Tag Archives: Construction Equipment

Heavy equipment with ALS ice bucket challenge is not a good mix

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For those of you, who are still unaware of the ALS ice bucket challenge let us first know what ALS actually is?

ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral sclerosis. It is neurological degenerative disease that progresses gradually, affecting the nerve cells of the brain and the spinal cord. There are motor neurons that run from our brain to our spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the rest of our body, and they help us to be able to control various movements. When due to this disease the motor neurons die our brain’s ability to commence muscle control is lost. Due to the loss of voluntary muscle action progressively lost with time, most patients in the later stages of the disease get completely paralyzed.

The recently popularized activity that has gone viral over the internet with videos of various actors, sports person and other celebrities and prominent people doing the ALS ice bucket challenge, has seen much media attention and has now spread throughout the world.

The ice bucket challenge simply refers to the activity of dumping a bucketful of icy cold water on a person’s head to promote awareness for the aforementioned disease, and to encourage people to donate for its research and treatment. It reached peak popularity or went viral as is popularly said these days, over the internet through various social media such as YouTube, Facebook, twitter etc. during July to August of 2014.

Do heavy equipment and the ALS ice bucket challenge mix well?

As we have seen a number of videos throughout the web, the ice bucket challenge does not mix well when done with heavy equipment. As it is sites with extensive usage of heavy equipment demand full attention of the users as well as they have to take various safety measures that are stated by the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) departments.

Various rumors have spread throughout the internet claiming that a teenager might have lost his life while attempting to do the ice bucket challenge accompanied by heavy machinery. While allegedly some of these videos have been proven to be faked as a practical joke by various twitter and other social media users, some of them stand to be true.

We can find a number of videos involving iced water put in cranes and diggers that are being used by various people to get extra attention to their ice bucket challenge videos. But as we can see later on in those videos that some of have failed horribly and can be seen to be heavily injured. Although not all of them have been proved to be true, it is a possibility that some of the disastrous events that take place in them might actually happen. All types of heavy equipment and construction machinery need to be treated with utmost carefulness and should not be used to pull out such videos.

Needless to say a huge heavy construction machine full of ice water dumped on a person could lead to hypothermia or shock after being exposed to such low temperature water. It was reported in July that a man in Germany was crushed under construction site heavy equipment leading to his untimely death and also led to injuries of others around him.

Thus, it is safe to conclude that heavy equipment should not be mixed with the ALS ice bucket challenge as it poses to a huge threat to the lives of the people doing so.

 

 

 

How To Construct Pipelines using Heavy Equipment?

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Almost all the projects of pipeline construction occurs mainly in rural areas and this construction work can be carried out in all climatic conditions. The receiving of effective and timely supply of logistics can appear as a major challenge because of the inferior infrastructure which is a very common case while carrying out the operations of pipeline construction. Moreover, heavy equipment plays a vital role in constructing the pipelines. You should have a proper knowledge of the heavy equipment before you take on the job of pipeline project.

Heavy Equipment for Pipeline Construction

  • Dozers: – Dozer is used to clear the land where the pipeline is going to be installed. The land is levelled using the dozers to enable the workers to construct the pipeline there. Here, they are mainly used for cutting and grading. Dozers which are generally used in pipeline jobs differ in sizes according to the job requirement.
  • Shovels: – Though shovel is not a heavy equipment, still it plays an important part in the construction of pipeline. They are used to dig, lift and shift huge objects required for pipeline jobs. They are one type of excavator and power shovels which are big in size is used during the work.
  • Backhoe:- The employees use backhoe to excavate the trench of pipeline. The land which has been excavated while carrying out the work of ditching is temporarily piled on the inactive side of the trench that means where no work is being done. The depth of the excavated ditch depends on the diameter and width of the pipe to be installed.
  • Pipe bending machine: – Each joints of the pipe to be installed are suspended along the right side which is adjacent to the unearthed ditch, and arranged in such a manner that it become gettable to the personnel employed in the pipeline job. The pipe-bending machine bends every joints of the pipe to the prescribed angle at places where there is a notable underground curvature and where it is needed to change the path of the pipeline. The pipe-bending machine includes Motor Grader, Motor Crane, Air Compressor, Pumps, Skid Truck and many more.
  • Side Boom Tractors:- The collections of the pipes are lowered into the trenches through the use of side boom tractors. The trench then is filled again with the help of bladed equipment like shovel, tractor and others.
  • Dump Truck: – Dump Truck is heavy equipment used in pipeline installation. It is used to carry loose materials like dirt, gravel and sand which can be purposeful for the pipeline job. It comes in a lot of types and the contractor should choose the right one to complete the work perfectly within the said time limit.

