Category Archives: Construction

How training helps one to use heavy equipment?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

To use a heavy equipment, the user should know what he is going to do with it. Heavy equipment does the task efficiently and quickly. Its use can be dangerous in novice’s hands. This is the reason which compels many youths to go for a proper training to ensure their safety while handling construction equipment. In most of the cases, training is needed to operate a specific machine, or at best approved by the workers.

For the job hunters, it’s a harsh fact that the industry of construction itself is damn sturdy. No one can deny the fact that it is the world’s one of the fastest growing industries. Those who can handle the constructional jobs with the use of heavy pieces of equipment are in much demand nowadays. They can easily get themselves employed in government sectors, private industries and even can set up a business of construction machines. A systematic training will definitely open the door to the youths with a wide-range of options and fat-salaried jobs.

This field provides great opportunities to all the potential workers. Those who have not yet made up his mind to settle down themselves to achieve their goals or switch to the choices which bring about a job that can lead them to a prosperous life always prefer to go in this realm.

The duration of training related with heavy equipment varies depending on the school which the person has picked up. A person can avoid all the accidents only if he knows exactly how to deal with these pieces of heavy equipment. As its operation is not just a child’s play, it’s always better to get the training at first.

Importance of heavy equipment training

If the reader is interested to know more about the importance of training, he/she should flip through the following article:

  • A construction site deals with different kinds of heavy equipment. During the training, the student will come to know every detail of the various machines involved in the job. He will also be able to applaud the signification of the different kinds of machines.
  • While going through a good training schedule, the student will get acquainted with the safety measures that are necessary to take when he will operate the machines himself. Even a plain forklift can cause hazardous accidents if not handled with care.
  • To get a good job in this domain, the person should develop his skill regarding the use of the equipment which is possible only with an effective training.
  • Training from an institution which is recognised nationally often provides the trainee with the assistance of job-placements which can be extended to some longer period even after graduation. That’s why, if the trainee needs a job in an entirely new location, the school will aid the person to find one.
  • Operation of heavy equipment provides a great path to drive along to those who want to show their skills in the construction field. All these machines have their own subtleties which should be mastered before considering it as safe in the handler’s couch.

Related articles across the web

Getting good training can help you become an able heavy equipment operator

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

The economists are finding the US economy coming out of the stagnant mode and are hoping that the situation which was for so long grim will soon to change. There will be employment in various sectors and one of the sector that will act as cream on the cake will be the construction sector. When the economy goes up, more and more industry comes in, which means there will be ample requirement to build industries, offices, residences etc. In a nutshell, what many major construction companies can foresee is that it is now their time. In other words, they also would need good number of manpower and not just any manpower but fully competent and able manpower. This demand gives way to ample of opportunities for people who want to make a career in construction industry, be it sales and marketing of heavy equipment, or just becoming a heavy equipment operator.

When we talk about an able heavy equipment operator, there are few things that one needs to understand before they see a career in it. We would be discussing in length about those points.

Knowing a bit about heavy equipment:-

When we talk about becoming a heavy equipment operator, it is definitely not a cake walk that anybody can easily become one. People who have absolutely no interest in heavy equipment or do not have any knowledge may find it difficult to become an operator. A heavy equipment operator’s duties are not only limited to keep the machine function during working hours but they also have to ensure that they know a little about the intricacies of the machine which may come handy if the machine breaks out in the middle of nowhere. A person with no interest may not do anything extra to know about the equipment and will wait for the mechanic to come and fix the problem. This will only result in loss of work till the time the machine does not get fixed.

Getting admitted in a reputed institution:-

Passing out from a reputed institution will help the individual to hone his skill and acquire a job in a big construction company. The applicant will have the opportunity to learn from teachers/professors who have seen the in and out of the heavy equipment industry and know which machine is required for what purpose. Getting training under such proficient teachers will in turn make them more competent operators. Moreover, such institutions have the facility to conduct job interviews in their campuses. Interviewers from construction or mining companies come to such institutions to pick the right candidate. It is thus the candidates will get early exposure in this profession which will help them a long way in establishing a promising career.

Coming in touch with veteran heavy equipment operators:-

A person gets to learn a lot from veteran heavy equipment operators. They are quite experienced when it comes to operating machines and it will be always better for a newbie to get trained under an experienced hand.

Related articles across the web

Preventing Construction Site Accidents Is Now Easy With Heavy Equipment Back-Up Cameras

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

The construction area and the use of heavy equipment has somewhat become synonymous to each other. One cannot really think of being involved in the construction arena and not work with heavy equipment. And working with heavy equipment has been found to be directly proportional to the hazards on more than one occasion. It is to prevent such mishaps from occurring that the people in the construction arena have come up with a number of safety devices. And one such safety device that has turned out to be somewhat indispensible is the use of the back-up camera.

