9.24.25
Efficiency in Heavy Equipment Operations: Smarter by the Yard
MJE’s Equipment Operations Manager, Ryan Asbridge, shares how smarter maintenance, operator training, and technology keep 250+ machines moving — and why efficiency is the heart of Smarter by the Yard.
Efficiency in construction isn’t just about horsepower. It’s about the hundreds of small decisions that add up to big results. In this episode of Groundbreakers: Stories of Rural Innovation, Equipment Operations Manager Ryan Asbridge joins Ethan Cantrell to discuss how MJE keeps over 250 pieces of heavy equipment running strong — and why efficiency is the heart of our Smarter by the Yard campaign.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
1. The Real Cost of Idle Time
Ryan explains why idle time is one of the “biggest thieves” on a job site — wasting fuel, hours, and warranties. Cutting back on idle can save thousands each week.
2. Preventative Maintenance at Scale
With 50+ oil changes a week and automated scheduling through telematics, MJE keeps nearly every scraper running. Customers notice when 50 machines are moving dirt and none are sitting idle.
3. Operator Training that Pays Off
Efficiency isn’t just machines. It’s people. That’s why MJE created a dedicated operator trainer role to travel site-to-site, coaching operators on GPS models, safety, and dirt-moving best practices.
4. Data-Driven Dirt Work
From drone flights to telematics platforms like VisionLink and JDLink, MJE leans on technology to measure real-world production and fuel burn — not just catalog numbers.
5. Culture of Continuous Improvement
As Ryan puts it: “Efficiency isn’t one thing — it’s hundreds of little things adding up.” MJE doesn’t settle for “this is how we’ve always done it.” The team constantly tests new methods, equipment, and technologies to stay ahead.
Why It Matters
For Ryan and the MJE team, efficiency is personal. Every gallon saved, every machine maintained, and every operator trained helps deliver projects ahead of schedule and on budget. That’s what it means to be Smarter by the Yard.
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