by Hydra-Flex
When selecting hydrovac tools and equipment, where does price factor into your equation?
We’ve all heard the phrase, “the right tool for the right job,” but too often companies overlook this idea and settle for hydrovac tools and equipment with the lowest price. The quality of the tools that you choose to use are as important as the tools and equipment themselves when it comes to work and repair quality. What companies fail to build into their cost equation is how certain tools can reduce expenses in other areas which can lead towards higher profits and lower replacements costs over time.
If you take a deeper look however, you start to get into subtle differences that can have major downstream effects on profitability.
Take for example dig nozzles. There are a wide variety of products available for purchase that essentially do the same thing: spray water at a designed flow rate. All things being the same, one could turn to price as the sole differentiating factor, make a decision, and be done. If you take a deeper look however, you start to get into subtle differences that can have major downstream effects on profitability. Some questions to consider beyond price would be:
- How fast will this tool help me complete the job?
- Can I factor labor savings into my bid to increase the number of jobs secured?
- How long will the tool last and what will the replacement costs be?
- How much water will be used?
- How many trips to empty the debris tank and at what cost per trip? (labor, fees, diesel, etc.).
When you take the additional factors into consideration, pricing of the tool may or may not be the determining factor in making a purchase. Randy Worthington is a Project Manager for Schlomka’s Vac Truck Service in the greater Minneapolis/Saint Paul metropolitan area. They have been using the Ripsaw Hydro-Excavation nozzle for over 4 years. “The Ripsaw allows us to get more done, while saving water. By doing this, we can reduce dump costs which can run as much as $40-$300 USD per trip, on top of the fuel and labor costs. A run to a dump site is typically 40 miles round trip.” Randy understands the value in selecting quality tools to perform the job as efficiently as possible. When asked about concerns of the price point Randy said, “I give my crews instructions on proper use and after that, it is absolutely worth the investment to save in other areas.”
Your hydrovac tools and equipment should be viewed as an investment in your business.
With the proper use and maintenance of your hydrovac tools and equipment, you can keep your operating costs down while maximizing profits. Researching and selecting has never been easier. With excellent local resources (trade groups, distributors, industry peers) as well as internet research, anyone can understand the right things to consider and the questions to ask. To truly separate your business from the competition and improve your operating profits, begin to look beyond just price and you are well on your way.
Photos/Images courtesy of Northstar Hydrovac.