.
You don’t need a fancy maintenance department to keep things running right, routine inspections can help keep your equipment working for longer. Let’s break it down into simple, doable steps.
A quick daily walk-around can catch 90% of problems before they get serious. Look for:
It takes five minutes but can save you thousands. Keep a simple checklist taped to your trailer or shop wall, it’s old-school but effective.
Even if it’s just a notebook in the truck or a shared Google Sheet, log every oil change, repair, and inspection. That history pays off later when you’re selling or trading equipment and it helps spot patterns like recurring issues.
Especially when you’re dealing with concrete tools and supplies Solano County contractors depend on every day. Concrete dust, mud, and grime might not look like much, but they destroy moving parts over time.
A few habits to live by:
It’s not just about looks, it’s about preventing corrosion, clogging, and unnecessary repairs.
Manufacturers set service intervals for a reason. Whether it’s a 250-hour oil change or a filter swap, staying on schedule keeps warranties valid and engines healthy.
While we’re on the topic of manufacturer recommended maintenance, make sure that you (and all the guys on your crew) are using your tools and products correctly. Poor-form or incorrect placement can bust your equipment. So make sure you know how to really be using that geotextile fabric or new rammer before you start.
Just like your business changes with the seasons, your maintenance routine should too.
After winter, give every piece of gear a full once-over.
Think of spring as your “reset” season, get ahead before summer hits.
Long hours and hot temps are brutal on machines (and people).
As the rains start rolling in:
If your crew slows down during winter, use that time wisely.
This seasonal rhythm keeps you ready year-round without scrambling when something fails.
Where you park your gear matters just as much as how you maintain it.
Even a cheap tarp is better than nothing, but if you can, invest in proper storage. Protecting from the elements is half the battle in equipment longevity.
Fluids are like blood for your machines; bad fluid leads to bad outcomes.
A few golden rules:
And here’s something many forget: dispose of fluids responsibly. Solano County has specific regulations on waste oil and coolant, so partner with a certified recycler or drop-off site.
When it comes to concrete tools and supplies Solano County crews rely on daily, mixers, vibrators, saws, screeds, maintenance is what keeps them working smoothly job after job.
A few everyday habits make a huge difference:
These small routines prevent most breakdowns before they start. Plus, your crew will thank you when tools actually start and perform the way they should.
It’s not just what happens on-site, equipment takes a beating during transport too.
Before every haul:
Take 10 extra minutes to load correctly, it’s cheaper than replacing damaged hydraulics or paying for accident repairs.
You can do everything right and still have something go wrong, that’s where insurance steps in.
Look for policies that include:
Also, keep detailed records: serial numbers, photos, service logs. When you file a claim, those details make the process smoother and faster.
The new generation of contractors is tech-savvy and for good reason. Smart tools make maintenance easier than ever.
Think of these as your digital shop helpers, keeping your maintenance organized while you focus on running jobs.
Good maintenance isn’t just about saving money, it’s about sustainability too. A well-maintained fleet burns less fuel, leaks fewer fluids, and keeps harmful waste out of the environment.
At Stevenson Supply, we’ve been big supporters of green construction technologies, from eco-friendly fluids to high-efficiency erosion control products. It’s not just better for the planet; it’s smart business.
Try adding these eco habits:
Small steps add up and your customers will notice you’re doing your part.
Even the best plan falls apart if your team doesn’t buy in. Build maintenance into your company culture:
That shared responsibility keeps everyone invested. When crews take pride in their tools, they take pride in their work.
You don’t have to do it all alone. Partnering with experienced suppliers makes equipment care a whole lot easier.
At Stevenson Supply & Tractor Co., we’ve been part of the Bay Area’s contracting community for over 100 years. Whether it’s helping you find the right filters, replacing worn-out parts, or sourcing specialty concrete tools, we’re here to make sure your gear works as hard as you do.
From heavy machinery to the smallest hand tool, we stand behind what we sell, because we know your business depends on it.
We know every contractor faces different challenges, so here are some of the questions we hear most often from our customers:
Most manufacturers recommend servicing every 250 operating hours, but don’t wait that long if your gear’s in heavy rotation. A quick weekly inspection and monthly fluid check can prevent bigger problems from sneaking up on you.
Indoor storage is ideal, but if that’s not an option, a covered yard with good drainage and ventilation will do the trick. Use tarps, drain fuel, and pull batteries for long-term storage, especially through winter months.
Rinse tools before concrete hardens, lubricate moving parts weekly, and store them in a dry area. Even a few minutes of cleaning after each job can add years to your tools’ lifespan.
Absolutely. These tools pay for themselves by helping you track service schedules, monitor engine hours, and prevent missed maintenance intervals, especially if you manage multiple crews or job sites.
Working with a trusted supplier like Stevenson Supply means you get the right parts fast, along with advice from people who’ve worked with the same tools and materials you use every day. That saves time, reduces downtime, and keeps your projects moving.
Your tools and machines are more than assets, they’re your partners in every job. Every bolt tightened, every filter changed, every hose replaced adds up to a longer, more profitable life for your equipment.
At Stevenson Supply & Tractor Co., we’ve seen how contractors who prioritize maintenance outperform the ones who don’t. They spend less on repairs, deliver jobs faster, and keep clients happy.
So next time you’re washing down a mixer or checking tire pressure, remember, you’re not just maintaining a machine. You’re protecting your business, your reputation, and your peace of mind.
For reliable concrete tools and supplies that Solano County contractors trust, visit Stevenson Supply & Tractor Co. We’ve been helping build the Bay Area for four generations and we’re here to help you keep your equipment running like new.
Call us today at (707) 575-3335 or contact us online now to invest in your new equipment today.