 

After the backfilling ad testing work of the pipeline completed, the disrupted ground is restored once again to its initial look. Construction of pipeline is not an easy job and it calls for some maintenance too after the work has been done. The inspectors of the project have been assigned with the job of monitoring and supervising the constructional work which they have to perform with great care.

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What is a good renting deal?

According to a report, 7 out of every 10-bank loans is rejected generally by the banks due to a number of reasons. Though there are many other options, but it is always best to get your constructional heavy equipment from the renting companies. It is because they don’t need you to have any financial statement. But, before closing your renting contract, how can you tell if you have picked out the right renting company?

Everyone wants to have a good equipment renting deal, and perhaps you are not an exception to this. The most important factors which determine your quality of the deal is listed below:

  • High Left-over value:- It is considered to be a very important factor. High left-over value can be easily translated into mean smaller monthly payments. And once you got a clear concept of how this works, you can easily explain the difference between renting two more or less same equipment. Actually, leftover value is the anticipated value of the construction equipment at the end of the renting period. So, if you have found that the equipment has a higher leftover value, then just relax- you have a good renting deal.
  • Competitive rate of interest:– It is also a very important factor to decide whether the renting deal is good enough or not. You must be conversant with the equipment leasing terms which the sales people use. It is due to the fact that generally these terms are quite different from the actual market terms. For example, most of the renting companies prefer to use the word “money factors” in place of interest rates. And, if you don’t get the terms right, you may be among those unlucky guys miss out a crucial segment of a sound deal. If you are hesitating to negotiate due to the incorrigible terms used by the renting company, then you can go to your financial advisor to find out if better rates of interest are available in the market.He can also tell you that the renting deal which you have chosen is appreciable enough.
  • Lower expense:- You can tell the owner of the company to lower your expense mainly your monthly payments. You can ask the company directly the reason of imposing such a huge fee on your renting deal. Try to go for a negotiation. If you are lucky enough, then you can get back security deposits and other fees which were the obstacles in making your deal a good one.
  • Customer service:- A good company should know how to render a satisfactory service to its customers. They should keep contact with you even after the end of your rent contract.

 

If you want to transfer your leasing contract with another company, then also you can do that. But, if your contract terms do not agree with shifting the contract to any other renting company before the end of the term, then you have no choice. Most of the renting companies now provide more flexibility, especially if you are renting a heavy equipment, so that you can have some room for negotiation.

Want To Get Your Machine Repaired – Get Help Of An Expert

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Construction industry is heavily dependent on heavy equipment and one need to take utter care of his equipment; because if the equipment go wrong, he has no work to do for the entire day. More to this, the work pending for the day gets carried forward to the next day, which means that he has to complete 2 days work in a single day. This could be quite problematic for a company which deals with huge projects. A delay of work for a day can even lead to huge loses and can also tarnish the reputation of the company. Therefore, it is very important for them to ensure that they have all their machines in working order and if they feel that any of the stuff needs some repair, they should make the arrangements in advance and see to it that things are taken care of much before it goes out of hand.

Knowing the fact that heavy equipment are an integral part of the construction industry, many construction companies keep a team of experts whose work is to check the condition of the machines on a daily basis and if they find anything objectionable then they have to report it to the manager or to the person up in the rank. Once that gets reported, it becomes the responsibility of the managers to take a call on this and give direct instructions to the mechanics who will ultimately get the issue fixed.

Where do you find these experts:-  Finding the right person to do the job is in itself a huge task. We normally find many people who claim that they can do the job but eventually they all turn up to carry very limited knowledge about their domain and only possess the skill to resolve the issue temporarily and can’t provide a permanent way out  to it. In such a situation, it becomes very important to find people who can do end-to-end work for you. There are many educational institutions that train students on heavy equipment. The training ranges from a couple of years to 5 years of rigorous training where they learn everything in detail about heavy equipment. No doubt, that they lack practical application, however that vacuum is soon filled once they start getting some experience in their line of work. This is one place from where you can pick guys and make them as potential experts. The candidates should be thoroughly screened and all sorts of technical questions should be thrown at them. If only they are able to give satisfactory answers, they should be allowed a place in your organization.

Contact your peers if they can help you out:-  If you have your friends who are also into the construction business, you might as well take help from them. Check with them if they know an expert who can fix problems in machines. If your friend is pretty old in this industry, he will certainly know someone who fixes his machine. So you might get some help from them.

Putting it on internet:-  You might also want to take help of internet by posting an ad there putting your requirements. You will be then contacted by an expert who will get the problem resolved.

