Category Archives: heavy equipment

Workers working in construction sites are prone to various air-borne diseases

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

We say that the human race is developing but it seems that we are making things that will cause more harm to us than ever. We make things for our ease but in this process, we forget that there are certain repercussions that we have to face and without wanting to know those repercussions we do things that affect us the most. Our environment is so polluted that every other day we get to see people dying of lung disorder, heart failure, and asthma attacks and so on. If we talk about people working in construction companies, we will find that they belong to the worst affected lots and are infected with various air-borne ailments. They have to go through a lot of dust that is so prevalent in a construction zone. Fresh air is so seldom for them and they are simply left with no other option than to inhale the polluted air.

It is not only the dust that they inhale but also the smoke that comes out of heavy equipment. Most heavy equipment run on diesel and after a certain period of time they emit smoke and intoxicants in large quantity that becomes unhealthy for the people around. There is primarily one reason why machines emit black smoke. It is particularly due to lack of proper maintenance of the machine. The equipment work for months without much lubrication and the engine oil also is not changed at regular intervals. This leads to problem in the engine and if the health of the engine is not good, it is bound to emit intoxicants in the form of black smoke.

What construction companies/employers must do to safeguard the health of their workers has become a matter of discussion and many companies are incorporating the following measures to ensure that the lives of their workers is not taken for granted.

Proper maintenance of machines:-

Intoxicants in the air are one of the major reasons for the falling health of construction workers and machines emit intoxicants due to improper maintenance. To get this fixed, the only way is to ensure that the machines are maintained at regular intervals. It is quite obvious that the operator may forget to send the machine for maintenance. Hence, a calendar must be prepared where you jot down the date when you will take the machine for a wash and get it serviced.

Procure heavy equipment that are environment friendly:-

Many construction companies are in the process of acquiring green machines that will not emit or will emit less toxic in the air as compared to the ones being used currently. Though the equipment will be expensive but will last for more years and will also not pose a risk to the health of construction workers.

Set up camps to check the health of workers:-

Construction companies should take the initiative where they set up camps at least twice in a year and conduct a complete health check-up of its employees. They should not just restrain it to the laborers but also include staff and guys from other departments.

Caterpillar clothing

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

If we think that the heavy equipment manufacturing companies are only into producing heavy construction machines then it is time that we re-adjust our thoughts about these companies. They are no longer limiting their business to manufacturing heavy equipment but have also expanded their horizons into new spheres like manufacturing accessories like boots, gloves, jackets, clothing etc. They see a sizable market that is even bigger than the heavy equipment market. They can sell big construction equipment to construction companies that are engaged with projects around the country but they sell absolutely nothing to the major chunk of the population.

Now a person who work in a convenient store sees no utility of these heavy equipment companies in his life but if he is paid good commission to sell products manufactured by them they the store owner will not mind keeping some stuffs and check if it attracts the attention of the buyers. At the end of the day, it is all about keeping the customer happy and in this process making some money out of it. Simultaneously the heavy equipment producing company also reaches out to rest of the population who is not bothered about what kind of the business they are into but if they like the pattern and design of the clothing then they will buy few clothing from them.

Keeping the entire population into consideration, Caterpillar is producing accessories/clothing products that are widely appreciated across United States. They have not only managed to establish a reputation in the field of heavy equipment but are also doing well in the apparel segment.

Produces clothing that is in trend:-

The clothing manufactured by Caterpillar is indeed classy that quite trendy. They give a lot of importance to the current fashion and what people like to wear. Rather than just producing apparels without even trying to know the wants of its users, they spent a lot of their time, effort and money into doing research, trying to know what people like to wear. The very fact that they invest their time and money into doing research is what keeps them on top of the chart. Quality is another parameter where they never compromise on. They never did on heavy equipment and like to keep the same attitude as far as the clothing segment is concerned.

Clothing for construction workers and employees:-

They are also into manufacturing clothes for people working in the construction domain. Right from workers to staff members, they have clothes for everyone. They manufacture clothes that are cotton rich so that workers working under the scorching heat of the sun do not feel terrible because of improper clothing. They understand what suits them better and produce clothes accordingly. The clothes are mostly airy and not tight to your skin and offers ample comfort to the end user.

