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How to use a bulldozer

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Operators at times have a hard time while operating heavy equipment. They feel that while they are used to one particular type of machine when they are given to work on an equipment that has new configuration it takes time for them to understand those configurations and get their hands used to the system. They also have to understand the various features and their importance that is installed in a machine making the process more complicated. However once they are used to the system and they understand the features well they do not see much problem in using it. Using a bulldozer in particular has been found to be tougher amongst operators as compared to any other form of heavy equipment. The most common issue encountered by many operators is with steering the machine in the right direction. They sort of tend to lose their control while maneuvering the machine which leads to casualties and losses.

There has to be a systematic way to use a bulldozer and that is discussed as follows:-

Enter the cabin with a calm mind:-

We have enough problems to deal with in our day to day lives but we can’t carry the load of those problems with us wherever we go and especially when it is about going to work you simply can’t carry it there. You have to leave all your worries and hassles right before you enter the workplace and this stands right for the operator as well. You should not enter the cabin if you are tensed or worried about anything. You had a quarrel at home or an argument with your boss. It is better that you take some time doing nothing and clam your mind. You should not work on a bulldozer while you are angry or running through emotions. It can turn out into a bigger mess. Have a chat with your friend, check out a funny video on YouTube and once you feel that you are fresh and ready to work, get inside the cabin.

Have good control on the paddle and the brakes:-

Keep your legs strong while you are using a bulldozer. You use your legs to increase or decrease the speed of the machine as well as when you apply brakes on it. Your legs should not be shaky while you are using the bulldozer. Ideally, the paddle of the bulldozer is located just behind the brake. This means that you should be well trained and have practiced enough before using the mechanisms.

Use joystick to steer the machine as well as to use the blades:-

Joysticks are quite a helpful device as long as you know how to use them. It can be used to steer the machine and also used to move the blades in the right direction. The blades of the bulldozer are used to shove the mud to give a plain surface. An operator who has loads of experience in using joysticks to move the blades can do the work the right way at the first time. Rest may take some time to master the work.

How to drive a bulldozer

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Driving heavy equipment is simple for operators who have loads of experience operating it but as far as the newbie are concerned who are in the process of gaining some bit of experience in it may find it difficult to maneuver the machine. Other than that, every other model of heavy equipment has different operating functions which one need to know and have their hands-on it. So you can master to drive heavy equipment only when you do it quite often and in this process you also tend to learn new things which in turn make you more comfortable. Many operators during their initial stage find extremely difficult to operator a bulldozer. They simply could not control the machine well and often end up in an accident. Even the experienced ones at times lose their control from the machine and when such things happen it can turn to be quite fatal. It is therefore very crucial for the operator to follow few steps that will help him have better control over the machine and turn him as a more competent operator.

Try to make yourself comfortable:-

Being comfortable while you are about to drive a bulldozer is quite crucial. You just can’t start operating it the moment you step inside the cab. You got to check few things first and once you are sure that all the important functions are good to go, you can give it a start. Also you need to be calm and steady mentally and physically. It is more of a mental situation and less physical. You may be tensed because of a previous day’s blunder that could have cost the company a lot of money or may be worried of something that is simply not related to your work. You got to explain yourself that if you remain worried then it will simply add up to your problem and will reflect on your work. You have to soothe your mind first and automatically your body will calm down. Once you are sure that you are absolutely comfortable you should get going.

Try to move the bulldozer a bit:-

Before you start your day’s work, you need to warm up your machine a bit. Now all that you need to do is start the engine and keep it on for some time. Once the engine has warmed up you should try moving the machine to and fro and check if it is moving without any issue. You can in this way also check if the brakes of the machine are functioning properly.

Make use of joystick:-

Today’s heavy equipment are far advanced than what it used to be a decade ago. However, you need to learn to use the technology given to you in a proper manner. In order to steer the machine the way you want to, you should make use of the joystick. You should be ultra-careful while handling the joystick as it is smooth and being harsh with it can take the machine to any direction thus losing the control on it.

