Maintenance
Maintenance
There’s nothing quite like that sinking feeling when your truck or equipment suddenly quits on you — especially when you're on the job and the clock is ticking. Whether it’s a roadside emergency or a stall-out on a muddy forestry road, breakdowns can bring everything to a standstill.
At Landmark Equipment, we’ve seen it all. If you're in immediate need for heavy equipment repair Call Us or Contact Us now. We provide heavy-duty mechanic services in Castlegar and the surrounding Kootenays, and one thing we know for sure: how you handle those first few moments of a breakdown can make a big difference. Here’s what we recommend doing before you call a mechanic.
The very first priority is safety. If you’re on the highway, get as far off the road as you can, turn on your hazard lights, and make sure you’re visible to traffic. If you’ve got safety cones, triangles, or flares, set them up as a warning to others — especially if you’re operating in low light or poor weather.
Breakdowns in remote areas are common around Castlegar, Trail, Nakusp, or Kaslo and job sites often come with their own risks like loose terrain or unstable ground. Secure the equipment, engage the parking brake, and keep your crew clear of any moving parts. If the breakdown involves hydraulics or overheating, stay clear until the area cools down and stabilizes.
Once everyone is safe and things are stable, take a breath and have a quick look at what’s going on. This isn’t about fixing it yourself — it’s about gathering useful information for your mechanic.
Here’s what to check:
These clues don’t just help your mechanic diagnose the problem — they also speed up the repair because we can bring the right tools and parts with us.
It might feel like overkill, but taking a few quick photos of what you're seeing — a flashing dash light, a puddle of fluid, a broken part — can be extremely helpful.
When we respond to emergency calls from around the Castlegar area, we often ask for a photo to get a better idea of what we’re dealing with. It can save hours by avoiding a second trip or by helping us prepare better for your repair.
If you’re in town, this is easy. But many of our clients work outside Castlegar on forestry roads, mine sites, and rural projects where addresses don’t really exist.
Check your phone’s GPS and drop a pin on Google Maps. If that’s not possible, use nearby landmarks, kilometer markers, road signs, or even unique features like bridges or intersections. Knowing your exact location means we can dispatch help faster — especially if you’re in a spot with spotty cell service.
Now’s the time to call in the pros. When you call heavy duty mechanic in Castlegar, be ready to share:
At Landmark Equipment, we specialize in mobile repair and breakdown response. Whether you're hauling on Highway 3 or working deep in the bush, we come prepared to get you back up and running. Our team works on diesel engines, heavy-duty trucks, trailers, and all types of worksite equipment — and we know the terrain. Call Us or Contact Us now if you're in immediate need for heavy equipment repair.
It can be tempting to pop the hood and start wrenching. But unless it’s something simple — like a loose hose or flat tire — we recommend holding off.
Don’t try to force equipment to move if it’s stuck or seized. And avoid continuing to run an overheating engine, even for a short distance. It might seem like a shortcut, but it can lead to far more expensive repairs.
Also, don’t wait too long to call for help. The sooner we know you’re in a jam, the faster we can respond — and in many cases, that can mean the difference between a quick fix and a full tow.
While some breakdowns are unpredictable, many of them come down to missed maintenance. We see it all the time: cooling system failures in summer, battery issues in winter, air brake leaks, worn belts, clogged filters. They can bring even the best equipment to a standstill.
If your fleet or equipment isn’t on a regular maintenance schedule, it’s time to change that. At Landmark Equipment, we offer preventative maintenance services to clients across Castlegar and the Kootenays. We tailor each plan to the demands of your work — whether you’re hauling loads daily or running seasonal operations in the bush.
Once your vehicle is repaired or towed, don’t just move on and forget about it. Log the incident, schedule a follow-up inspection, and review your emergency response plan. If you’re managing a fleet, it might be time to revisit operator checklists or reinforce daily inspections.
Every breakdown is a chance to improve the system — and we’re here to help with that, too.
Based in Castlegar, we provide fast, reliable service throughout the region. Whether you're in Cranbrook, Sparwood, Creston, Nelson, or somewhere in between, we understand the challenges of working in the Kootenays — and we’re equipped to meet them head-on.
Landmark Equipment is your go-to team for heavy-duty mechanical service in Castlegar and beyond.
If you're stuck and need a mechanic, don't wait.
📞 Call us now
📍 Serving Castlegar, Trail, Nelson & the surrounding area
🔧 Diesel trucks • Trailers • Heavy equipment • Emergency repairs
Let us get you back on the road — fast.