Clothes are available in all major apparel stores:-

Availability of CAT clothes is never an issue. You can get what you want in any major apparel store. They are absolutely not overtly expensive though they may seem to be and will definitely not burn a hole in your pocket.

Hire, Purchase or Lease – Which One is better for Your Next Heavy Equipment Investment?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Presently, construction industry is blooming but in a slow speed. In this situation, is it better for a construction company owner to lease, procure or rent a bulky paraphernalia? According to Peter D. Gregory, the senior vice president of the reputed construction group of Atlanta commented that right now the condition of the market is tentative that’s why the construction company owners are hesitating to procure heavy equipment or go for leasing deals. Yet, the construction concerns still require bulky paraphernalia to accomplish their task on the site.

In large organisation, the construction business possessors hire equipment managers and chief financial officers to give suggestion on the issue of renting, leasing or purchasing the heavy equipment. On the other hand, in the budding construction firms, the owners alone take the decision. The presidents of some of the well-renowned construction companies stated that the decision entirely counts on the financial condition of the organisations. To determine, which one is the most suitable one needs some logical prediction and forethought. Here in the following piece, the readers will come to know the difference between the buying, renting and leasing a heavy construction equipment.

Renting, Purchase and Leasing Options for Construction Site Contractors

Rent option helps the contractors to save their capital. Often, they choose the option of renting when they require a specific item for a particular task. Some of the well established construction merchants stated that renting is more costly than lease and purchase options because it provides flexibility to the clients.

When the contractors procure heavy construction apparatus, the dealers not only proffers instant ownership but also subtracts the depreciation cost of the equipment. The interest the possessors get form the deduction helps the construction firms to conserve their tax amount. Majority of the construction organisations prefer to buy heavy equipment parts as it adds as a valuable asset in the in the balance sheet. But, the majority of the budding construction owners prefer to go with the lease option because of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).

Lease is yet another option that is facilitated to the construction company owners by the dealers. It is the best choice for those organisations which are not efficient enough to utilise the depreciation. Other than ownership, this option also provides usage pact with typical no money upfront quality.

Comparison Between Lease, Rent and Buy of Heavy Construction Equipment

For long term use, the charge of the lease is much lower than the renting cost. Therefore, it is sensible for the contractors to avail the benefits of leasing heavy equipment for long term basis. If the construction company owners desire to attain the equipment, then the outright purchase technique is more economical to other alternatives.

On the other hand, for short term purpose, the option of renting heavy construction apparatus is the best. If any construction concern owner wants to go with the buy option, he/she should asses some factors like time duration of the application of the equipment and its maintenance cost.

To sum up, it can be said that all the above mentioned options of availing the benefits of heavy equipment are beneficial to the construction owners unless and until they have the skill to attain it in proper way.

 

Related articles across the web

To Buy or Not Buy Construction Equipment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

It is very important that you have the right kind of equipment to make sure that your construction business is going well. It is not always the availability of capital that would determine if you should rent an equipment of buy one. It is one of the most challenging decisions that have to be taken in this business. There are a few factors that play quite an important role when it comes to the decision of either buying or renting the construction equipment. These factors are discussed as follows.

One of the factors that are to be considered is the capital. The current situation of the capital of the company is a condition that may affect the decision. If conserving the capital is felt important by the company, it should probably go for renting. There are many companies that go out of business because they fail to make payments. Therefore, if a company is going through a cash crunch it is probably a good idea to go for renting the equipment instead of making a permanent purchase and digging a hole in the company capital. Therefore, it can be said that, although, the capital is not the sole reason but is quite an important factor that may influence the decision.

The regulations imposed by the government also play a very important role when it comes to making these decisions. The rules and regulation keep changing regarding the possession of heavy equipment. Some states make the regulations much more liberal. Therefore, it depends on how the conditions are in your state that will influence the decision whether to buy or rent heavy construction equipment.

Another important factor that plays a very important role in this regard is the management of fleet. Some companies may have a high level of competency when it comes to fleet management. If the company has excellent skills when it comes to logistics, transportation, service of equipment and maintenance it is a good idea to have hundred percent ownership of the fleet. However, if the company lacks the desired amount of expertise in fleet managing, it is probably not a good idea to buy your own fleet.