How to choose the right Heavy Equipment for Storm Clean-up

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Climate is not in human control and natural calamities can strike in at any point, without any prior indication. However, nowadays, due to technological advancements, weather and climate changes can be predicted well in advance, and this gives us some scope for prevention or at least precaution. But, in front of huge natural calamities like tornado, hurricane and other storms, there is nothing that we could do.

Damages are also huge as caused by these storms. Not just these cyclones and tornadoes, but the snow storm can also cause great disaster. Even earthquakes can strike in anytime and the results are disastrous. What is a common consequence of any of any of these natural disasters is the huge amount of debris that needs to be cleared, after the calamity.

Heavy Equipment in Cleaning Up:

From uprooted trees to broken down buildings, roofs, damaged roads with concrete and mud, dust and dirt everywhere, it becomes absolutely difficult to get back to the daily lifestyle. Even after a snow storm, the amount of snow that is deposited on the roads, block the roads completely. Hence, to clean them up, the heavy equipment plays a huge role.

Types of Heavy Equipment Needed for Storm clean-up:

The damages that take place after a storm vary to a great extent. The houses, concrete buildings, might structures and even the huts collapse. In case of the roads, they are severely damaged by the amount of downpour that follows the storm. The pitch, bitumen and asphalt, come out of the road. The trees are uprooted and they block the roads and this makes it even more difficult to communicate. To clean the debris and to make everything just as usual, there are a few types of heavy equipment that must be needed. These would include –

  • Excavators
  • Track loaders
  • Dozers
  • Cranes
  • Wheel loaders
  • Backhoes
  • Dump trucks.

Each of these would serve a special purpose while performing the cleaning task after storm damage.

Choosing the right equipment:

Now that you have known about the different types of heavy equipment that you need to choose in order to clean-up the storm damages and debris, you must know the factors that you need to consider while buying or hiring them.

  • Type of damage:

This is the most important factor that you must consider. The type of damage that has been caused by the storm is the most important thing. You need to decide, whether you need to clean the snow or remove the tree logs or clean the debris.

  • Own or hire:

The next most important thing is whether you need to own the heavy equipment or hire them. If the storm attacks your area frequently, you can choose to own the equipment. Or else, you can even hire them as you require. Owning might charge you high initially, but it will reduce the hiring cost every time. You can even rent it out, when you are not in need of it. It will be an added income to you.

Since the use of the heavy equipment is diverse and versatile, they are always in demand.

How to drive/operate an excavator

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Driving your car is completely different from driving heavy equipment. You do not have many things in heavy equipment that you have in a car and therefore it does not make any sense to equate both the stuffs into one. we go to driving schools to learn driving and only when we become good at it and the driving officer confirms that we are learnt it well and will not cause any disaster on roads that we are given a license. There are many who do not get a license at the first stance. They give multiple tests and of course fail many times as well. Same is the case for a heavy equipment operator. It should never be construed that driving heavy equipment is a cake walk as you do not have to deal with multiple functions at the same time. On the contrary when you actually try to learn to drive/operate heavy equipment it is then you realize the exact difference and may have a different opinion.

We definitely require driving skills when it comes to driving heavy equipment but that is pertinent to probably everything that we can drive and is not just limited to heavy equipment. Now when we talk about heavy equipment there are few machines that operators find them easy to operate and for some they just can’t handle them. As we know that not all heavy equipment are same and therefore for some heavy equipment we need operators with extra ordinary driving skills to drive/operate the machine. An excavator is one such heavy equipment. The operators do not have to attend any special driving schools to drive/operate an excavator. They all go to the same institution. It is just that some have that in-built talent which if shaped in the right way can deliver excellent results.

