Category Archives: construction equipment

Upgrading heavy equipment can boost the construction business

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Human race has been benefited a lot with the advent of new technologies. We can’t imagine our lives without the presence of these technologies that we are using on a daily basis. It has not only affected our lives but has also played a significant role in giving our businesses a new dimension. A successful business largely depends upon the kind of technologies being used by the employees.

The introduction of technology has also changed the way the construction industry looked decades ago.  Earlier most of the heavy equipment were run on diesel and there were hardly hydraulics used. But now that is not the case. Construction companies are demanding machines that are environment friendly and also consume less fuel giving more productivity. The heavy equipment industry has also seen tremendous changes in the last few years. Every year we get to see an upgraded design of machine in the cover pages of construction equipment magazines. This clearly shows how much they are in demand in the construction business.

Old technology will not get the desired results in a short span:-

We live in a fast paced jet world where we want everything to happen just instantly. It is quite evident that we can’t expect things to happen instantly when it comes to construction but still people will expect the construction companies to finish up the work as soon as possible. With heavy equipment equipped with old technology, it will be almost impossible to get the desired results in a short span. Either you have to give time for the completion of work or you got to compromise on the quality of the building. However, if you are not ready with either of them, then you have to switch to equipment that have the latest technology gadgets fitted in it. It simple means that you have to upgrade your machines by installing the new gadgets.

Upgrading heavy equipment can get you more businesses:-

Guys who give you businesses also try to know the kind of equipment you would be using. They ideally do not pay much heed on the machines that you possess but they walk on strict deadlines and they want you to complete the work within the desired timeline. A delay of few days is acceptable but nothing more than that. So if you work on machines that take ages to complete a task, it will only tarnish the reputation that you have built. It will also affect your relationship with project giver and things may end up in a mess. However, if you have the upgraded machineries at your disposal, then you can always create a positive impression by completing the project in time or at times before time.

Chances of accidents go down:-

Upgrading the construction equipment can bring down the chances of accidents happening in the construction zone to a larger extent. As the old parts of the machine will be replaced by technologically advanced ones, the operator will find it very simple to maneuver the machine diminishing the chances of accidents. This will establish goodwill of yours in the construction industry and more and more people will recognize you for your work. This in turn increases the chances of getting more businesses.

Related articles across the web

How do you adjust brakes on a bulldozer?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Have you wondered what will happen when you bump off to something while your car is at a good speed and you are unable to apply brakes on it? Well, there will be a disaster. This small example can be given to make somebody realize the importance of brakes in a car. Similarly, when it comes to heavy equipment, you need to be extra careful with its brakes. Mind you, that when you are dealing with heavy equipment, you become accountable for any loss that happens if you are not able to operate the machine properly which also includes its brakes not functioning properly. At times, when you apply brakes you can get to hear a sound that appears like the brakes are not well lubricated. This is perhaps the first indication the machine is giving you to work on the maintenance of the machine. It is always advisable that you do not start opening the parts of the equipment as long as you are not an expert who know the in and out of the machine and can indeed work things out and repair the brakes. You should get help of a mechanic who can fix the problem for you.

Apparently, not many people go to the mechanic in the first place. They would like to experiment things on their own and when they realize that this is not their cup of tea that is when they turn up to a mechanic. By the time, they have caused enough harm to the machine.

For people who are used to working on a bulldozer can try the following steps to adjust brakes on it. However, it is still recommended that they get in touch with a mechanic to work things out.

Firstly, you should remove the steel floor plate. Once you have done that, you should be able to see the drive shaft area. You should then check how long it takes for the drive shaft to stop spinning after you are done with depressing the clutch firmly. If you find that the spin time is taking quite long, then you should make sure that you grip the brake band aggressively. However, a word of caution will be that you do not try to be very aggressive in tightening the brake band as there is a possibility that you may end up causing a brake drag on the disk and in this process may overheat and damage the lining of the brake.

