Preventing downtime requires regular maintenance with a trusted service technician. But as more people are busier than ever, taking time to schedule fleet maintenance can slip off the priority list. That’s why it’s important to select a time of year, potentially during the colder months, when certain machine groups may have regularly scheduled inspections.
Annual inspections support smarter planned maintenance, protect equipment health, and strengthen the reliability of your machine monitoring systems by giving you accurate baseline data for operators, fleet managers, and service teams.
Why Annual Inspections Matter
Your crews and equipment work long seasons with high demands and tough conditions. While planned maintenance helps keep machines running day‑to‑day, annual inspections dig deeper and uncover issues routine service can’t.
“Planned maintenance is great for keeping machines up and running,” said Carson Laney, Regional Aftermarket Manager at RDO Equipment Co. “But an annual inspection with a trusted service technician takes a closer look, beyond oil changes and filters to really understand the condition of your machine.”
With complex machines — especially those equipped with monitoring and a Fleet Management System like John Deere Operations Center — managers can quickly track key data points, like production hours or fuel usage, to determine when an annual inspection can be scheduled.
What’s Included in an Annual Inspection
Annual inspections can proactively identify potential issues before they result in a breakdown in the field, reducing repair costs. They offer a full, deep evaluation of your machine’s condition.
1.A Complete Visual Walkaround
A service technician checks hoses, wiring, structural components, attachments and more.
2. Fluid Sampling
Oil, coolant and hydraulic samples are collected and sent for lab analysis, an essential step for understanding internal wear before it becomes a problem.
3. Diagnostic Scanning
Technicians retrieve active and stored fault codes to assess machine behavior and system activity.
4. Feature and Configuration Verification
Settings, options and electronic systems are reviewed — important for machines tied into advanced technology or machine monitoring features.
5. Operational Testing
Technicians run the machine under controlled conditions to observe responsiveness, performance and system behavior.
6. Documentation for Warranty Claims
A well‑documented machine can be a more valuable machine when it comes time to file a warranty claim or inquire about a potential trade-in with a trusted dealer.
“When inspections are done by your dealer, they’re added to the machine service history,” Laney said. “That record becomes a valuable asset when it’s time to trade or sell. Buyers trust machines with documented care.”
Annual Inspections Equal Big Savings
Recently, an “Abnormally High Transmission Temperature” Expert Alert triggered on a customer’s John Deere 824 K wheel loader. That alert, powered by the machine’s monitoring system, prompted the store to dispatch a technician immediately.
What began as a temperature alert uncovered much more: The cooling package was heavily plugged, causing the high temps.
While cleaning the cooling system, the technician noticed oil leaking from the rear axle breather.
Further inspection confirmed internal axle damage, requiring a full axle replacement.
The takeaway: Thorough inspections and solid machine monitoring go hand‑in‑hand. They prevent downtime, uncover hidden failures and give customers confidence that their equipment is being cared for proactively.
RDO Technicians Can Proactively Respond
Inspections matter because experienced technicians know where to look and what to look for.
“I’ve seen RDO technicians crawl from top to bottom and mark any issue that can cause a mid‑season breakdown,” Laney said. “When a contractor knows about these potential issues, they can schedule maintenance and get them fixed when they are not needed on the job site.”
When a machine arrives at the shop for annual inspection at the right time, a service technician can address issues before they happen.
“For specialized machines like those from Wirtgen Group, an inspection after the busy season is crucial,” Laney said. “Maintaining these machines during the off-season ensures production and uptime for the spring.”
This kind of insight is the backbone of a strong fleet maintenance program. Annual inspections make it easier to plan repairs and budget confidently. Annual inspections can reduce the risk of emergency service calls and downtime.
Annual inspections plus maintenance documentation can extend machine life and protect resale value. They’re an essential layer of protection that aligns with your broader planned maintenance strategy.
Whether you're managing a mixed fleet or compact equipment lineup, annual inspections help you get ahead of issues rather than react to them.
Before your next busy season arrives, schedule your inspection and ensure your machines are ready to work
Si Hanna
Si Hanna is the Vice President of Equipment at RDO Equipment Co., managing inventory levels and fleet valuation, along with supporting machine health and remarketing sales. Hanna began with RDO in 2005 in Compact Construction Equipment (CCE) sales. He has held roles including Store Manager in Hewitt, TX, and General Manager of Remarketing. His first job in equipment was with RDO, and 20 years later, he’s a trusted expert in a rapidly changing industry.
