---
title: "After 15 Years in Service: The Top 5 Most Common Equipment Risks"
description: Discover the top 5 preventable equipment risks facing geospatial pros—and how AllTerra Central’s service insights and warranties can save your projects.
---

[All Angles ](https://blog.allterracentral.com/all-angles)

# [After 15 Years in Service: The Top 5 Most Common Equipment Risks](https://blog.allterracentral.com/all-angles/service/the-top-5-equipment-risks-i-see-every-day)

 Written by [Dan Gerlach, AllTerra Service](https://blog.allterracentral.com/all-angles/author/dan-gerlach-allterra-service) | Jul 1, 2025 10:06:32 PM

## **Introduction**

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.

## **The 5 Most Common Equipment Risks**

[**Risk #1: Impact Damage from Falls and Drops**](https://blog.allterracentral.com/all-angles/service/the-top-5-equipment-risks-i-see-every-day?hs_amp=true#Risk1)

[**Risk #2: Water and Moisture Infiltration**](https://blog.allterracentral.com/all-angles/service/the-top-5-equipment-risks-i-see-every-day?hs_amp=true#Risk2)  
<https://blog.allterracentral.com/all-angles/service/the-top-5-equipment-risks-i-see-every-day?hs_amp=true#Risk3>

[**Risk #3: Vehicle-Related Incidents**](https://blog.allterracentral.com/all-angles/service/the-top-5-equipment-risks-i-see-every-day?hs_amp=true#Risk3)  
<https://blog.allterracentral.com/all-angles/service/the-top-5-equipment-risks-i-see-every-day?hs_amp=true#Risk4>

[**Risk #4: Dust and Particulate Contamination**](https://blog.allterracentral.com/all-angles/service/the-top-5-equipment-risks-i-see-every-day?hs_amp=true#Risk4)

[**Risk #5: Power-Related Damage**](https://blog.allterracentral.com/all-angles/service/the-top-5-equipment-risks-i-see-every-day?hs_amp=true#Risk5)

### **Risk #1: Impact Damage from Falls and Drops**

Impact damage remains the single most common cause of catastrophic equipment failure we see in our service center.

### **Risk #2: Water and Moisture Infiltration**** **

Despite IP ratings and weather-resistant claims, moisture damage often occurs gradually, with corrosion developing long before performance issues appear.

### **Risk #3: Vehicle-Related Incidents**** **

Unsecured equipment in transit is vulnerable to impacts, vibration, heat, and theft.

### **Risk #4: Dust and Particulate Contamination**

Dust from construction, mining, and agriculture can infiltrate and damage precision systems.

### **Risk #5: Power-Related Damage**** **

Power irregularities from field charging setups can fry internal components.

## **Service Manager's Final Advice**

### **3 Non-Negotiables:**

1. Routine inspection and service for prevention
2. Proper storage in the field, in transit and at office
3. Trimble Protection Plans for peace of mind and cost savings

### **The Bottom Line:**

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.

<https://dl.trimble.com/www/tp-geospatial-premium-plans-pn022511-197-rev1121b.pdf>[Connect with Service Today](https://allterracentral.com/service)  
[Learn More About TPP Coverage](https://www.trimble.com/en/support/extended-protection/geospatial)

*Questions? Reach out to me directly [here](https://lp.allterracentral.com/service_request).*

**

 

[View full post](https://blog.allterracentral.com/all-angles/service/the-top-5-equipment-risks-i-see-every-day)

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