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Increase the Life of Your Heavy Equipment- Go for Oil Analysis

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That the use of heavy equipment is mandatory for the success of a construction project is a fact that cannot be denied in any way. Being in charge of the construction industry almost always equals to dealing with heavy construction equipment. And dealing with heavy construction equipment comes hand in hand with maintenance and safety issues which cannot be overlooked. Oil analysis has been found to be one of the many ways in which could proceed towards this goal.

What Is Oil Analysis All About?

So, the very first thing that must come to your mind is what is oil analysis all about? Broadly speaking, oil analysis refers to the test conducted on the properties of a lubricant in a laboratory. A part of preventive maintenance measures, oil analysis has been proved to be helpful in a number of ways. The entire process is carried out in three different stages, viz, analysis of the various properties of the oil, analysis of the contaminants and analysis of the debris from the equipment accumulating out of wear and tear.

Oil Analysis and the Heavy Equipment

The entire oil analysis procedure has been found to be quite useful for maintenance of heavy equipment. One cannot deny the fact that maintenance plays a key role in determining how long particular heavy equipment will survive. And oil analysis helps construction site owners do exactly that. It helps them in determining what is best for their heavy equipment thus, increasing its longevity.

Machine Conditioning Monitoring has emerged as one of the latest trends in the entire heavy equipment maintenance affair. Based on oil analysis, this system, though not compulsory, has been found to hold a significant position nonetheless. Heavy equipment go through a lot in the entire construction business. It is the heavy equipment that are exposed to extreme working conditions, going through all the rough patches in order to complete a construction project on time. In such a situation, oil analysis can emerge as a significant contributor to the entire maintenance procedure of the equipment and increase its longevity.

An effective oil analysis can prove to be of great help in not only determining the assets of the construction equipment, but also prove to be significant in putting a leash on abrupt failures, increasing both productivity and longevity. Oil analysis takes aspects, such as, viscosity, water, fuel dilution, soot, wear metals and the like into account for its purpose. This is important, as it is this procedure that will help determine the next step that is to be taken in the entire maintenance procedure.

It therefore, would not be wrong to conclude that the oil analysis does prove to be an important factor in the entire maintenance procedure of heavy equipment. Not only does it ensure the optimal utilisation of the equipment but also adds to the entire longevity factor of the equipment.

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Top 10 Models of Wheel Loader

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Wheel loader is an excellent tractor which finds its application for construction and building purposes. They have different shapes and sizes to suit the needs of the user. Here are top 10 models of wheel loader.

521F-The CASE 521F is provided with 4-tier technology engine that combines comfort, adaptability, and superior service. It is extremely beneficial to the operator for being fuel efficient and fast speed. The service costs are also low due to simple SCR design which makes it easy to maintain.

1221F-This is the perfect model which can move large quantities of materials. It combines power, control and productivity. It is a powerful heavy equipment which has tier 4 technology of engine installed in it which makes its operators to use for longer duration and consume minimum fuel. It also has power shift transmissions which permits the operator to set the shift transmission according to the needs for a particular application.

990K-This model of wheel loader has proven unique features and finds its application as one of the finest tool for loading. This version has Tier 2 EPA technology and is powered by ACERT technology which makes it very productive by consuming less fuel. The speed of the engine is lesser which helps in saving fuel.

HL760-9-It is very fuel-efficient heavy equipment. This model of wheel loader has three forms such as Power, Standard and Econo. One unique feature of this model is that it has an advanced color visual display with 5.7 inch LCD for the user to operate the machine easily by reducing the glare.

JCB 411-This 411JCB model is equipped with tier 4i technology of engines which makes it fuel-efficient. It also has operator cabs that are large in size and it also has a remote monitoring system. The JCB live link technology enables engine information to be accessed from distance.

JCB 416-It also 4i tier technology engine which helps in reducing fuel costs. It is very economical and does not require diesel oxidation, expensive diesel filter. Its speed is regulated by a viscous engine fan situated in the machine.

ZW 180–5-It is designed to give top class productivity and comfort to the users. The machine has a relaxing cab which is user friendly and can be controlled easily. The features of the machine make it easy to maintain. It is safe and sustainable and does not have harmful discharge complying with the EU rules of emission standards.

L330C-It is a good model which is extremely fuel efficient and comfortable to the operators. It is equipped with an alternator and a water pump.

L30B-This is top model of wheel loader which has innovative design, immense driving comfort and versatility. It has an electronic service which makes it to maintain easily.

