How to Reduce Machine Downtime by 30% with a Smarter Spares Strategy
Unplanned downtime is a significant challenge for plant hire companies. Every hour a machine is out of action leads to lost revenue, delayed projects, and increased operational costs. However, by adopting a smarter approach to spare parts, maintenance and inventory management, you can reduce fleet downtime by up to 30%.
The Hidden Costs of Downtime
Unplanned downtime isn't just about repair costs, it includes:
- Lost revenue from unavailable equipment.
- Project delays affecting client satisfaction.
- Increased labour costs due to emergency repairs.
- Potential penalties for missed deadlines.
Industry studies indicate that parts unavailability accounts for 20–40% of downtime in industrial fleets. (The Construction Index)
The Smarter Spares Strategy
A holistic approach combines premium parts, reliable lubrication, smart inventory, and quality consumables. Here's how each component contributes:
| Strategy Component | What It Does | Expected Impact |
| Holtrac® Spares | Premium aftermarket replacement parts engineered to OEM standards. Ensures worn or broken parts are replaced quickly and reliably. | Faster repairs, fewer repeat failures, shorter lead times than OEM parts. |
| Kompo® Lubricants | High-quality oils & greases designed for harsh conditions. Proper lubrication prevents many common mechanical failures. | Fewer bearing, joint, hydraulic and engine issues. Less heat/friction damage. Longer component life. |
| Holstor® Systems | Smart inventory management: analytics, forecasting, reorder thresholds, safety stock. | Reduced emergency orders, less empty shelves, and minimised carriage costs. Parts available immediately when needed. |
| Holworx® Consumables | Quality consumables such as beacons, PPE, workshop products and cleaning supplies. | Maintains supporting systems so they don’t cause downtime. Efficiency improvements and cleaner operations. |
The Added Value of HTS Spares
HTS Spares stands out in the industry by offering:
- Extensive Stock Levels: With over 250,000 products in our catalogue, HTS Spares ensures that essential parts are readily available, reducing lead times.
- Knowledgeable Parts Experts: Our team boast deep industry expertise, providing customers with accurate and timely advice to ensure the right parts are selected.
- Dedicated Account Managers: HTS Spares assigns account managers to customers, offering a personalised service and tailored solutions to meet specific business needs.
- Proven Track Record: Trusted by major UK projects like Hinkley Point C and HS2, HTS Spares continuously demonstrates reliability and commitment to quality.
How the Numbers Add Up
Combining these elements produces measurable results:
- Lubrication improvements: Proper Kompo® lubricants use reduces failures in bearings and hydraulics.
- Spares availability: Holtrac® spares + Holstor® parts management ensures repairs happen immediately.
- Consumables quality: Holworx® products prevent peripheral failures that cascade into downtime.
Industry data suggests fleets implementing smart spares strategies can reduce downtime by 25–40%. (Hefmec study)
5 Practical Steps to Implement
To achieve a 30% reduction in machine downtime:
- Audit Current Practices: Review existing spares, maintenance and inventory strategies, then collaborate with HTS Spares to develop an improvement plan.
- Adopt Reliable Products: Integrate Holtrac® spares and Kompo® lubricants into operations.
- Enhance Inventory Management: Implement Holstor® systems for efficient stock control.
- Regular Maintenance: Ensure consistent use of quality Holworx® consumables to prevent equipment failures.
- Monitor and Adjust: Continuously evaluate performance, working closely with HTS Spares to make necessary adjustments.
Ready to See Improvements?
By adopting a comprehensive approach that includes premium spares, quality lubricants, efficient inventory systems, and reliable consumables, plant hire companies can significantly reduce downtime. Partnering with HTS Spares further enhances this strategy, providing the support and resources needed to keep operations running smoothly.
Interested in learning more? You can contact our team by email: sales@htsspares.com or by phone: 01432 373350, to arrange an initial chat to understand how HTS Spares can help you significantly reduce downtime and improve your bottom line.