User manual can’t teach you to drive/operate excavators:-

Excavating earth is a difficult job and in many instances dangerous too. If not done in the right way, it can lead to severe damage. There have been numerous examples where people have lost their lives while excavating. Moreover, the terrain where the excavation is taking place plays an important role. If the terrain is difficult it indeed tests the skills of the operator. A person who does not have much experience in operating excavators should not get into it or else he will jeopardize the lives of himself and many others along with him. One can’t even check the user manual at that time to know how to get come out safely from a given situation. User manuals do not teach you how to drive. They provide some very basic instructions which one can adopt while driving but there are schools for that matter where one should take their basic training and then let the mentors decide if they are ready for heavy equipment like excavators.

Learn the various functions and have better control over them:-

The operator who can efficiently work on an excavator certainly knows all the functions in the machine and has better control over them. This is quite important because as long as you do not know everything of a machine you will not be able to operate it at 100%.

How to operate a loader

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Loaders are one of the most essential and important heavy construction equipment that the construction workers simply cannot do without, in the current construction scenario. However, operating the loader, or in fact any other heavy construction equipment, is not an easy task. You need to make sure that you know the steps properly, so that the loader doesn’t tip over or change directions all of a sudden.

Start with choosing the right size and power of the loader. There are different kinds of the loaders. You can choose a skid loader or a wheel loader or the other kinds of loaders, as per your requirement. Once you have done so, you need to follow these steps.

  • Read the user manual:

 

The first step is to read the user manual of the loader carefully. There you will be guided about the different switches, levers and other tools. Take your seat and carefully identify the switches. Before you start, you must fasten your seat belt properly, so that you do not fall from the loader.

  • Understand the controls:

 

There are two steering handles in almost all the loaders. They are located on the sides of the arm rest of both sides of the loader. There is also a diagram for the buttons that clearly state how the loader runs and before you start the machine, you need to look at the loader carefully.

  • Start the loader:

 

To start the loader, usually you are given a key that is almost similar to that of a car. Some loaders are also started by a clearly visible start button. Nowadays, the newer loaders come with a keypad, where you will have to enter the starting code and the machine will start.

  • Unlock the controls:

 

Usually the control system is locked and hence, as you start the machine or loader, you need to unlock the control system. A toggle switch does the job and when it is turned off, a red lamp is ignited and when it is switched on, it turns green.

  • Moving the bucket:

 

Usually the bucket is controlled by the left steering handle. It must be made assured that the joystick is moved only to the right or left side or to the front and back. Diagonal movement may cause the machine to act differently; rather than moving the bucket. Many loaders use pedals to run the machine and control the buckets. While moving the vehicle, you must always lift the bucket high enough to see the front clearly.

  • Controlling the right handle:

 

The right handle controls how the bucket is operated to load and unload the debris. Moving the right handle to the left will raise the bucket and moving it to the right will unload or dump the material in the bucket.

Now that you have understood how the loaders can be operated, it is a must that you stop the loader right in front of the pile of material that you want to load or unload. Once you are done, park the machine properly, so that it doesn’t obstruct the area. Always move the vehicle in slow speed.

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How to buy heavy equipment at lower price

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Every company would want to buy raw materials required to make finished goods at a lower price. This will help them to bring down their manufacturing cost and can make more profits in return. However, the challenge here is to know the source that can provide them the raw material at a lower price. The raw material provider does not provide the stuffs at cheap rates to everyone but there is a simultaneous market that deals with the same stuff at a lower rate. The problem is not everybody is aware of this simultaneous market. Similarly, when it comes to the construction industry, they have one such market from where they can buy heavy equipment at a lower price. There are few construction companies who are in the business of buying construction machines at a relatively lesser price and then let it out to other companies or contractors. They make good money in this transaction as well as are also able to retain the machine.

Repo heavy equipment can be bought at a lower price:-

Buyers of heavy equipment who purchases the machines by borrowing loan and if they are unable to repay the money, the machine is repossessed by the lender. Now, the lender does not want to keep it under its possession for too long. The lender is interested to get its money back and therefore it auctions the machine and sells it to the highest bidder. In this particular case, not many people are aware of such auction and therefore not many people turn up. Also, the lender wants to get the money back that it has lent to the borrower and is not looking to make more money by doing this process. This means they keep the price of the heavy equipment much lower than one can think of. Due to low footfall, the price of the machine does not increase exponentially in the auction and the highest bidder can manage to buy it at a lower price.