L35B-It is an excellent model of wheel loader which has great power and stability owing to the computer aided design. It is long lasting and can be moved easily. It also comprises a comfortable cab and slender doorposts for all-round visibility.

 

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Top advantages of using a backhoe loader

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Those who work in the constructional field know that backhoe loaders serve a lot of purpose which is used in both the constructional field and farms. Though there are many other tools which can perform the same task the backhoe is performing, but most of the people prefer to use backhoe. They unite all the other tools which are used in different jobs into a single unit.

Before buying a backhoe, the people should know all its applications and advantages. Some think that backhoe is mainly used for the clearance of debris and digging the ditches. To say the truth, the application of backhoe covers a wide range.

Advantages of using a backhoe loader

It’s quite unfortunate that lots of people invest a large sum in buying a backhoe loader. They sometimes do not even know the full usage of the loader and use it only for doing everyday jobs and for digging the gutters.  Apart from this, one can also use a backhoe loader for laying the pipes, planting the cable wire underground, setting up of the buildings and the systems of drainage. Not only this, backhoe loaders are capable to accomplish much more tasks.

One can drill some holes to plant his trees simply by attaching an auger to his backhoe. It can also be used to carry out various kinds of projects related with fencing on different kinds of soils. In order to do grading and cutting the slopes, the person can use the backhoe by joining a bucket for cleaning of the ditch on the rear. In the job of a contractor, the person has to mend the gas, roads, sewer lines and the like, he is going to required getting beneath the cement. This work can be done with much ease and quickly if he attaches an asphalt cutter with the backhoe loader. If anyone wants to operate all the backhoes and other machines of construction, he/she should use couplers of pin lock on the backhoe loaders. It will enable them to switch out all their buckets from the stockpile. In this way, a single backhoe can perform several kinds of jobs. So imagine, how easily and quickly can one work on the site with two or more than two backhoes.

Purchasing a second-hand backhoe loader

Those who are interested in buying a second-hand backhoe loader should look for top websites of auction which are offering huge deals. The owners of the used backhoes are ready to sell their equipment through bargaining to make extra profit. Most of these used machines are in excellent condition requiring very little repair. So, one does not have to invest much money in its repairing after purchasing it.

In conclusion, everyone who really craves to buy such a multi-purpose heavy equipment, must have a clear idea of all its applications, so that they carry out more tasks with this backhoe loader. It’s always better to buy a used model of the loader through the online auction, as he/she can save a large sum through the bargain.

 

Choose Suitable Motor Grader for your Construction Business from the Top Ten List

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With the development made in motor graders, large numbers of construction companies are procuring this heavy equipment for exhuming and shaping the surface accurately where footpath will be placed. In past few years the heavy construction equipment manufacturing organisations continuously proffering various sizes of motor graders with upgraded version to satisfy the punters completely.

Motor grader is construction equipment that is also recognised by the contractors and construction personnel in the names of grader, a maintainer, a blade or a road grader. Usually, motor graders are obtainable with a blade that is fitted between the facade and rear helms. If you are in the field of civil engineering and want to know about the latest demanding motor graders, then start reading every word of this following piece thoroughly and come to know about the top ten models of road graders.

Top Ten Appealing Heavy Motor Graders 

G930B is an efficient motor grader which is manufactured by Volvo Construction Equipment Company. This bulky paraphernalia is equipped with tier-4 engine and multiple power settings. Care track telematics is its special feature. The customers can also get the choice of 11 speed transmissions.

GD555 is the medium size grader that is constructed by Komatsu construction equipment organisation. It is available with the blade girth of 14ft and 12ft respectively. This equipment has the features of forward mount power train and long wheel base.

12M3 road grader is the product of the well-renowned construction equipment manufacturing company, Caterpillar. The speed of the engine equipped in this bulky grader is 2000rpm. Due to its emission reduction technology, it is acknowledged as the most durable motor grader in the souk.

G940B is the popular motor grader of Volvo Construction Equipment Organisation. This bulky loader is equipped with tier-4 engine that assists in increasing the torque and power qualities. It delivers optimum power in every gear and reduces the fuel consumption and helm slippage.

845B is the renowned motor grader that is built by Case Construction equipment manufacturing company. The ripper of this apparatus has the ability to put up five teeth in total. Due to its multi-radius involute mouldboard design, its fuel efficiency power is excellent.

140M3 is a type of road grader which is facilitated to the punters with power shift, direct drive and APECS transmissions. The brake parking quality of this apparatus gains popularity due to the use of multiple oil disc. The pump type of this Cat motor grader is variable piston.

