5 Ways to Get More Jobs from the Equipment You Already Own

Construction, paving and landscaping contractors looking to expand their businesses may have more earning potential in their existing fleet than they realize. Adding the right attachment to a machine and carefully identifying new project opportunities can help improve equipment utilization and increase revenue. 

1. Expand fleet capabilities with attachments

Contractors can expand their capabilities by matching attachments to their existing skid steer, compact track loader or excavator — effectively turning a single machine into a multi-use one. Buckets, grapples, trenchers, cold planers, mulchers and power brooms, to name a few, can all help contractors pursue additional projects. The key is for contractors to identify attachments that align with local demand and the types of jobs they want to win.

2. Identify new project opportunities

Contractors can generate potential revenue by looking beyond their current projects to discover jobs their existing equipment can handle with the addition of the right attachments. For example, landscapers could add brush clearing and site preparation to their offering of services, while paving contractors could add milling and surface preparation to theirs.

3. Improve machine utilization

When a machine is parked on a jobsite, it isn’t generating revenue. Contractors need to review their project schedules and assess downtime to identify opportunities when they can use the machine and attachments for other projects. They can also identify seasonal work to increase profitability. Together, these considerations can help reduce idle time and produce new jobs.

4. Train operators thoroughly

Machines and their attachments need to reach their full capabilities to take on new jobs. If operators aren’t familiar with a particular attachment, the versatility and value of adding it to an existing machine is lost. Contractors should train operators on how to properly and efficiently make attachment changes and how to operate the attachments correctly.

5. Calculate the return on investment (ROI)

If contractors plan to purchase an attachment, they need to consider the upfront cost, maintenance, transportation and utilization to identify the potential revenue to be gained from new projects. If they choose to rent the attachment, that cost needs to be factored. An attachment that offers the versatility for contractors take on new jobs may deliver a better ROI than adding another machine to gain business.

By investing in or renting attachments, contractors can expand their capabilities while making better use of existing machines. Strategically assessing gaps in services and local demand is just as important. Both can be an excellent way to get more projects and generate more revenue.