Buying or renting equipment will depend a lot on the amount of risk that you are willing to take. You may not want to take risk or you may be a risk taker. However, it is always the prerogative of the businessman to take calculated risks. There are many factors that are to be considered when it comes to taking risks. If you think that the current year is going to be a good one as far as fiscal matters are in concern, you can go ahead and take risk of buying equipment. However, for those who want to check their grounds safely and take no unnecessary steps, renting the equipment is always a good idea. The production value will depend on the quality of the equipment and not on whether you have the ownership of the equipment. Therefore, when you acquire the machine make sure that you are paying money for a worthy machine no matter you buy or rent.

 

 

Related articles across the web

Simple steps to repair your excavator

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Excavators are important heavy equipment that are used to remove large amount of soil from the surface of the ground for construction purposes. Without it, many of the constructional works would stop. Therefore, its routine maintenance is very essential. You should do it to detect the problems. If you find some serious problem, go immediately for repairing it. Any kind of negligence in this case will lead to major damages. Many a times we have to kick on emergency repairs due to the sudden slip of the rubber/steel track or tearing of the wheel of the excavator. Don’t worry, you only have to follow some simple steps for its repairing and your excavator will be ready to go again.  Just have a look at the following article.

Steps to repair the excavator

  • First of all, it is very important to detect the device of track tension. After that, access your excavator’s plate. Every excavator has their own system of chassis which is situated in different time and place. This system depends completely on the type and model of the excavator.
  • The gap between the excavator and the ground surface should be 6 inches minimum. To lift the excavator, you have to use the hydraulic jacks. Don’t forget to keep the bucket and the crane against the ground. It will help the machine to be steady. Now, stabilize the whole excavator on the repairs and jacks before you start repairing.
  • The cover plate of the tension should be removed from the frame of the track. Against the zerk of the grease, the socket wrench should be placed. Try to remove it slowly. Allen wrench should be inserted in to the whole. Push inside the check ball. To lose the tension, press your feet against the rubber track retracting the idler wheel.
  • Using the metal links put the new track over the wheel sprocket of the drive. Now, skate the rubber track on the tension wheel with the help of the pry bar. To get on the metal links over the wheel, push the track’s bottom with your foot.
  • Put the grease zerk into the frame of track tension. With grease gun, push some grease into the zerk. If the frame of the track sag upto 3 inches, stop smearing grease.
  • Placing the engine on the idle, kick on the excavator. Try to rotate the track in all directions using the control lever. Check out the sag by turning off the engine. Go on rotating the track until the sag becomes at least 3 inches.
  • Don’t forget to secure the cover plate of the tension by stabilizing the track sags at 3 inches.
  • Detach the blocks by lowering the hydraulic jacks so that the excavator touches the surface of the ground.

Carefully go through all the following steps. It is not at all difficult. But, it requires little bit concentration and labor. So, go ahead and repair the excavator yourself and make it a new one.

Service Manuals of different heavy equipment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

When we buy a new gadget, we ideally depend on the instruction book that comes along with it. It is quite obvious that we may not understand much about the new product as long as we do not go through the user manual and if we try to do anything funny with the stuff, we may completely lose it. It then becomes a pain to connect to the mechanic and get it fixed. People who have gone through the ordeal of calling a mechanic to fix things may know what sort of pain that is. Therefore it is highly recommended that one should go through the service manual and read all the instructions very carefully so that they do not make a blunder while using the product.

Now envisage that you have bought expensive heavy equipment for the completion of a project and you are quite alien when it comes to using these big machines. In this case, you are not left with many options. You can either surf the net to know how the machine works but that is not going to be very helpful or you can check it out with someone who has been using this kind of heavy equipment and knows how to get it to work. Just in case, if you are not so fortunate and you do not know any person who knows to operate the equipment then you have only one alternative left and that is to read the service manual and try to get things working.

Service manual of different equipment producing companies will be different:-

Every other machine has its own unique way of working and though a model of a company will have some similarities with the other models, yet it is not completely the same. Therefore there are different service manuals available with every model. For instance, buyers who possess a couple of excavators with different models will have a bit of dissimilarities between them. This is why the company provides different service manuals for both the machines. The user is expected to read the service manual before it starts working with it. Just because he has a previous model and he knows how to work on that machine does not prove that the new model will not have anything new. If he fails to go through the service manual, he may do something untoward and things may go for a toss.