G946B is the eminent motor grader of Volvo Construction Equipment concern. The 11 speed transmission option of this grader helps the machinist to work with slower gears for fine grading process. Its exclusive feature is the care track telematics.

14M is the Cat M series motor grader which is obtainable to the customers with the bore and stroke facilities of 5.1in and 5.5in respectively. The maximum velocity of this grader is 31.3mph.

865B motor grader is the efficient product of Case Construction organisation. Its operating weight is 33,796lb. The engine power of this equipment is available in varied options like 178, 190 or 205hp.

24M is the M series grader of Caterpillar construction equipment manufacturing company. In its first gear the base power is 533.0hp. The maximum system pressure of this apparatus is 3500.0 psi.

Road graders are being manufactured with refined control units so as to permit the machinists to do the complex works easily. So, if you want to procure the most suitable motor grader for your construction business, then browse the internet to know more information about these abovementioned models.

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Ensure Your Machine Is In Order Before You Sell It

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Heavy construction equipment is one of those very few things in this world that are always in high demand. So if you have such equipment, and you are planning to sell if off, then it is always the right time. However, as there are many sellers who are opting for this scope of earning money, you must make sure that your product sells first. The buyers have become very conscious of their needs and they look for all their necessities in the product that they buy. So before you sell your heavy construction equipment, you will have to make sure that the equipment and all its parts are in proper order.

  • Apparent visual appeal:

The first thing that the seller must take care of is the visual appeal of the machine. Cleanliness is the key factor in respect to this. If your machine is not cleaned and there is mud and dirt all over it, then it will not please the buyer. Making sure that the color of the equipment has not come off is also very important.

  • Repair the damaged parts:

As the heavy construction equipment has to perform very tedious jobs the entire day, it is very likely that some of its parts get damaged due to work load and heavy pressure. If that is the case with your equipment, then you must repair it properly before putting it for auction. Hire a welder before hand and repair every single damage that has been caused to the machine. This is the key to create a good demand for the machine in the market that it has no flaws in it.

  • Engine condition:

Most of the time when the seller displays the equipment and the buyer starts the engine to take a look at its condition, the engine either does not start at a single try, or even if it does, it emits a cloud of black unhealthy smoke. This is absolutely against a good report of the machine.

  • Oil leakage and consumption:

A buyer of the heavy construction equipment looks for how much the oil consumption rate of the machine is. When you sell the equipment, you have to take care of the engine that it does not consume too much of fuel. A good servicing and a proper maintenance would take care of this. Not only the consumption rate, if there is a leakage of the fuel in the machine then it will definitely not please the buyer.

  • Papers:

Without the papers, no buyers would be interested enough to buy the equipment.

If you have looked after all these factors, then there is no chance that you do not get a high demand for the equipment that you are selling. Making a profit through selling the equipment will be very easy.

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Using Specific Machine For Specific Work Can Yield Good Results

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Have you ever wondered why there are so many heavy equipment in use in a construction site when the same machine has the potential to do multiple tasks? We see a backhoe loader, dozers, excavators, scrapers etc. and often think why they invest so much of money on heavy equipment when they can easily make use of one of their equipment into multiple purposes and get the work done. Well, the construction companies use so many machines for a specific cause adjoined to with and we would be highlighting on that cause.

Heavy equipment has its own intrinsic capability, though it is also potent enough to perform on other areas, but it makes more sense to use the equipment for the very purpose it was produced. For instance, one primarily uses an excavator to dig earth and remove the dirt and carry them from one place to the other. Now the same excavator can also be used to demolish a structure for which it is very much potent. However, you still use a bulldozer to get that part of the job done. This fact implies that though different heavy equipment has the capacity to do several tasks some which do not fall in their job area, it is better to restrict them from doing such tasks. The reason could be many. One of the important reasons is that it may not be much productive and may not yield desired results.

It becomes a big challenge for newbie to understand the role of heavy equipment in his business. Few are also of the opinion that they can do all the required work with the help of one machine and may not need any other equipment for other tasks.

What is rather advisable to guys new in this industry is that they first make their ground concrete by doing a thorough study on heavy equipment and understand the purpose of heavy equipment in their business. They have to get this pretty clear in their minds that single equipment can’t be used for all kinds of work. They have to invest more on equipment if they want to see their machines work for longer duration and also want to get the desired job done quickly.

They can research on the equipment using internet or joining forums where they can put up their questions and can expect to get expert comments. Those comments would turn out to be very helpful for a person who is new to this sector. Alternatively, if one can get some amount of experience by working in this industry for a span for few years, it would help him a long way. He would know more about machines and also which machine can get the work done faster without compromising the quality of its parts.

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