You should ensure that the disk spins smoothly when you put off the engine and monitor the temperature of the disk after it has ran smoothly for some time. This is done to check if it is getting hot. If it is overheating then that suggests there is a problem. You can do the same process again and check if it is overheating. If it continues to overheat, then it is better that you take this up to a mechanic and let him fix the problem.

 

Related articles across the web

Acquire the Service of Ready-mix Concrete by Several Renting Ways

Construction companies are facing the problem of loan rejection by most of the banks and for that reason the budding construction organisations are in stress. To curb out the tension of the industry’s owners, the rental companies are proffering the service of heavy equipment on rental basis. Most of the contractors and the possessors of the construction firms opt for these rental companies because these firms did not ask for any financial documents. But it is essential for the trade owners to go through the leasing agreement carefully before confirming the deal. Ready-mix concrete is the most important heavy equipment in the construction industry. It can be rented from many of the authentic leasing concerns.

Application of Ready-mix Concrete

Ready-mix concrete is contrived in an industrial unit or in a concrete plant. It is a composite material that is created according to the requirements of the respective construction companies. Thereafter it is transported to the work site with the help of in-transit mixer. Some of its benefits in construction sites are as follows:

  • Ready mix concrete is often used in lieu of on-site concrete mixer because of the precision of mixture.
  • It can serve broad vicinity and can be normally placed in industrial zones.
  • In this ready-mix concrete, an enhanced quality of concrete is formed.
  • This concrete is used in attractive-stamped, uncovered and tinted aggregate.
  • It is also utilised in highway footpath for roads and flyovers.
  • This concrete is used in building tunnels, bridges and subways.
  • It helps in maintaining the decorative and architectural quality of the walls.
  • Sometimes these concretes are used in sheathing the optical fibre lines of electric, gas, water, TV cables etc.
  • Some of the concretes are available in lightweight that are especially used for ceiling and flooring purposes.

Types of Leasing Companies for Renting Ready-mix Concrete

  • Vendor leasing concerns provide heavy equipment in rental ground only by the vendor proprietors. Most of the time, the heavy equipment are outsourced by the vendor lessors. These companies charge a major amount for nonconformity returns and the returns are processed individually.
  • Independent leasing companies purchase heavy equipment from the reputed manufacturers by taking a loan from the bank and then provide the equipment in lease to the construction industry. The possession of the equipment is mostly attained by the independent leasing companies and banks are not responsible for bearing any storage or maintenance cost. These renting companies also proffer low-value equipment to the construction industries. Therefore sometimes, the contracts of these leasing companies are considered as of high risk to the clients.
  • There are many banks that provide construction heavy equipment on rental basis. Though banks charge a high interest rate but the capital cost claimed by the banks is comparatively low from other leasing companies.

It’s true that selection of correct renting company from the crowd is a frantic task but the apt selection of renting concern satisfies the construction companies by accomplishing their project successfully.

Caterpillar truck has been designed to cater to the new market

Wants and requirements of the customers keep on changing with increase in demand of new technologies. Construction companies are always in the hunt for something new that can make a difference to the way they do business. This definitely does not mean a change in the way of doing business but a sort of change in the technology that helps us to conduct business easily and with precision without compromising the quality of work and the end product. The heavy equipment manufacturing companies pay a lot of attention to the needs of the customer and hence produce machines that make work far simpler than could have ever imagined. One such company that has made a reputation in producing quality products after knowing what the customer wants next and has given the word innovation a new dimension is none other than Caterpillar. Caterpillar specializes in producing machines that no other company has even given a thought to. From bulldozer to excavator or backhoe loader to crawlers, they are simply the market leaders. Likewise, there is one such thing that most companies have not paid much attention and Caterpillar has made a mark in that as well. After keeping the needs of the customers (local as well as global) in mind, they have designed trucks that are worthy of carrying tons of material with low maintenance costs attached with it.

