A couple of questions I received from members in the past week got me thinking about how people divide into two groups when it comes to information: those who are willing to pay for it, and those who are not.

The first member explains how he has just paid $10,000 for an old crawler tractor that needs works. He says: “…what about us hackers that buy an ancient piece of equipment and then need to incrementally fix it up on a shoestring?” He then proceeds to explain how he would like some ‘tips’ on how to service and maintain the hydraulics properly and how and where to buy replacement parts on the cheap.

So I write back to him and say: “look, ‘hacker’ or not, you’ve got $10K invested in this machine–PLUS whatever amount you plan or need to spend on it. At a measly $19.95, my book Insider Secrets to Hydraulics, which covers what you’re looking for and a whole lot more, is a no-brainer for you.” I hit the send button knowing he won’t part with his hard-earned.

The second member has just paid $36,000 for a skid-steer loader. He’s in a quandary about what hydraulic fluid to use. He’s done enough research to know that engine oil, ATF and AW hydraulic oil are all possibilities. He ends with: “…what type and brand of oil do you recommend and where can I get it locally?”

To him I say: “…the fact of the matter is, this question does NOT have a simple answer…” and I direct him to my How to Select the Correct Hydraulic Oil ebook and video. I point out it IS a $49 investment, but one that for him, as a proud owner of a $36K hydraulic machine, is definitely worth it. Once again I hit “send” knowing this guy is unlikely to become a customer anytime soon. (I was correct on both counts).

Of course, it is difficult for me to recommend my own information products without appearing to be self-serving. But to be fair, in both cases, I prescribed a modest investment of less than $50, when in fact, what both of them ought to get is The Hydraulic Maintenance Handbook (a whopping $87 investment!). If it was for a replacement hydraulic component, they’d have no choice. But for information that’ll improve their bottom line, that’s optional.

But one thing I do know for sure, based on my long experience in the hydraulics repair biz, is ALL hydraulic equipment owners DO indeed pay for their education one way or the other.

Upfront, from someone like me. Or at the repair shop later.

And this means failing to invest in your hydraulics education can be a costly mistake. To discover six other costly mistakes you want to be sure to avoid with your hydraulic equipment, get “Six Costly Mistakes Most Hydraulics Users Make… And How You Can Avoid Them!” available for FREE download here.