The Heavy Equipment Back Up Camera

Manoeuvring heavy equipment without damaging it or causing damage to those present in the vicinity is not really an easy thing to do. Unwanted accidents and mishaps can take place anytime. For instance, there is every chance that a concrete truck backing up will hit somebody or the other in its vicinity and cause a whole lot of damage. The heavy equipment back up camera can prevent a lot of such unwanted accidents and more.

How Can Construction Sits Make Use Of The Heavy Equipment Back Up Cameras?

The back-up camera has become an indispensible part of the heavy equipment at construction sites. Not only does the entire set up proves to be a great measure as far as safety is concerned, it also plays a crucial role in certain other operations as well.

  • The blind spots are supposed to be the most susceptible areas for accidents. The back up camera installations has been found to be pretty useful when it comes to the prevention of these accidents.
  • The back-up camera proves to be of great help when it comes to safety purposes. They are elemental when it comes to the prevention of injuries and saving lives from unwanted mishaps.
  • The back-up camera system also proves to be a great option for the economy of the construction company. By preventing accidents and mishaps, they do save a lot of money that would have otherwise gone into meeting insurance claims, repairing damaged vehicles and other such damage control measures.
  • The safety aspects apart, back up cameras prove to be great tools when it is working with precision in question. For instance, they can be put to use for getting a perfect view of the digging area by attaching the entire mechanism on a dipper stick with an excavator.
  • The back-up camera system is also put to use in case of demolition applications. Its use gives the operator a wider view of the area that needs to be turned down.
  • The heavy equipment back up cameras has proven to be quite an important tool in the arena of miming as well what with its contribution to prevention of flat tires on the mining site.

Not only for the purpose of safety, the heavy equipment back up camera has fast proving itself to be an indispensible tool when it comes to other areas as well.

Related articles across the web

Get To Know the Articulated Dump Truck- The Past and the Present

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Have you ever tried swimming without ever getting wet? Or have you tried riding a bicycle without falling down even once? Well, the obvious answer to all these questions is a resounding no. In a similar manner, it is not possible to be a part of the construction site and not getting involved with heavy construction equipment that form an integral part of the entire business. And the articulated dump truck is one of those heavy equipment that have become an indispensible part of the entire construction arena.

Articulated Dump Trucks- Then and Now

The construction arena had not taken the advent of the articulated dump truck very kindly half a decade back. Though it was and is quite a useful earth moving equipment, those in charge of the construction organisation just couldn’t see enough uses of it.

The need for a new kind of machine arose when the articulated hauler was no longer found to be capable of negotiating terrains of all kind. Thus, emerged the articulated dump truck, which was to change the outlook of the construction arena forever. The first articulated dump trucks were designed to reposition the main drive axle at the rear end of the tractor so as to provide maximal traction. The machine had levers operated by means of hydraulics in place of steering wheels. All of these features combined by the fact that the two parts of the equipment were joined together to form a unit proved to be favourable for the construction arena.

The advancement in the field of technology has brought about quite a change in the entire equipment to produce a machine that is powerful, versatile and easy to operate. Equipped with manual and automated shifts and “all-wheel drive” features, the articulated dump truck as we know today has the capability of getting around all kinds of terrains. Not only in terms of lever and machinery, the modern articulated dump truck also comes equipped with side dumps, standard dumps, scarper beds and the like to cater to the different earth moving requirements at construction sites.

Articulated Dump Trucks at Construction Sites- The Benefits

The advent of the articulated dump truck has been successful in completely revolutionising the way in which earth moving was viewed in the construction industry. The number of benefits that this one equipment comes loaded with should be enough for any construction organization authority to go for it.

  • As opposed to the conventional trucks used at construction sites, the articulated dump truck has the ability to manoeuvre through tight corners and rough terrains. This means that earth moving is now possible on every type of surface imaginable.
  • The tires of the articulated dump truck also have been designed in such a way so as to be absolutely compatible to all types of terrains. This means that the center of gravity and sideways stability is completely balanced with the design of the rear end and the width of the tire.
  • Since they can operate on such a versatile mode, construction site owners can be assured of increased job adeptness.

Hence, one could conclude that the articulated dump truck has come along a long way from the traditional designs, thus, making it an indispensible part of the construction industry.

Related articles across the web

How to buy Used Construction Equipment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

The early morning search is the most popular and the easiest way to find best deals of buying used construction. Monday morning is the best time to find used construction equipment because maximum people give advertisement on the web sites at Sundays.

