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Preventative maintenance is a major
key to profitability in the food concession, mobile catering or
vending cart food service businesses.
Unscheduled downtime can be the
ultimate disaster. People count on food service businesses.
Missing a scheduled event or a factory lunch break can be the thin
edge of the wedge that your competitors have been waiting for in
order to take over your servicing that specific customer.
Most equipment comes with proper
cleaning, preventive maintenance procedures and instructions, yet I
am always amazed by the number of operators who completely ignore
these documents, as if they know better than the manufacture of the
product. Rolling stock needs preventive maintenance not only with
respect to the equipment, but the vehicle itself. Regular oil and
filter changes, lubrication, tune-ups, tire rotation and
replacement, inspection of hoses and belts all need to be done
according to the manufacture’s recommendations.
 Basic vehicle inspections should be
performed every evening, after that day’s route has been completed.
A visual inspection and air pressure check of all tires (especially
for vendors servicing construction sites) should be performed. An
inspection of belts and hoses to ensure that clamps are tight and
belts are taught. Oil level, brake, radiator, and automatic
steering fluid levels should be checked and topped off if
necessary. An inspection of the air filter, especially for vendors
operating in high dust areas, should also be preformed daily.
Inspections of generators and/or
cooling equipment on vehicles or trailers that are so equipped
should be done, at a minimum weekly to check hoses, connections, and
coolant levels.
As vehicles, trailers and carts move
from location to location, the vibrations associated with the
relocations can easily make fittings and nuts and bolts loosen and
come apart.
Don’t become a victim of poor
maintenance procedures. It’s your lively hood and your investment,
take proper care of your equipment and vehicles and they will
continue to provide you with a profit.
If you are in the need of auto, light truck
parts or automotive tools, we recommend visiting these companies.
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