admin November 4, 2024

Preventative Maintenance vs. Reactive Repairs

Preventative Maintenance: A Proactive Approach

Preventative maintenance is all about **proactive care**. Instead of waiting for equipment to break down, regular checks and servicing are scheduled to identify potential issues before they escalate. This approach includes routine inspections, part replacements, system diagnostics, and regular cleaning to keep everything running smoothly.

The main advantage of preventative maintenance is **reliability**. Equipment that is regularly maintained is far less likely to experience unexpected failures. This means less downtime, fewer disruptions, and a much lower risk of accidents caused by faulty machinery. Furthermore, staying ahead of issues can extend the lifespan of your GSE, reducing the need for expensive replacements.

Another key benefit is compliance. In industries like aviation, safety regulations are strict and non-negotiable. Preventative maintenance ensures your equipment remains compliant with IATA and Australian safety standards, avoiding fines and legal complications that can arise from non-compliance. Regular servicing also makes it easier to pass 10-year inspections, which are mandatory for certain GSE to remain operational.

Reactive Repairs: Fixing Issues as They Arise

On the flip side, reactive repairs take place **after an issue occurs**. This strategy focuses on getting equipment back up and running as quickly as possible following a breakdown or malfunction. While this approach may seem cost-effective in the short term—since you only pay for repairs when something goes wrong—it carries significant risks.

Firstly, reactive repairs are almost always more **expensive** than preventative maintenance. When equipment fails unexpectedly, it often results in emergency call-outs, express parts shipping, and unplanned labour costs. These costs add up quickly, far surpassing the expense of routine maintenance checks.

Moreover, reactive repairs mean **downtime**. For airports and ground handling operations, every minute of non-operational equipment can disrupt schedules and increase operational costs. In critical situations, a single malfunctioning piece of GSE can cause cascading delays across multiple flights, affecting hundreds of passengers and creating logistical chaos.

Which Strategy is Right for Your Fleet?

The reality is that **preventative maintenance and reactive repairs are not mutually exclusive**. A smart strategy involves a **hybrid approach**—focusing heavily on preventative maintenance while remaining prepared for reactive repairs as needed. Regular inspections and scheduled servicing should be your frontline defence, reducing the chances of unexpected failures. However, having a rapid-response plan for emergency breakdowns is crucial for maintaining smooth operations.

For Hydeng GSE clients, we recommend a **preventative maintenance schedule** that includes:

• Regular hydraulic and pneumatic checks
• Electrical system diagnostics
• Structural integrity assessments
• Timely part replacements based on wear and usage

By prioritising preventative care and being prepared for reactive fixes, you can ensure your equipment remains safe, compliant, and ready to perform. Remember, the cost of prevention is always less than the price of unplanned repairs.