Read the manual before you perform an action:-

It is prudent to go through the manual once before you carry out any action on the machine. Right from cleaning the machine to starting it, it will not take hours for you to read something useful but you may save yourself from committing a bigger mistake. The service manual comes with pictures as well as instructions on how one should be using the product. You may refer the index to check the page where you will get the information you are looking for and once you find it you are on your way to learning things on your own.

 

Related articles across the web

What are Tub Grinders? What use can we make of it?

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Tub Grinders are ideally heavy equipment that are used to ferry woods from the forest and also debris from one place to another. They are mainly used in forest areas to carry huge piles of wood and transport them. This was the main use of Tub Grinder a decade ago. However, now things have changed a lot and the Tub Grinder is not only used to ferry waste wood or debris from the landsite. These days Tub Grinder has become multifaceted equipment which is not only expected to remove the waste wood and debris from the landsite but also undertake wood recycling operations. These days many construction companies see this equipment as a necessity. They want something that can quickly remove the debris from the site and simultaneously recycle logging slash from the construction location. They found Tub Grinder to be the most apt equipment.

Variety of Tub Grinders:-

When there is a demand in the market for something of this potential, heavy equipment manufacturing companies have all started producing machines that is user friendly, consumes less fuel and more efficient and also that offers enough safety for the operator.  Heavy equipment companies have come up with several Tub Grinders that offer almost everything to the user. They are of different sizes and horse power and are devised to do things like clearing the debris in comparatively less time than their predecessors, bark and brush and contain innovative methods and green waste applications. The price of the Tub Grinder also varies depending upon the size of the equipment, the horsepower and the features involved in it.

From where can one buy it?:-

Tub Grinders can be bought from a number of places. For people who have been using this equipment can look for online stores from where they can get a good deal. They can even buy used equipment for a cheaper price. However, for people who would be using this equipment for the first time, it is recommended that they first try to know more about this machine from people who have been using it for long and then approach an online store.

They also have the option of dealing directly with the manufacturing company. These companies have their outlets in almost every state and buying from them will not do any harm. They will understand your need and then suggest the equipment. Most companies are manufacturing easy to use Tub Grinders which means that a person with absolutely no knowledge about operating the machine can still operate it after taking few initial lessons. Other than this, they can also expect good deals coming out from them.

Hiring an operator:-

Construction companies should hire competent Tub Grinder operators who have descent number of experience under their belt. Having experienced people in a company is always prolific to the organization. They will know well how to operate the machine under various conditions. Alternatively, they can also give tips to keep the machine in order.

How to motivate your people to make a successful heavy equipment rental house

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Selling small range to large scale heavy equipment is a big business and also a rewarding one and many are able to make a good career out of it but in order to make it big in this industry, it requires lot of motivation. It is not so simple to stick to this industry especially when you have cut throat competition all over the place. Here you need to know all about the machine in order to sell it. People who would be buying it will know something or the other about the equipment and may ask you numerous questions and if you are unable to answer them, you may lose the deal. If you feel that selling is not your cup of tea but you still like to stick to a business that revolves around heavy equipment then you should look to open a heavy equipment rental house. Here you do not need top notch selling skill. Anything short of top notch will do but you can’t be a complete novice as far as your subject that you would be dealing with is concerned.

It has been witnessed that people begin a heavy equipment rental house but they lack the zeal to grow. They are short of motivation that can keep them going in odd times. So the thing that is utter importance is to keep the guys motivated and keep their hopes alive that they also will be able to make it big in this domain.

Success stories and live examples can really motivate people:-

We require motivation from our peers and our closed ones to carry on with something that at times is not too interesting or due to odd market conditions, things may go against you. In situation like these, things that can really inspire us are some real success stories of people who against all odds were able to make it. So live examples of people who have bravely dealt with the problem rather than running away from it or just being sitting ducks and waiting for things to go their way. Stories about people who have turned the tide and made things go where they wanted it to. Such kinds of stories are really inspirational and heartwarming. Stories like these can have a huge impact in the minds of people who are looking to become successful in heavy equipment rental business.