Caterpillar is proud to have manufactured CT681 heavy trucks. It looks very similar to the ordinary trucks but the moment you view the rear of the truck; you see the steer axle shod with very large tires. The axle’s center is said to be the shortest with just 28 inches at the back of the bumper. It is said to be the shortest in the business. By manufacturing this truck, Cat is targeting customers who are operators of dumpers and mixers. Cat is seeing them to be the primary customer as they are the ones who will be benefitted with this machine. If you are of the mind that it could be used only to set off dirt and dump, then you should read how well the truck can be used to remove the snow from the roads. You only have to attach a big plow blade to the truck and that should be all to clear off the snow from the road. Caterpillar for this reason is also targeting highway departments as they can be a major customer who will require such trucks. Caterpillar has not worked much on the looks of the truck and hence if you check, you may find it like any other ordinary truck. However, the feature that’s added onto it is just amazing. The engine is 12.4 liters and has a horsepower of 430 at 1700 rpm. This is an axle forward version unlike the ones made earlier which had it backwards. Cat executives say that they are taking time to learn things better and give the world class products.

 

Related articles across the web

Why should one use Hard Hat at the construction site?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

To take preventive measures against head injuries is a key factor in all safety programs. Certain occupations are susceptible to a more risky environment as compared to others. Being employed in a construction industry is one such job where the employees are compelled to take safety precautions. Even a single bruise sometimes handicapped the person for good or it can be lethal too.

Safety Hard Hats protects a person from diverse menaces. It is a kind of helmet used at the construction sites to protect the head mainly. Organizations which issue Hard Hats generally include their companies’ logos on the front portion of the hat.

Reasons of Using Hard Hat at the Construction Site

The rigid cover of the Hard Hat resists the blows. The system of suspension placed inside the hats work as a shock absorbent. Some of the hats are designed to function as an insulator against the electric shocks. It shields the face, scalp and neck of the employee spills, drips and splashes. Like welding helmets, Hard Hats are equipped with visors to protect the eyes. Mirrors are also fitted with the hats to increase the rear view of the field. A chinstrap is attached with the helmet to keep it from falling off when the wearer bends over. These hats also have a flashlight or headlamp to free the hands of the workers from holding a torch while at work. Most of the employees prefer the hats composed of brown glass as it has more balance, less weight and highly immune to stains and scrapes. The brown glass hard hats also do not let the rainwater to set drops on the hat’s edge. The small space between the head and the shell lessens the blow by at least 3 cms with the help of safety distance cushion when an object is falling vertically.

Service life span of Hard Hats

The most common misconception regarding Hard Hat is that it has a predetermined service period-but this is not true. According to the ANSI standards, all the ingredients of the Hat should be inspected daily to check the signs of cracks, dents, damages or any kind of penetration due to the everyday wear and tear. Hard Hats of MSA brand publish their own ‘Useful Service Life Guidelines’. These guidelines state the replacement of the Hard Hat after every 5 years and the suspension should be changed after 1year. The Hats which fail in the ocular inspection should be use only after rectifying the problem.

Plastic Hard Hats are sensitive to UV rays and hence can cause a problem. Problems caused by UV rays are easy to detect, as it will start to lose its glossy look. Further degradation causes the shell to flake away. Therefore, as soon as the UV damages are detected, the Hard Hat’s shell should be replaced.

Protection is the first concern of every person. So, don’t forget to put on a Hard Hat while working at the construction site.

Heavy Equipment Training Videos – A Superlative Audio-visual Teaching Aid

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Do you want to become a heavy equipment operator? Are you looking for an institute which provides best heavy equipment training? Do you have any idea about the importance of audio-visuals in this type of training course? These are the basic questions that always arise in the mind whenever there is a discussion on the bulky paraphernalia training course. Here in the following article, the trainees will get to know the necessity of videos while taking class in the diesel mechanical colleges.

Hefty Equipment Coaching is incomplete without heavy equipment training videos. The videos prove to be the most beneficial learning manuals for the would-be heavy equipment operators. These audio-visuals assist the trainees to run the machine safely in future. It is known to all of us, that in any practical based subject, the students get more interest in practical classes rather on the theoretical lessons. Here the same thing happens with heavy equipment training program. There are loads of hefty mechanisms coaching centers that provide special heavy equipment training videos to their apprentices.

