by - Suitability for Job Conditions
The Equipment must meet the requirement of the work, climate and working conditions.
- Size of Equipment
Size of equipment should be such that it must be able to be used with other matching units.
If the equipment selected is of larger size, that will remain idle for most of the time or shall work on part loads, which means production cost will be more.
On other hand, if equipment is of smaller size than desired, the equipment will not be able to work with the matching equipments and hence other equipments will have to remain idle or to be allowed to work on part loads, which shall again be uneconomic.
- Past Performance
If the equipment being purchased is of new make and models, it is desirable to enquire about its performance from other users, who are using this make and models.
- Operating Requirements
The equipments selected should be easy to operate and maintain, acceptable to the operator and should have lesser fuel consumption.
- Reliability of Equipment
Equipment selected for the project must be reliable one.
- Economical Aspects
While selecting the equipment, it should be considered that cost of unit production should be minimum.
- Service Support
Service Support should be available in the area of project where the equipment shall be used. Service after sales are major criteria for selection of equipment.
- Use in Future Projects
When equipment completes only a part of their useful life in a project, it should be kept in view that the equipment can be used in future project and may not become obsolete.
- Availability of Know-How
The equipment selected should be satisfactorily handled by available operators. Sophisticated equipment may give excellent performance but it may be difficult to handle and maintain.
- Multipurpose Equipment (Versatility)
There are certain types of equipments which are not utilized fully. Therefore if possible, they must be capable of performing more than one function for example, excavator with wheel loader bucket arrangement or with rock breaker attachments.
- Standardization
It is better to have same type and size of equipment in project. It means lesser spare parts reserve more interchangeability of parts if required, easy for the operators to understand it , mechanics will be aside to maintain and repair better as they become expert by handling similar type of equipment.
- Availability of Spare Parts
While selecting a particular type or make of equipments, it should be ensured that the spare parts will be available at reasonable price throughout the working life of equipment. It should also be ensured that the downtime of the equipment for want for spare parts may not be more.
- Availability of Equipment
The Equipment which is easily available in the market should be purchased. It should also be ensured that the equipment is of repute and is likely to be continued to be manufactured in future also. This is necessary for future standardization and ensuring spare parts supply. It is easy to dispose off such equipments after completion of project.
