Rolloff system maintenance has always been a crucial component of any successful dumpster rental business. After all, if your equipment’s in the shop, it’s not out in the field making you money.
Today, that holds doubly true.
With supply chain disruption creating long lead times for new rolloff equipment industry-wide, it’s never been so important to keep your system running for as long as possible.
That’s why we’ve put together a few handy recommendations that will keep your rolloff system running at peak performance—and tackle a few common headaches, too.
1. Keep an eye on your hydraulic fluid
If you’re running low on hydraulic fluid, you’re not running.
So, be sure to check the reservoir sight level gauge located on the front of your trailer to confirm your oil levels aren’t low. We also recommend keeping about 2.5 gallons of hydraulic fluid in your truck. If you discover you’re low when you’re out in the field, it will save you a trip back and forth—a trip that would otherwise cut into your bottom line.
Does your hydraulic oil look a little milky?
Then, you’ve most likely got a little water in there. Drain it out and replace it with new hydraulic oil. While you’re at it, change your filter.
2. Put your wireless remote on a lanyard
We all know the frustration of a TV remote that’s gone MIA. Well, it’s just as easily done in the field.
It’s not uncommon for operators to set their wireless remote on top of the Honda motor after they turn it off. Then, they tarp the load and drive off—realizing too late that they didn’t return the remote to the truck.
These remotes are spendy—you don’t want to loose one.
It’s why we recommend you secure your remote to a lanyard, and wear it around your neck in the field. Want a Nedland lanyard? Just shout. They’re printed with our number in case you have a question in the field.
3. Swap out your oil hub caps
Until recently, we manufactured our rolloffs with plastic oil hub caps, and they did what they were intended to do. Absorbing an impact when a driver gets into close quarters or kicks up a rock is not what they were intended to do.
In some instances, we received calls from operators who bumped into something and cracked their caps. It’s why we started manufacturing our rolloffs with aluminum oil caps instead—an update that’s addressed this potential issue.
Have plastic caps? You might want to give us a call and swap them out.
4. Keep your rolloff tracks clean
In hindsight, it’s pretty easy to see why you should never grease your tracks for the nylon blocks. That grease is a magnet for all the dirt and grime that’s coming up on the bottom of the trailer.
Unfortunately, it sometimes occurs to folks too late—after the grease and grime has packed inside the track and caused problems with the nylon blocks.
Keep those tracks grease-free.
5. Store extra AAA batteries in your glove box
Batteries always die at the most inconvenient time. It’s why we recommend you keep replacements with you on the road.
Sure, you can always operate your rolloff with the manual controls but, if you’re anything like us, you don’t want to be standing over the motor when it’s running. Besides, the wireless gives you the freedom to move around the trailer so you can be dang sure you’re dropping the container right onto the boards and not damaging someone’s driveway.
6. Keep an eye on motor fuel and oil levels
Regularly check the fuel and oil levels in your Honda motor, and flush the engine oil at least once a year.
This might seem like a basic, but we sometimes get calls from folks whose rolloffs won’t start. A simple pre-trip checklist for you or your operators can be mighty handy for things like this.
7. Monitor your rolloff battery performance
Keep in mind that your rolloff system’s key start and wireless remote receiver work on a small lawn mower battery, and a battery can only do so many cranks.
If you notice your rolloff isn’t turning over well, it may be time to swap that battery out—and the time to realize that is before you’re out in the field.
8. Watch for fraying cable
Cable never touches cable with a Nedland rolloff system, and that gives you far greater longevity. That doesn’t mean those cables will last forever, though. You’re pulling heavy loads and, over time, those cables will start to stretch a little bit. Or, you might accidentally drop the cable as you’re moving down the road—it’s the kind of not-enough-coffee situation that can happen to the best of us.
So, after a couple of years, start keeping an eye on it. If you see it starting to fray, give us a call. We keep them in stock.
Take care of your rolloff system, and it will take care of you
What was it that mom always said? “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?”
Well, she was right.
Maintaining your rolloff system and protecting it from momentary lapses in judgment, will keep it—and your business—humming for years to come.