If you want a piece of equipment badly don’t be scared to communicate with the seller and questioned him about his fixed price. Most of the auction web sites are strictly against this type of arrangements but it depends on you and how bad you want that piece. The dealer will either sell you the piece or tell you to bid in a natural way. So sometimes it can save your time and energy.

If you are checking a piece which no one else is looking for then doesn’t bid on it instantly. Wait for the last day of auction and then bid on it. The most important point for getting a great price of equipment you want for a long time is don’t bid on it. It is a very difficult point to get but it always works. Bidding on the piece that you want at very first moment you saw it, draws unnecessary attention and that you shouldn’t do in an auction. So just wait for the very last moment and then bid on it.

Sometimes people make bid on those pieces which other people are bidding on. So putting your bid on the equipment you want from a very long time in your hand is a very bad choice. It could make your chances extremely low and you cannot buy that thing. If you get into bidding battle it will only raise the bar high. Just sitting and watching till the last moment and then making your move is so far the best way to save your money in an auction.

Purchasing used items in business is the best way to avoid unnecessary expenses. But checking the safety of the equipment is the first and the most important thing to do when you buy a used piece of construction equipment. So if someone buy a used piece of equipment and used it after the important instruction, then the shape of their business will always be good. So every person who is thinking of buying this kind of stuff by the auction should always keep remember these important rules.

If the buyer is careful to follow all the necessary instructions before handling the construction equipment, then this thing can provide very good return on investment to the business.

If you didn’t check the safety equipment before using then many problems can occur such as job injury, time loss, media’s bad coverage, legal action etc. So it’s very important that you do a thorough check up before buying it.

Safety features are different in various models. It totally depends on the model. So you have to check the safety features before buying the equipment.

Related articles across the web

Attain the Service of Trencher of Heavy Equipment Rental Companies

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Nowadays, renting heavy construction equipment is considered as the most profitable business all around the world due to the craze for urbanisation. Therefore most of the construction firms are opting for the service of heavy equipment rental companies. Trencher is also a genus of construction equipment that is given to the architectural companies on rent. The apparatus is employed to excavate trenches, chiefly for laying pipes, cables underneath the ground. These trenchers are sometimes utilised in installing the drainage system or in preparing the trough combat. The construction companies can choose from the varied sizes of trenchers available in the market like walk-behind, heavy track, tractor etc.

Types of Trencher for Rent

Trenchers are available in various forms and use different ploughing gadgets to dig the earth. Some of them are as follows:

  • Wheel trencher also named as rock wheel is compiled by a serrated metal helm. This sort of trencher is economical to manage and maintain. It has the capacity to work in both soft and hard quality soil. They are generally accumulated on rubber tires or tracks.
  • Chain ditcher is capable of cutting the ground with a digging chain that is galvanised around a rounded metal edge. This kind of trencher has the capability to cut the hard quality ground that is not possible by the bucket-type excavator.
  • Micro trencher is often named as small rock wheel that is specifically used in urban areas. It is attached with the cutting helm. These are used in curtailing traffic or walker annoyance at the time of planting network.
  • Horticulturists and gardeners repeatedly use portable trenchers to establish landscape binding and irrigation lines. Compared to other trenchers, these machines are light weighted and are easily manageable.

 Profits in Hiring Trenchers

  • By hiring trenchers, the companies can save the storage cost of this heavy equipment. It is the responsibility of the rental companies that bear the storage cost of ditchers. The companies can hire it for their required time period and return the machine after the completion of the leasing period.
  • The rental companies assist the construction companies to avoid capital investment in these expensive trenchers. The companies are only required to pay the machinery expense that is the rental charge of the trencher to the leasing company. The possessors of the construction companies are free from the tenure cost of the trenchers.
  • The rental companies by providing the service of trencher reinforce the financing potential of the construction companies due to the reason that they proffer an improved ratio of possessions to liabilities.
  • The construction companies are not required to bear the depreciation cost of the heavy equipment machine when they take it from the rental companies. In fact the purchasing value of the trencher decreases as the time goes on therefore it is sensible to take it on rent.

Some of the notable producers of trenchers are TESMEC Company, Ditch Witch, Vermeeer Company, Digga, Marais etc. It is a suggestion to the construction companies to always hire ditchers of these labelled companies.

Related articles across the web

How to develop a lubrication program for your heavy construction equipment?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Lubrication is the technical process which helps to reduce the wear without the interference of human. Lubrication is done   by mediating a substance known as lubricant (which can be solid, liquid, or sometimes gas) which helps to carry the load between the opposing surfaces.

