Effective Tricycle Maintenance Strategy in a Growing Economy: Case Study of Selected Brands

Abstract

The adoption of an effective tricycle maintenance strategy had been seen as an anchor that would go a long way in halting economic recession. The incessant breakdown of tricycles and associated economic consequences motivated the study. Performances of different brands of tricycles that include: Bajaj 2s (two-stroke), Bajaj 4s (four strokes), Tvs King, Piago and Innoson were evaluated. Primary data was obtained from both maintenance workshops and tricycle operators in Ekwulobia, Anambra State of Nigeria. Secondary data were equally considered. Evaluations made within 3 weeks of continuous engagements revealed a decrease in failure rate from 0.05 to 0.01, a decrease in probability density function from 0.05 to 0.01, and increase in reliability from 0.87 to 0.89. After 24 weeks, the failure rate increased from 0.01 to 0.13, the probability density function increased from 0.01 to 0.119 and reliability decreased from 0.89 to 0.1. Meantime between failures of 8.4309 weeks was hence computed. Procurement of tools worth N13,930 along with the acquisition of requisite maintenance training was proffered to save maintenance deficit of N91,000, N345,500, N121,500, N471,700, N318,600 and down time cost of N63,000, N432,000, N89,000, N592,000 and N273,000 for Bajaj 2s, Bajaj 4s, Tvs King, Piago and Innoson tricycles, respectively. Achievements of the study would enable tricycle manufacturers to upgrade their rendered services.