Equipment plays a primary role in highway maintenance work. Proper selection and use of modern mechanical equipment can improve the quality of maintenance and increase the productivity. Some transportation agencies have developed maintenance and equipment management systems, but information on these systems has been fragmented and not widely publicized. This report reviews existing knowledge on equipment management and how it relates to maintenance management needs and identifies needed research in the equipment management area. Emphasis is placed on documentation of methods presently used for establishing equipment need; inventory of equipment; procurement, assignment, disposal, and replacement procedures; preventive maintenance and repair programs; shop staffing; parts inventory; management reports on use, performance and costs. /Authors/.
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