MAINTENANCE MANAGERS VERSUS EQUIPMENT MANAGERS: THEIR ADVERSARY RELATIONSHIP. (ABRIDGMENT)

There is a natural adverse relationship between the highway maintenance hierarchy and the equipment procurement and maintenance hierarchy within the same highway agency as a result of the difference in their primary functions. Modern highway maintenance techniques require the use of substantial varieties and amounts of equipment. Due to declining availability of funds, maintenance managers are becoming increasingly cost conscious and more aware of all expenses contributing to total cost. Tighter control over activities has resulted in a decline in the per-unit use of equipment, and the income or transfer of funds to equipment sections has not kept up with depreciation. Slower replacement of older equipment has caused an increase in downtime due to equipment malfunction. As efforts are made to increase funding for equipment sections, maintenance managers perceive that they are receiving less service for more money. At the operational level, equipment operators believe that equipment downtime is caused by poor equipment selection and repair, and mechanics believe it is caused by operator carelessness and abuse. Recognition of the adversary relationship and its causes can result in increased efforts to design and implement effective equipment management systems that are responsive to change and track all equipment costs and use in a timely manner. In addition, the training programs used to introduce changes or make additions to equipment management systems can be far more effective if both the potential for resentment and the difference in viewpoints are taken into account. (Author)