In 1974, my father purchased a John Deere Model 60 tractor from a neighboring farm, a model manufactured between 1952 and 1956. This robust piece of machinery played a vital role in my farm upbringing, teaching me how to navigate plowed rows with my left hand while skillfully operating the jumpy hand clutch with my right.

The construction of that tractor was truly exceptional. It rarely experienced breakdowns, and when it did, we swiftly restored it to operation with parts sourced from the local dealer.

Fast forward to today, and the landscape of equipment longevity has shifted.

A recent encounter with a Caterpillar employee shed light on the behind-the-scenes considerations in the industry. He, working in accounting, is responsible for determining the warranties on new Cat equipment. Interestingly, he revealed that the parts department is more profitable than the new equipment division, hinting at a broader trend in the equipment market.

If you're involved with equipment in any capacity, you've likely noticed that the durability of new machinery doesn't match that of its predecessors. Machines crafted 30 years ago and before were built to withstand the test of time. However, this paradigm has changed. Manufacturers now engineer equipment with a deliberate shorter lifespan, encouraging frequent parts and service requirements due to the higher profit margins associated with parts and dealer repairs.

This shift in philosophy extends beyond plant equipment to delivery trucks and reefers. Maintaining an older fleet can be financially draining, with escalating labor costs and parts markups. We recently had a delivery truck break down and it was towed to the dealer for repairs. Our negotiating power over the high cost of repairs was diminished, as getting our truck back in service was a priority. We’ve learned the hard way that it’s better to pay more for newer trucks than to try to maintain the older ones, which are prone to break down frequently.

When equipment does break down, seeking repairs in a timely manner proves challenging. For instance, a malfunctioning electric pallet jack led us to a service tech, who failed to show up. Forced to call a second company, the urgency cost us $2,800 for a new battery and labor. In such situations, shopping around for a better rate becomes a luxury that we didn’t enjoy.

This dynamic isn't limited to industrial settings. The world of personal vehicles mirrors the trend. Once known for their durability, cars and light trucks now seem to have a lifespan of about five to eight years. A personal anecdote involving a seemingly affordable BMW turned into a costly lesson in maintenance expenses, leading to its eventual sale after just 12 months. Simply put, I could no longer afford to repair this very handsome-looking car!

Reflecting on these experiences prompts questions about the global market for equipment. Are machines made overseas superior or inferior to domestically produced ones? Do certain manufacturers still prioritize crafting long-lasting equipment?

As we live through an era where equipment durability is increasingly tied to economic considerations, it's crucial to ponder the long-term implications for industries and individuals alike. I know of one large national truck carrier that has a full-time accountant on staff to figure out when it’s time to sell their used trucks and buy new ones, based on the estimated costs involved to maintain the units that are over five years old.

A decade ago, our family farm invested in its second John Deere tractor. Despite the added benefits of power steering and a hydrostatic transmission, which undoubtedly reduce operator fatigue, it's evident that this machine lacks the same level of quality and durability found in our initial John Deere acquisition.

What has been your experience with equipment longevity, and do you believe some manufacturers still prioritize crafting durable machines?

The Evolution of Equipment Durability

Join for free* to continue reading.