Heavy-equipment glass can be some of the most profitable work in the automotive glass business, and for a good reason, according to Victor Ng.
Ng, owner and manager of Xpress Auto Glass in Newark, New Jersey, has spent more than three decades in the industry. In his experience, heavy-equipment work can demand much more than a typical shop installation.
Technicians may need to cut laminated glass in the field, climb onto equipment on uneven job sites and work around machinery that restricts access.
“You almost need to be a contortionist to get this done right,” Ng says.
That difficulty is only part of why the work pays well. Downtime can be expensive, and Ng says customers often need him on site within four hours because a disabled machine can slow or stop the work around it.
“If the machines don’t move, the workers don’t move,” he says. “The trickle-down effect can be drastic.”
For technicians taking on this work, experienced installers point to several ways to avoid problems and prepare for the job.
Diagnose Before You Replace
Matt Curtiss, a senior technician with SGI Auto Glass and an Auto Glass Safety Council Certified Master Technician, says technicians should look beyond the broken glass itself.
“There was a reason that the glass broke in the first place,” Curtiss says.
Bent frames, damaged pinchwelds or corrosion can allow glass to move and eventually break. Technicians also need to decide whether a replacement can be cut in the field or requires OEM glass. Curved pieces, holes for handles or latches, and specialty glass can make OEM the better option.
Even then, Curtiss recommends checking the fit before installation. On multi-piece windshields, rubber blocks can help control gaps and height between pieces.
Getting the right glass is only part of the job. Technicians also need to know what they are walking into.
Plan for the Unknown
Hector Cruz, manager and AGRR technician with Advanced Mobile Glass Solutions LLC, has worked in the industry for 36 years.
“The biggest challenge is the unknown,” Cruz says.
His advice is to understand the job requirements in advance. That means confirming the scope with the customer, planning for site conditions and determining whether special equipment or personal protective equipment will be needed.
“The equipment itself isn’t necessarily difficult to work on. It’s about planning,” he says. “Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
Prepare Before You Start
Joshua Robinson, lead technician at Albany Auto Glass in Albany, Georgia, has 25 years of experience. For him, preparation starts before the damaged glass comes out.
“I always inspect the new glass before starting larger equipment jobs in case of breakage during shipment,” Robinson says. He also recommends making sure enough people are available for the installation.
The replacement glass is only one thing to inspect. The equipment itself may need attention, too.
Robinson says his team treats corrosion and primes the affected area before installing the replacement. Working outside also requires close attention to contamination and keeping the glass cool.
On one difficult combine job, his team removed the lights and windshield wiper assembly and loosened the roof to gain access. Three people lowered the old windshield. A forklift then raised the replacement to two technicians on the machine while two others helped set it in place.
Despite the complexity, Robinson’s advice is simple.
“Take your time,” he says.