Content of the Heavy Equipment Training Videos

Heavy equipment functions are all about handy training and thus apart from doing it yourself, the next preeminent alternative is to observe how the operations have to be carried out. Here in the below mention points, the readers will come to know the information given in different sorts of heavy equipment audio-visuals:

  • The videos not only demonstrate the appropriate functions of heavy equipment but also educate the students about the procedures of maintaining and mending those mechanisms.
  • These bulky apparatus training audio-visuals include all sorts of heavy construction and mining mechanisms like excavator, bulldozer, loaders, shovels, heavy duty tippers, fork lift trucks, drilling machines, cranes, motor graders, asphalt pavers, road rollers, compactors, and skid steer loaders and pipe layers.

What do the pupils learn from these videos?

The heavy equipment training video is the paramount study material for the trainees because this encourages and enthusiasts them to run the machine confidently. After observing these heavy equipment videos, the prospective construction equipment operators have an excellent knowledge on many subject matters correlated with heavy equipment operations. Those related issues are as ensues:

  • Hydraulic and hydrostatic study guide
  • Loading haul units
  • Trench digging
  • Operator safety
  • Hydraulic symbols
  • Benching and sloping
  • Maintenance of the heavy equipment
  • Safety of the machinists

Benefits of Heavy Equipment Teaching Videos

  • The trainees can retain the content of the video for a long time in their memory.
  • The audio visuals facilitate the workers to understand the nuisance of the varied heavy equipment parts.
  • The machinist will get to know about the various security measures used for different heavy equipment.
  • These videos help the would-be bulky paraphernalia operators to face the questions of the interviewer confidently.

If a first-class job with lots of options is your ambition, then heavy equipment operation is one of the most appropriate ways to go. Heavy machineries are meant to do sombre task therefore the budding operators should acquire proper knowledge. So why waiting? Get admission in a heavy equipment training institution that offers the facility of heavy construction equipment videos to its learners?

 

Follow the tips before choosing the right equipment tracking system

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

To start a construction business or make a new path for your business, it is very important to organize it properly.  If you cannot maintain your business, then you will not get success in this field. It is really essential to purchase some good and reliable heavy equipment to maintain your business properly. There are a number of heavy machines that can help you to establish your business. To continue it properly, you should rely on such machines. Now, if you start to rent on equipment or operate it then you have to take several experienced workers who can control these machines. To manage everything properly in your site and operate them properly you should take help of equipment tracking system. This will help you to make your business more profitable and productive. However, there are different types of equipment tracking systems so you can choose the right system that is fit with your requirement.

Before choosing the best equipment tracking system to track down the detail information of your equipment you need to consider few things. It is your responsibility to select the best tracking system that has great features. Here are some tips that can help you to choose the perfect equipment tracking system for maintaining your business.

  • At first you need to find out the right provider who can definitely provide you the best equipment tracking system. There are a number of companies that provide different types of tracking systems. You need to find out the best one. You should check the background of the company and try to know which types of equipment tracking system they actually offer. If they can provide different types application then you can definitely try their service.
  • It is also important to check the features of the equipment properly before buying it. If the equipment tracking system doesn’t have reliable features then you will have to face many difficulties. So, it is always good to check the features. You should check whether they can provide good services or not. It is important to check whether they can work in rough situations or not. It is also important to know whether it can run for long time or not. When you are going to work with equipment then you should know the duration of its working.
  • Well, you also need to provide proper maintenance on your equipment. It is really essential to maintain your machines properly so that it can work well. Without proper maintenance you cannot work with it. So, it is your duty to look into the machine and take care of it properly.

These are the most important things that you should always take care of before choosing the right equipment. As it helps you to track down the records of your essential equipment so, you should be very careful and handle this machine properly.

