u/Adorable-Gur-9404

I've been researching the idea of starting a small mobile aggregate production business that supplies crushed stone and manufactured sand to local contractors.

I've been comparing the equipment side as well, just to understand what the initial setup would realistically look like. For example, I came across FTMMachinery while researching crushing and sand-making equipment, and it made me realize that choosing the machinery may actually be easier than figuring out how to keep it consistently utilized.

That's the part I'm trying to understand better: what actually limits growth once the business is up and running?

For those who have experience in this industry:

• Was getting your first few customers the hardest part, or was scaling beyond them more difficult?
• Did recurring contracts with construction companies make a big difference compared to one-off jobs?
• At what point did you decide to invest in additional equipment instead of maximizing the utilization of what you already had?
• Were there any mistakes you made early on that slowed your growth?

I'm less interested in the machinery itself and more interested in the business side, customer acquisition, cash flow, pricing, and scaling sustainably.

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who's built or grown a business in aggregates, mining services, or construction materials. Looking back, what advice would you give someone starting today?

Hey everyone,

I'm currently planning my first investment in production equipment, and I'd really appreciate hearing from people who've been through this stage.

I've narrowed down the type of machinery I need, but I'm finding it difficult to balance upfront costs with long-term reliability. Some suppliers offer lower prices, while others charge more but claim better durability, technical support, and lower maintenance costs.

For those of you who have already built or expanded a production line:

• How did you decide between a lower-cost machine and a higher-quality investment?
• Did you buy directly from a manufacturer or go through a distributor?
• Was after-sales support and spare parts availability as important as the initial purchase price?
• Looking back, is there anything you wish you had considered before choosing your equipment supplier?

I'm trying to make a decision that makes sense both financially and operationally. I've been researching manufacturers like FTMMachinery and a few others, but I'd really value hearing about real-world experiences before moving forward.

Thanks in advance for any insights!