Construction Equipment Management Practices of Major Contractors in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Construction equipment constitutes a major resource for a contractor. This paper presents the results of a survey performed to unfold the practices followed by contractors in Saudi Arabia in managing their construction equipment. It was possible to find that contractors in Saudi Arabia follow practices similar to those followed by top contractors in the USA. They were found to identify needs, evaluate alternative proposals quantitatively and qualitatively, and make decisions to acquire equipment. During its useful life, contractors maintain accurate records and subject equipment to preventive and scheduled maintenance programs. The contractors also use several economic analysis techniques to determine the economic life, pricing, rate of returns, accounting, etc. of equipment. This information and other parameters are used in equipment replacement evaluation. Finally, the contractors standardize equipment on equipment brand or on the family engine.