Stocking spares...

[Ty Korrigan]

Hello,

How many/much spares do people keep in stock?

 

I tend to keep a spare bar, sprocket and at least 4 chains in stock for every saw.

I've starter cord, a couple of handles, silky blades and the disc cutter too has a spare disc.

I buy bigger containers of oil to always have a stock.

Now all this racks up to over a grand at any one time just sitting there waiting to be used.

A grand tied up that is not actually doing anything.

That I should buy as I need individual parts and keep no stock.

 

Is this another jolly accounting wheeze from people who know jack about running a business or am I a serial hoarder with my 4 chains for every saw...?

Ty

[doobin]

Morning Ty, are you that far ahead of us time wise?

 

I'd say that amount of spares is about right. If a storm such as the one they were contemplating last week had hit, you'd have been grateful for the stock of spares. Plus with chains, you can have one set for softwood and one for hardwood.

 

One thing I would add to your list is chain brake bands. I keep a spare for every saw and always have them on the job

 

Over the last couple of years, I've finally had enough money to start keeping spares for every aspect of my business. My oils shelf alone is approx £300 worth in every type of oil for all my machines. Spare filters for all, regardless of when the next service is, otherwise it creeps up on you.

 

I have two whiteboards which are filled with scribblings of spares/tools I need to purchase. On paper, my business doesn't justify this level of investment in stock. But life is easier since I've started working like this, plus I enjoy fiddling around at the workshop

[Andy Collins]

Spares are something which we always used to stock, but I guess the progression of the Internet and ease of next day deliveries has reduced the need for this. I still keep spares, saw shops are never open when something breaks, and it's never a bad habit to be in, IMO.

[TreeswingerPerth]

I've got a big ex army waterproof /airtight box in the van full of spares , never been stuck yet . It's a must IMO .

Oil's , fuel and grease go without saying .

[NI Tree]

I keep lots of spares as it is easier

[Goaty]

I think its wise to have stock. My nearest pro dealer(who doesn't always have what I need) is 25 miles away. A waste of time if i had to go special. I have always tried to keep such consumables on stock and they do come in and make a warm glow inside of the satisfaction on being shrewd. If you have a brilliant dealer less than 5 miles away thats open bank holidays and sundays. Probably no point.