 

Related articles across the web

How to move heavy equipment on a low boy trailer?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

When you are done with your work in a construction site, the next thing that you do is move the machine to another site. You are always in the need of heavy equipment in all your sites as long as you have your projects running. Therefore, it is very important that you always keep the machines on move whenever they are done with one site or are sitting idle. At the same time, you also have to be ultra cautious when you are loading the machine in a trailer and moving it to a different place. So while loading the machine on the trailer, you need to check if the surface of the trailer is indeed low or else it may some cause damage to the equipment. In numerous occasions, while loading the equipment on the trailer, a side of the equipment gets dented by brushing across the edgy surface of the trailer. The problem is not that the machine was not lifted properly but the real issue is with the height of the trailer. The deck of the trailer needs to be extremely low so that while loading the machine, it does not come in contact with the deck of the trailer and thus avoid any sort of damage.

The lowboy trailer is one such trailer whose deck is not much up from the ground and allows carrying load up to 12 feet. Equipment this tall can’t be ferried on other trailers. Heavy equipment like bulldozers, excavators and other heavy duty equipment are hauled using a lowboy trailer. The first lowboy trailer was made somewhere around 1920s. It had a riveted gooseneck and the tires of the equipment were of solid rubber.

It is not advisable to load heavy equipment without the supervision of an expert. This will simply ruin the equipment and what you’ll get is just scrap. There are lot of accidents happened just because of improper loading of machines. For instance, if you are loading an excavator, then you have to first pull the excavator’s bucket and then lower it. If you fail to lower it down, you will only invite some very serious problem. It is recommended that you first put the boom facing the back of the trailer and the bucket of the excavator attached below the boom.

Other than that, it is equally important to chain the heavy equipment properly. If it is loosely chained, then there are high chances that it might just slip away on the road while the trailer is on the move. It may cause to very serious accidents. There are also chances of it hitting the vehicles coming from behind as they may not anticipate a disaster like this to happen.

Concurrently, check the weight of the machine before you load them on the trailer. If you overload the trailer with machines that it can take, then it will be a cause of worry. Avoid overloading the trailer and that will help in safeguarding the machine as well as increase the life of the trailer.

Related articles across the web

Starting a career as a heavy equipment operator

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Construction industry is one of the booming industries with a lot of growth opportunities for people who are working in this industry. Right from mechanics to heavy equipment operators, all can expect a good share of fortune for themselves. Something that is more exciting is to work as heavy equipment operator. Here you do not have to be ultra-qualified like an engineer and still you can manage to earn decent figure at the end of every month. All you need to have is the skill to drive the machine well and also to keep yourself updated with the latest technologies that makes its avenue in the construction business.

We would be discussing few key points that is necessary to start a career as a heavy equipment operator.

Become an operator if you like that kind of job:-

The work of an operator is not glamorous and people after doing it for a while may feel like leaving it and doing something else. At times, people may give it up as they may find the work to be monotonous and want to do something different. A heavy equipment operator has to follow strenuous schedule which not everybody is able to cope up with. Therefore, one needs to be sure that they want to pursue this job for the next many years and are not going to give it up anytime sooner.

Join an institute that can impart the best of knowledge:-

Once you have decided to become an operator, the next thing you got to do is start hunting an institute that specializes and has goodwill in producing able and competent heavy equipment operators. You will get to learn many things about heavy equipment. A year of theoretical lessons and then you’ll be moved into practical. Passing the theory is very important as it will create the much needed base for you and only if your base in strong you are able to move to the next level.

Have a good mentor who can guide you throughout:-

It is very important to have a mentor who will not only teach you the technical part of the machines but will also guide you whenever you need his expert guidance. An institute of renowned nature will always have people who could be good mentors.

Spend time doing some research on internet:-

Whatever you learn from the institute may not be sufficient as they follow a particular curriculum. In order to learn more about things, the best way is to browse the internet and check for new terminologies. This will only sharpen your knowledge and will shape your future in the best possible way.

Discuss any new learning with your friend:-

If you have learnt something new, please share it with your classmates. Sharing will only help you know more about that particular thing. You may come across some guys who may know more about that stuff and can give you a piece of his mind. Sharing of knowledge will always help you to hone your skills and make you a better heavy equipment operator.

Related articles across the web