It is important for every equipment to get it properly and regularly lubricated so that it can go in the long run. Without lubricating heavy construction equipment, your machines will fail to withstand the wear and tear of time. But, don’t be afraid! You just need to follow some guidelines and you are on the way of increasing the life span of construction equipment even without wasting any money on the technicians.

There are three main things which can develop a lubrication program-

  • Procedure which support a broader maintenance tactics.
  • What needs to be set up?
  • From where to start the procedure?

These lubrication programs can be accomplished in many different ways. The procedure listed below is the most easy and effective while bringing uniformity to the task.

  • You should be dedicated enough to give your attention to find out what parts of the equipment should be lubricated. To cover the areas of lubricating the heavy construction equipment, you first have to make a proper schedule and for this time and effort is needed.
  • You can also look into the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) manual to find out what kind of lubricant should be used for the machine. In the OEM number of lubrication points are also mentioned. These OEMs are really very helpful for the beginners in this field. A comparison of OEM selection with the AGMA standards is also very essential.
  • You should plan lubrication properly to avoid any kind of damages. Everyone dealing with lubrication program should be endowed with responsibility.
  • If you really want to become an expert in lubrication then, you should have to learn when to stop the lubrication procedure. If you over lubricate a heavy equipment, then be careful, you are unaware of the damage that you are causing to the construction equipment.
  • For lubricating the condition based machines, ultrasound technology is ideally suitable. This ultrasonic inspection helps you to know which bearing needs to be lubricated and how much lubricant you should apply to it.
  • Apart from normal wear, bearing is also greatly affected by the thickness of a relative film by an adequate lubricant.
  • As the lubricant is susceptible to weather, the container with the lubricant should be kept in a controlled climatic condition (dry, covered and at constant temperature).
  • For lubrication program correct viscosity is also another important factor. This viscosity is determined by operating temperature, environmental conditions, shaft speed, and type of the lubricant, tooth geometry and loading. The tooth form directs the sliding and rolling. Whereas the speed, viscosity and surface area of the gear dictates the operating frictional mode.

Most of the person who carries on with his lubrication work does not exactly know how to schedule their lubrication procedure. By following these simple steps, you can easily be an expert in this field.

 

Advantages of renting heavy equipment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

The constructional and industrial companies should decide very carefully whether to buy or rent heavy equipment. Sometimes, renting the equipment can be more beneficial to buying the equipment. If you too planning for getting equipment, first consider for what purpose you are going to use it. This consideration will help you to decide whether you should buy or lease the equipment. Undoubtedly renting the equipment has some major advantages. Some of those advantages are given below.

Advantages of renting heavy equipment

The growing sectors of industries are becoming busy with heavy constructional works. They don’t want to spend much money on getting the equipment while at the same time not ready to compromise with the quality. Here comes the idea of renting the equipment.

  • If you are leasing a heavy equipment, you will not be burdened with the job of maintaining it regularly. Though there are some heavy equipment which require a bit maintenance through routine testing. But, in case of renting, it is the renting company which is going to do this task for you. This will enable you to schedule your work properly without investing any time and money in maintenance of the equipment.
  • One important aspect of the machine ownership which most of the companies don’t consider before purchasing is the storage facility. They left the equipment in open spaces which ultimately lead to the damage of the equipment. When the person is opting for renting the equipment, he doesn’t need have to spend much money in creating a storage building or renting it. It is the duty of the renting company to manage a space for storing the equipment properly.
  • Another great advantage of leasing the equipment is the transportation facility. Suppose, your working place is far away from your equipment storing room, then transporting the equipment to the worksite can be time consuming, expensive and tiresome. In such a case, most of the people hire a third –party company to transport the equipment. Too much complicated, right? If you opt for renting, the company will provide you with transportation of the equipment without any extra charges to the worksite.
  • The most common thread which unites all the operational advantages to leasing is the reduction in labour costs and time. The hidden costs of purchasing the equipment often make it very difficult. If you are deciding to rent the equipment, go on because it is economic too. No additional costs are required to upkeep the machine in case of leasing it. Sometimes, the companies have to set up complete divisions only for proper handling of the logistics and support their equipment.

If you have low budget and cannot afford to buy the equipment, you should kick on for leasing it. Look for the company which will offer you a well-stocked and maintained fleet of heavy constructional equipment. The company should also provide you with top-notch quality service. So, go ahead and get your equipment type on leasing and start the construction business.

Accidents associated with construction equipment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Construction equipment are generally heavy and one has to be cautious at all time to minimize the risks that can happen from bad handling and lack of proper maintenance of this equipment. Heavy construction equipment used in big construction companies make the construction much faster and easier. There are always some risks associated with the heavy construction equipment which can have disastrous consequences. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 75% of workers at construction equipment factory became victims of accidents. Some of the risks of using construction equipment are listed below.

