MAINTENANCE SYSTEM FOR A MIXED FLEET
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FUILL you please ask S.T.R. to give his views on VI' certain points concerning the maintenance of a fleet of commercial vehicles and light cars.
The commercial vehicles range from 15 tons to 5 cwt., but are mostly 7-tonners, they are continuously in service, except for one undergoing overhaul and painting. The annual mileage per vehicle is about 18,000. There are about 40 commercial vehicles, and 20 cars, the latter doing about 20,000 miles per annum.
I find that one vehicle under continuous overhaul is not sufficient, to keep large repairs down to regular periods. There is very little of a working day left for drivers to grease or clean down.
Suggestions required are—system of arranging maintenance, number of staff required, whether you advise a night shift, also whether to make greasing and tyre service come under maintenance staff (at present
drivers' duties). H.M. Trowbridge.
[I can reply only briefly to some of the points raised in your enquiry; a complete reply would be too much with which to deal in a letter. In the ordinary way, I should recommend that one spare vehicle be kept for every 12 to 15 in the fleet. In your case, however, as the annual mileage is small, it is probable that one in 20 will suffice. That would allow of two vehicles being overhauled simultaneously, which is the minimum requirement. In addition, you should provide for periodic docking, i.e., examination of brakes, electrical equipment, oil levels, fuel-supply apparatus, etc. This will have to be done at night, and if one vehicle had attention each night, for five nights per week, that should suffice, if, at the same time, you have in force an efficient scheme for drivers' daily reports, and act accordingly. You would need as a minimum staff one foreman, four mechanics and from two to four assistants during the day time, and one man and a helper at night.—S.T.R.]