By MARGIE TRAX PAGE - Staff Writer - mtrax@starbeacon.com
ASHTABULA TOWNSHIP — From Kevin Elliott’s point of view, the recession is a good time to help his heavy-equipment business save customers’ money, even it means investing in new technology to accomplish that.
Elliott, who owns Coach, Truck and Tractor LLC, with his father, Richard, recently invested in a computer-based system that enables him to diagnose equipment, using manufacturer-specific software. While their shop has used after-market diagnostic software for several years, this is the first time they’ve been able to provide the same level of diagnostics as a factory-authorized dealer’s shop.
“This is factory software,” said Elliott. “This is just like taking it back to the dealership.”
The difference is in the cost. Elliott says the closest heavy-equipment dealer is 60 miles away. “We can save you a 60-mile trip,” he said. “With the price of fuel, it gets pretty expensive just taking it to get it repaired.”
There’s also a cost savings on the service. His shop charges $150 for the diagnostics when done in the shop. He said that’s less than what most dealerships are going to charge, and his business also offers the option of on-site service at an additional charge.
“We can go anywhere with it,” he said. “We were on the side of Interstate 90 with it and got a truck diagnosed. It’s definitely a key part of what we do.”
By hooking into the diagnostics port of the equipment, Elliott can use the software to diagnose engine, anti-lock brake, transmission and cab control issues. The software also can be used to read check-engine light codes and reset them.
Elliott says the data from an after-market diagnostic system are not as reliable as those obtained from a package running the manufacturer’s software.
“If you have a Caterpillar engine, you need something with Caterpillar software. We have that software,” he said.
Elliott says he also can use the data obtained from the diagnostics software to optimize the performance of the equipment so it runs at peak efficiency.
Diagnosing the problem is just the first step in fixing the problem, and Elliott’s shop can repair everything from diesel pickups to bulldozers, backhoes and buses.
He said recession is good for repair shops because equipment owners repair and maintain what they have, rather than purchasing new equipment. On the other hand, they are not working as much, so their equipment is getting less use and not breaking down as often.
“We find our customers needing to save in every area they can,” said Elliott. “To be able to save our customers $150 to $200 and keep them in the county, we feel that’s a worthwhile investment for the customer and the county.”
Elliott is a 2000 Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School graduate. The family’s shop employees three other mechanics.
“And if it continues (to grow), we’re looking to put a fourth mechanic on full time,” he said.
Coach, Truck & Tractor is located 237 State Road. Call 998-1881 for information.
