Less maintenance, more savings – How KAESER customers are reducing their operating costs

Rethinking maintenance: KAESER’s innovative strategy for MOBILAIR compressors has not only delivered a significant reduction in customer operating costs, but also earned the company recognition from the European Rental Association (ERA). The ERA Award 2025 recognises solutions that deliver lasting efficiency gains in the equipment rental industry – a goal KAESER pursues with extended service intervals, digitally selectable maintenance modes and a clear focus on “rental-ready” design. 

In conversation with Kevin Rosenbusch from Global Service Support and Natalia Amirkhanian from Business Development at KAESER, we explore the thinking behind these innovations, the measurable benefits for operators and rental companies, and some insights into the future of maintenance. An expert interview covering the technology, the economics, and why small changes can sometimes make a very big difference.

Thank you! The ERA Award from the European Rental Association is an important endorsement for us. It shows that our innovation not only stands up on technical merit, but also delivers genuine added value for our customers in the equipment rental and construction sectors – namely lower operating costs, reduced maintenance requirement and greater machine availability. That was precisely the aim of our new maintenance strategy for MOBILAIR compressors.

We have fundamentally revised the maintenance intervals – they are now significantly longer and better aligned with real-world operating conditions. Components such as compressor filters, compressor oil and dirt traps no longer need to be serviced every 500 hours or annually; the interval is now 1,000 hours or every two years. The engine belt and antifreeze also need to be changed less frequently – now only every 1,500 hours or every three years. That saves both time and money.

Fewer service visits mean lower costs, less downtime and greater cost-effectiveness. To give one example, oil changes are now required only half as frequently. Replacement of components such as engine belts and antifreeze is also now only necessary at longer intervals. At the same time, we’ve eliminated the preventive replacement of hose lines, which creates further savings potential.

That’s right – we’ve introduced two maintenance modes: MOBILAIR mode for tough operating conditions such as construction sites or mining operations, and Industry mode for stationary applications in manufacturing or automation. Both modes provide tailored maintenance schedules, calibrated to actual operating demands.

Absolutely. In Industry mode, our customers require just 11 service packages over a twelve-year period. In MOBILAIR mode, the figure for the same period would be 48 service packages. That’s a significant difference – in terms of both materials and labour costs. Our analysis shows that material costs can be reduced by up to 65% in Industry mode.

Yes – that’s one of the greatest advantages of our new digital maintenance architecture. Authorised users can select the appropriate mode and customise the maintenance intervals to suit their needs via a password-protected menu on the integrated control panel. It’s straightforward, intuitive and, above all, flexible – should the intended purpose for the compressor change, for example.

Our data speak for themselves. For the M 50 model, for example, customers can save up to 44% of the total operating costs over the machine’s service life. On top of that, there are savings in CO₂ emissions and waste, as less oil and fewer spare parts are required. And the time factor should not be overlooked: depending on the model, maintenance requirement is reduced by up to 40% – a genuine game-changer for rental companies and operators of large fleets.

The rental business is a demanding sector with many risks and uncertainties. We understand the specific needs of our rental partners and work closely with them to ensure that both the product and the service are the right fit. Even small details can have a noticeable impact on total life-cycle costs. That’s why we develop our solutions consistently around the principle: “Reliable by Design. Easy by Choice.”

Four core aspects are central to our approach: Maximum availability – our portable compressors are dependable and long-lasting. Intuitive operation – easy to understand for experienced and first-time users alike. Maintenance-friendliness and longer service intervals – to reduce workshop time and spare parts costs. Well thought-out transport solutions – ensuring that compressors can be moved safely and loaded and unloaded without difficulty. 

Recognition by the ERA’s technical committee and the 2025 Award demonstrate that we are on the right track. Our aim is to think well beyond the product and make working with us as straightforward as possible for our rental partners. The new Quick Start Guide is one step in that direction – and further steps will follow.