Skyjack’s common parts approach appears to be proving popular with end users, especially those working within the rental sector.
Fewer parts, simple coding systems, and the commonality of components across Skyjack’s range of aerial work platforms (AWPs) help to reduce costs, service training, and maintenance time, according to the manufacturer and its customers. Indeed, Klochko Equipment Rental’s Tom Klochko says that Skyjack’s common touch has made life easier for his team.
“What I really like is the fact that the parts are common, and they span several different models,” he said.
“It really helps the mechanics out. I think it will be very helpful to keeping costs down, keeping inventory parts down, reducing my labour time and my parts carrying cost,” Klochko added.
Earlier this year, the Michigan-based rental firm acquired a range of Skyjack telescopic booms, including the 227kg-capacity SJ45T and SK66T models. Klochko’s mechanics were given the opportunity to inspect the machines prior to delivery, and were pleasantly surprised by what they found.
As Klochko explained: “I had several mechanics mention to me, ‘You know, this part is the same as on the other model; even though it’s a different type of boom, it’s still the same system.’ They thought that was great because that’s one less thing that they have to relearn on a different model. My mechanics all said the same thing: ‘These parts are identical. There are some parts that are common in both booms and scissors.’ They couldn’t believe it.”
This level of compatibility between machines is the result of Skyjack’s commitment to increasing commonality across its range.
“It may be surprising to some when I say that on Skyjack’s telescopic booms, 89% of the items on the recommended parts lists for the SJ45T and SJ66T are common,” commented Ron Butts, territory manager at Skyjack.
“Skyjack’s philosophy to have commonality of parts throughout the product line is a huge benefit to our customers, not only in parts inventory, but servicing as well,” he added.
In addition to Skyjack’s quest for compatibility, the manufacturer’s colour-coded and numbered wiring system also serves to facilitate quick repairs for end users.
“It’s identifiable and it helps the mechanics,” commented Klochko.
“You can grab wire number 14 and know it’s for the lift function, and that’s the case on each and every Skyjack model. That may seem simple, but in the real world, identifying the correct wire for a repair can be a major challenge due to the different brands in our fleet,” he said.
Effective design is the key to commonality, according to Skyjack’s product manager, Corey Connelly.
“All of Skyjack’s products are designed to be easy to service and maintain,” he explained.
“By keeping design simple and using proven technology, the reliability and ease of service is common to the company’s designs. That means common components across models and model groups are used wherever possible, reducing the number of service parts needed to maintain Skyjack products.
“The use of ‘off-the-shelf’ service parts wherever possible, as opposed to custom designs, means that replacing or repairing components is easy and cost effective. The reason we focus on this is so that we can confidently offer the rental industry’s best life-cycle value through low cost of ownership, ease of use, and maintenance, while retaining high residual values,” Connelly concluded.