Walk the talk:-

One should always walk the talk. It is no point in giving big talks to a crowd of audience when you do not have the capacity to do it. People may feel cheated by hearing to those big talks and may take whatever nice you said to them in a negative way. This can be discouraging factor and hence in order to set things right, you first have to practice what you have preached. When they see you taking the right moves towards a successful career in the heavy equipment rental business, they will automatically feel inspired by you and may take on their journey with courage and dignity

Hiring unskilled operators can cost your business dearly

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

It takes a long time for a person to establish a business and when it is a construction business, it may even take his entire life to take his business where he wanted to. One can’t afford to lose all that he has created over the span of years in just few days by hiring incompetent heavy equipment operators. It will really cost him a big deal if he ever intends to employ operators who are not skilled because they will end up doing so many mistakes that you will find it difficult to continue with them.

You may get unskilled operators at a very nominal price but you also got to check how good they will be to your company and if at all they can’t be any good to you then what is the point in hiring them. When you are running a construction business, saving money should not be the only thing that should run in your mind. You definitely do not get quality at a cheaper price. You got to pay good to get able and competent employees who knows how to complete a given task and overcome difficult situations.

This does not mean that you will not hire any inexperienced operator. However, you got to play cleverly out there. You should always make it a point that no matter what, you have a bunch of experienced and very experienced people working with you. Even if you have to pay them more, you should not mind keeping them with you. Simultaneously, you start hiring guys who want to become operators but have little or no experience at all.

You can go to institutions that teach students on becoming heavy equipment operators. There you will get ample of such young guys who may not have any practical knowledge. Since they lack experience, you can hire them for a meager salary and get them trained under the experienced ones. In  this way, you are countering the threat of the experienced guys leaving your company as you will have the young guns working for you and also save a good deal of money by paying them a lower package.

It is equally important that you increase their salary on a timely basis or else once they learn the work, they might leave your company and join somewhere else with a higher package. You just do not want to leave those resources. So you ensure that you keep them happy by increasing their salary at a descent level.

Hiring of inexperienced operators only comes into picture if you have a big business with multiple projects running at the same time and you are in dire need of operators. However, if you do not have that big business then it is advisable that you stick to the ones you already have rather than getting more from outside. You will unnecessarily shoot up your business expenses and that will really not be a healthy decision. Take your moves slowly and after having given enough thoughts on the subject or else things may backfire pretty soon.

Related articles across the web

Heavy Equipment summer maintenance

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

After having a chilled winter season, summer is probably the best season one can get to cherish. It is ideally during this season that people plan out their vacations, go out to meet their dear ones living in some other state and enjoy their lives in the warm sunny weather. However, this very same summer season which is so pleasant to many of the folks can be real bad for guys belonging to the construction industry. They may have a hard time keeping their heavy equipment cool. Just because the machines are getting hotter, they can’t pull off from work. They have to continue with their businesses and still ensure that the machine does not get blown off due to excessive heat and do everything possible to keep it cool. Heavy equipment go through number of complications during this season and they suffer chronic breakdowns. We have seen numerous instances where the machines give up when the weather is pleasant, it can become worse when the weather is actually hot.

The workers working in the construction site also finds it difficult to work in a hot climatic condition. However, they still have the leverage to cool themselves by moving in an air-conditioned room but the same logic can’t be applied in case of heavy equipment. If the operator feels the machine has got too hot, he can only stop working so that he can give some time to the engine to cool down. Due to hot weather, it will take more time than usual to cool and the operator will be losing productive time. This will lead to unwanted delay in the completion of the project resulting in many unnecessary repercussions.

Taking the heat into consideration, heavy equipment manufacturing companies are producing machines that can bear the excessive heat and can work without having to wait to let the machine cool down. However, this kind of technology has not been completely successful. Machines possessing this technology also break down causing more trouble to the construction company.

Check your equipment at the end of the day:-

Once you are done for the day, make sure that you spend some time giving a good look to your equipment. If required do some cleaning. Cleaning the machine with water can really help in cooling down its system and also remove the dirt that sticks to the inner portions of the machine. You do not have to spend a lot of time for this activity. You can devote at least half an hour of your time or may be less than that in checking if everything is in order and in case if it needs any action to be taken, you can take a call yourself or contact the immediate supervisor and get the issue fixed.

Monthly maintenance is a must:-

Other than doing a daily check-up, a monthly maintenance is equally important. Get hold of an expert mechanic who can do a monthly check-up of your machines. Changing the engine oil, applying lubricants and other necessary stuffs needs to be done during this time. Give your machine a new life and it will work for many years to come.

Related articles across the web