  • Site fall: It includes roof related falls, scaffolding falls, elevator shaft falls, crane falls and falling objects. Over three hundred deaths arise from construction site fall every year. Though some companies pay compensation for the injury caused to the victim, but do you think it’s enough? Safety precautions should be taken by the construction equipment to ensure well being of the worker.
  • Roof related Falls:– Roof fall is one of the most common form of accidents. This includes skylight falls, communication tower falls and fall through existing opening. Many of the deaths and injuries can be controlled by proper protection equipment.
  • Crane Falls on Construction Site:– Cranes are designed to control enormous pieces of powerful machinery. The operators can also fall from crane due to loss of its balance.

 

  • Other common form of accidents using construction equipment are:
  • Forklifts
  • Backhoes
  • Bulldozers
  • Front-end loaders and
  • Skid Steers.
  • Steps to avoid such construction site accidents
  • Allow only trained and expert professionals for operating heavy equipment.
  • Equipment has been designed properly and safely manufactured.
  • A display of warnings on the machinery should be there.
  • Equipment is needed to maintain regularly with periodic checkups.
  • Find out whether the machine is properly carried out or not with tightened bolts, nuts and screws.
  • Check the trailer deck, stability and clearances.
  • Be careful of overhead hurdles and underground utilities like water, sewer, electrical lines, gas and telecom.
  • Find out whether any unconventional sound is coming or not from the construction equipment.

Accidents related with construction equipment is mostly categorized into two categories. Firstly, it’s improper maintenance management system and the way of its handling. And secondly, defect in the design or manufacture of the equipment including absence of proper warnings.

Sometimes there are also electrical accidents due to the construction equipment. OSHA has issued some guidelines for the safety of the workers with construction equipment and some precautionary steps that should be taken to face such hazardous accidents. Electric shock is another such common accident. It can cause many complications like muscular spasm, internal injury, cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest. A fire plan should also be there to evacuate the workers safely when an explosion occurs.

We all know the fact that accidents are not natural but they are manmade mainly because of their ignorance. So, to minimize such accidents the construction equipment companies should take proper steps and guarantee a safe life to its workers.

How to distinguish if you need a new undercarriage?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

It is very important to know when you need a new undercarriage. Nearly 20 percent of the purchase price of the crawler is due to the undercarriage. While approximately 50percent of your repairing cost will be wasted in repairing it. From this data, you surely have a clear idea of how vital role undercarriage does play in maintaining the life of your equipment. Although wear cannot be bumped off, but getting the certified parts of the undercarriage makes it running strong.

When should one need a new undercarriage?

  • Idlers is also called “Track Tensioner” as it keeps the track in right angle. De-tracking, reduced stability, absence of track tension, loosening of wheel between mounting arms and accelerated track wear are the signs which show that the idler of the undercarriage is getting damage. This is the proper time of having a new undercarriage.
  • Rollers (another important part) are of two types- bottom rollers and upper rollers. Bottom rollers support the machine’s weight through the track. Whereas the upper rollers carry the chain in its proper angle. Grinding noises, oil leaking from the rollers, sudden sideways movement when the rollers starts to rotate are the signs that indicate the damage of your roller and you should get a new one.
  • Sprockets are used to transmit motion and act as a profiled wheel. When the tips of the sprocket looks like the waved caps, grinding noises comes out, the binding of the teeth to the sprocket centre worn down and complete tear out of the metal happens, then it is the time to change the sprocket of your undercarriage.

However, routine check of oil levels of the machine, greasing the parts of undercarriage properly and unobstructed the undercarriage from rocks and debris definitely keep the undercarriage in good condition for a long time.

How to select the standard undercarriage?

  • Weight of the machine:- The size of the undercarriage heavily depends on the weight of the machine(though this is not applicable in the case of crawler tractor).OEM applications having slow speed i.e.3.5mph or even less than that are best served by Hydraulic Excavator (HEX). On the other hand, applications with more than 3.5mph speed are best carried out by crawler tractor’s arrangements.
  • Application of the machine: – The distance of the track gauge should be at least 60 percent of the track’s length on the ground.
  • Desired life of the undercarriage: – The life of the undercarriage is decided by the normal and maximum speed operating, operating environment and the quality of the job function. If your machine works in a reverse direction for most of the time, the track should also be reversed for maximum life of the component.

To buff up your business, you should have an undercarriage that can withstand the wear and tear and empower your machine to face any kind of operational challenges. The above said points will definitely aid in lowering operating cost, prolonging service life and great value.