Optimized Fleet Recommendation Reduces Fuel and Maintenance Costs
When Joe and Sofia Regalado acquired Madden Materials, the business added to the couple’s already hefty work load as they operated a trucking company and another material supply business. The new venture came with challenges, so they turned to their local Komatsu distributor, which connected them with the manufacturer’s Business Solutions Group (BSG) to help formulate an action plan.
The BSG offers bottom-line tactics that maximize production and efficiency. It studies customers’ existing operations, considers alternatives and provides recommendations. The service is complimentary.
Optimized Fleet Recommendation Process
In Madden Materials’ case, the BSG partnered with the local Komatsu distributor to conduct an Optimized Fleet Recommendation (OFR) study on how to most effectively move sand from the pit to a new wash plant. Members of the BSG took into account the productive potential of various sizes of excavators, wheel loaders and trucks to identify the most efficient fleet, depending on production needs and other factors.
“They assessed the site – how we load, haul distance, tons of product the plant needed per hour – and determined that smaller units would be best,” said Owner/Chief Executive Officer Joe Regalado. “They projected operating costs by considering fuel, operator pay, maintenance and more.”
Reducing Fuel and Maintenance Costs With Optimized Recommendations
Before the study, Regalado was convinced he needed to add a large truck, possibly a 60-ton rigid frame, and pair it with an existing 50-ton-plus excavator. The BSG showed him other options, including using a Komatsu 30-ton articulated dump truck and a PC360LC excavator.
“The same production with smaller equipment means less fuel and maintenance as well as lower overall costs,” said Regalado. “The study saved us enough money that we could buy a second WA380 loader. The assessment was done at no charge. That’s an incredible benefit, and they have finished a second OFR study to determine our present and future needs as we continue to expand and move farther away from the plant.”