Shutting down the business:-

The construction sector is quite a challenging and dynamic one and not many people are able to survive the odds of the industry. This is why many people decide to shut down the business and try something else. The people who are in the process of shutting down their business would want to sell off all their belongings so that they can have some money at the end of their entrepreneurial journey. They will be releasing an ad in local newspaper or simply list the item on some website that deals with buying and selling of heavy equipment. Just in case, you manage to get to know the person, you can directly walk up to him/her and check if he/she wants to sell it off to you. You can check the condition of the machine and give him/her a deal that he can’t refuse. They will be happy to get anything reasonable that you can offer him/her and will hand over the machine to you.

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How to recruit competent operators

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Day in and day out we are witnessing a lot of changes in the way heavy equipment are being operated. It is primarily because of the ever increasing want of the consumer to make operating heavy equipment simpler and also because they want their work to be completed in comparatively lesser time so that they can concentrate on new projects. This has certainly given rise to the want of advanced heavy equipment and also simultaneously has given rise to the requirement of competent operators. Good operators have become a very rare commodity and are not easily found.

If you own a big construction house, you will not more than 6-7 operators who are highly experienced and know their job well. The other lot will always be a factor of worry for you. It has therefore become a skill to recruit competent operators for your company and we will discuss what exactly should be done to recognize their talent and make them a part of your organization.

Check how much they know about their work:-

It is important to check how knowledgeable the operator is as far as his work is concerned and how much he knows about heavy equipment. Check which all machines has he operated in the last 2 years and if there are any cases of accidents reported against him. Competencies do come with experience but that is certainly not the only criteria to become a competent operator. Therefore, you can also look for guys who do not have much experience but are still good with machines. You can ask them several questions pertaining to the equipment they have operated and check how correct they are while answering them. This will give you a hint on what kind of operator you are hiring.

Trial check is necessary to check their competency:-

In order to know how good they are in operating the heavy equipment, you can ask them to operate a machine and tell them what they need to do. Your instructions should be crystal clear so that they can perform the task without any confusion. Now if they complete the task without any error, you have the right guy for the job. This method of checking the competency of the operator is performed by many construction companies who are able to recruit ace operators.

 

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How to knock down a bridge with an excavator

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It is not necessary that we need a dozer to knock down a huge structure but can be done with the help of heavy equipment which is considered to be a multi-task machine. There is not much heavy equipment that can do multi-tasking. For instance, a grader can be used for only grading purpose and if you try to do something more from it, it may not give you the same performance that you can get from the heavy equipment which is meant to do that sort of work. Same goes with other heavy equipment as they are built to do a particular kind of work but there are few machines that can multi-task real well and an excavator certainly falls in that bucket. Today, an excavator is not only used for digging work but is also used for other wide range of activities and one of them is to knock down a heavy structure.

These days’ excavators are being used to knock down bridges. It may sound to be a strange idea but has been applied by many contractors who work only on excavators. Though the same kind of job can also be done by using a dozer, yet contractors who have been using excavators do not want to switch over to any other equipment. Since they know that their machine can be equipped with attachments that can get almost any work done, they prefer changing the attachments and not their heavy equipment. Excavators are good in digging work and in order to bring down a bridge, it is first important to weaken its foundation and then you can hit hard on the surface to break it down completely.

So the first thing that the operator does is it starts working on the foundation of the bridge. It erodes the ground making the foundation weaker and then once you can see the base of the foundation, all you have to do it hit the surface of the bridge with a wrecking ball/crusher/hammer and bring it down. After bringing down the surface of the bridge, the next important part will be the pillars of the bridge. Since the foundation of the pillars has already been weakened, it will not be a difficult task to bring that down. All you have to do is use the wrecking ball and hit the pillars hard and it will come down like a pack of cards. Knocking down a bridge may take some time to complete. Eroding the foundation is what takes most of the time or else simply knocking it down is not a difficult process.

