In my 15+ years managing AllTerra Central's service department, I've seen thousands of precision instruments come through our doors for repair. While each has its own story, certain patterns emerge when you've diagnosed as many equipment failures as I have. The most expensive repairs share a common thread: they were preventable with proper protection and handling.
As surveyors push the boundaries of where they work, their equipment faces increasingly demanding conditions. Modern surveying technology combines precision optics, sensitive electronics, and complex mechanical systems—all of which have vulnerabilities when exposed to field conditions.
In this analysis, I'll share the five most common equipment risks I see regularly in our service department, their consequences, and what you can do to safeguard your valuable technology investments.
Risk #1: Impact Damage from Falls and Drops
Risk #2: Water and Moisture Infiltration
Risk #3: Vehicle-Related Incidents
Risk #4: Dust and Particulate Contamination
Impact damage remains the single most common cause of catastrophic equipment failure we see in our service center.
Despite IP ratings and weather-resistant claims, moisture damage often occurs gradually, with corrosion developing long before performance issues appear.
Unsecured equipment in transit is vulnerable to impacts, vibration, heat, and theft.
Dust from construction, mining, and agriculture can infiltrate and damage precision systems.
Power irregularities from field charging setups can fry internal components.
Routine inspection and service for prevention
Proper storage in the field, in transit and at office
Trimble Protection Plans for peace of mind and cost savings
Equipment failure isn’t "if" but "when." Here are some help links and resources I recommend to every customer to protect your investment. The TPP 5-Year Warranty turns unpredictable repair costs into predictable business expenses—and that's why I recommend it to every customer.
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Questions? Reach out to me directly here.