Forum Discussion

Acme-Scott's avatar
Acme-Scott
Contributor 4
3 months ago

Equipment Parts

So i have a question for all of you out in business. Do you ever buy parts or tools that you use in bulk to have on hand?

I keep a could bins of old used parts that I know i still can use of models of the same equipment. But recently when I buy a new part for a certain problem. Not only do i buy the one I need but I also buy a couple extra. Same goes for a certain tool, if its something we use alot, we buy extra, to keep on hand.

So i would like to see if any body else does this. 

  • bedellmgmt's avatar
    bedellmgmt
    Jobber Ambassador
    3 months ago

    I used to do this a lot but have moved away from it. After switching to a better handheld equipment brand, things don't break frequently enough to justify the carrying costs.

    I do have extras of our snow and ice management parts though. Part availability can be tougher on shorter-season items from my experience.

    • Acme-Scott's avatar
      Acme-Scott
      Contributor 4
      3 months ago

      I agree with you on having a better handheld equipment brand, but what about like filters, spark plugs and maybe a pull cord. 

      I do agree with having snow and salting parts. The season is short and sometimes you need that part ASAP.

      • BeesKnees's avatar
        BeesKnees
        Contributor 2
        3 months ago

        Whenever something breaks, I buy a second of that same thing. My max is 1. Not everything is breaking all the time, so it isn't too much stuff. This is for parts that break. I keep a spare pull string of each diameter, fuel caps, trimmer speed feed caps and springs etc. This way when something breaks on-site, I can fix it immediately. If I have a mower or trimmer that breaks down beyond repair, I keep the old carcass around to harvest good parts off of.

        Now, consumables is totally different. I track how often I need to replace the filters and plugs. Then, I do all my tools of the same type at the same time. This way they're not breaking down when I need to be using them.

  • CZI's avatar
    CZI
    Contributor 2
    3 months ago

    We are a insulation company and our spray foam rigs have several components. We keep a small quantity of spare parts in the shop. If one of our rigs goes down, some parts take longer to get than others so we keep a small stock. The parts can be very expensive so we don't keep a ton.

  • JenMcBurney's avatar
    JenMcBurney
    Contributor 2
    3 months ago

    We usually buy multiples of everything, like vacuum parts. Sometimes that doesn't work out so well in the end if they discontinue that model.of vacuum!

    • Acme-Scott's avatar
      Acme-Scott
      Contributor 4
      3 months ago

      Very true, I don't like that they discontinue models.

  • LCK's avatar
    LCK
    Contributor 2
    3 months ago

    Hi - this is a great habit because it saves a lot of time, energy and money when your routinely looking, picking up and purchasing the same part over and over - although I only do this when it's a hard item to get or stock up when it's on SALE! 

    Hope this helps,

    Lisa

  • Acme-Scott's avatar
    Acme-Scott
    Contributor 4
    3 months ago

    Its a great habit, I've done this for a long time, Its hard not to pick up parts when on sale. That's always the best. I like to get our mowers parts when they have a couple sales during the year.