While doing this part of the job, the people involved on the ground should be very careful because any wrong step can prove to be lethal. It is just the excavator and the operator controlling the machine should be allowed to be there near the site. Rest all should be away but having a close watch at the developments. In case of any accident they should be ready to jump in and help the operator get out of the mess.

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How to build a lake with a dozer

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We all have this thought that dozers are meant for mowing down huge structures and ramming down anything and everything that comes in its way but hardly do we know that it can also be used for building a lake. Though the need of other heavy equipment cannot be ruled out but if the work of building a lake is assigned to a contractor and he does not have any other heavy equipment apart from a dozer, he can still get the work done through it. He does not have to start hunting for an excavator or something that specializes in excavating work. However, one also needs to understand that this will take long for the work to complete and also the need of an experienced operator plays quite a crucial role.

So when you are digging the ground with the intention to build a lake with a dozer, you should first check the kind of dozer you may need for the purpose. Just because you are building a lake does not mean you should be using big dozers. At times small dozers can do the trick which big dozers can’t and therefore selection of dozers in this case is of utmost importance.

The crux of the heavy equipment comes while working in different forms of land. Not every kind of heavy equipment can stand in a sloppy land. The operator might find it very difficult to balance the position of the machine. The dozers may be a slow one but they can provide power, stability and have good traction which is perhaps the most required feature for building lakes. In order to dig deep, you can make use of some special blades that are designed for the purpose of making a hole in the ground. Well, these blades have some 6 movements. They can move right, left, up, down and can tilt from right to left and vice-versa. This position is specifically used to dig deep in the ground. You can also make use of rippers to break down a hard piece of land or any rock that you hit in the earth.

Using a ripper makes more sense because it has the potential to tear apart hard materials like rock and can thus help the dozer to dig deep without much hassle.

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How to fix the tracks on an excavator when falling off

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While you are at work in the construction jobsite, you can’t afford to see the heavy equipment not functioning due to technical snags. That is perhaps the last thing you want to happen. This is why many construction companies these days hire mechanics who come to the jobsite the moment they get a call and try to fix the issue in the next few hours. However, if the problem is grave then it may even take days for them to resolve and this will have a severe impact on your day’s work. You then have to make it up once you have the heavy equipment up and running and you got to ask your employees to stretch to cover up the pending work. This is a big problem which many construction companies encounter when they are not vigilant about the current status of the machine.

Another big issue is with tracks of the excavator getting off the machine. They just come out while you are at work and you are not sure what to do to get that fixed. Calling up a mechanic may not always be the right option though it is a recommended one. But the fact of the matter is mechanics at times have their own commitments and they may not answer your call or may take their time to come. So you got your work tied up as you are heavily dependent on a mechanic to get the track of the excavator fixed.

When you see the track of the excavator is falling off, you can try things on your own to get it resolved and may not even need the assistance of any mechanic for that matter. All you have to do is make use of the boom to lift the side where you see the track has gone derailed and use a heavy piece of wood to prop it up. In this way you simply back off the tension and then can make use of a bucket to put the track on the line by pressing it against the track. Once that is done you drive the track on from the cab. A word of caution will be do not move the excavator from its place till you fix up the track. You did not need any special tool to get this going and was also quite simple.

In case you do not see that to be working then the next best option will be to call up a mechanic or someone who had encountered this issue previously and was able to fix it on his own. He may be the guy for you and can but it back. What you got to do is check how the mechanic puts it back on track so that if it happens the next time you know what you have to do to get it resolved on your own. There are many things in heavy equipment that does not require the intervention of a mechanic and one can get things done on his own and fixing the tracks on an excavator is one such job.

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