Articles

Equipment

Buying Heavy Equipment - Focus on the Operator

When buying heavy equipment it's easy to get buried in an avalanche of specs. Engine HP, hydraulic HP, dump heights, ground clearance, dig or dump depths – they can get to be overwhelming. It's important to keep in mind that the performance of your heavy equipment depends quite a bit on the operator.

Introduction to Backhoe Loaders

This backhoe loaders buyer's guide will help you ask the right questions to evaluate both the equipment and the dealer so you can choose the best product for your business.

Source: BuyerZone

Real world skid-steer prices

A sampling of actual prices paid by skid steer loader purchasers who have used BuyerZone’s service.

Source: BuyerZone

Real-world air compressor prices

Quotes from other BuyerZone users describing what they paid for new and used air compressors.

Source: BuyerZone

Used construction equipment – tips and tricks

Interested in saving money on a backhoe or skid steer loader? Sometimes, buying used construction equipment is a smart way to go.

Source: BuyerZone

Today's skid steers

A look at ten major skid steer brands: Bobcat, New Holland, Volvo, Komatsu, John Deere, Case, Thomas, Gehl, and JCB.

Source: Rental Product News

Wringing huge work out of compact excavators

Tag-trailered crawler excavators can expand a contractor into big-production jobs.

Source: Construction Equipment

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Features

Future Is Now with Fuel-Filter Enhancements

Subtle changes in fuel-filter technology ease the process of improving engine performance.

Source: Construction Equipment

SuperDrive System Claims High Fuel Gains

Low-rpm engine, hydrostatic transmission also cut pollutants and weight, the company says; and driving it is so easy, it's almost boring.

Source: Construction Equipment

Auto-Lube Systems Gain Ground

Benefits are building converts as technology proves itself.

Source: Construction Equipment

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Finance & Strategy

A Machine-Replacement Strategy

It's more than a financial decision. Replacement must be integrated into an organization's business planning.

Source: Construction Equipment

Attention to Daily Details Helps Control Operating Costs

Understand machine applications to better manage actual operating costs.

Source: Construction Equipment

Cash Is King, Even with Iron

Understand that cash flow is in the equipment, and enjoy better communications with financial managers.

Source: Construction Equipment

Costs on the Horizon

Get ready: the next generation diesels will have an impact on your lifecycle cost management.

Source: Construction Equipment

Equipment Executive Top 10 List

Execute the following strategies correctly, and you and your company should enjoy substantial success.

Source: Construction Equipment

How Costs, Charges Affect Equipment Finances

Equipment managers must understand definitions and applications in order to communicate them to the rest of the organization.

Source: Construction Equipment

How to Estimate Market Value

There are too many variables to create a simple formula, but this data-based method can help you estimate residual equipment values.

Source: Construction Equipment

How to Work in a World of Growing Costs

Equipment operations must recognize and account for increases in costs such as fuel.

Source: Construction Equipment

Keep Capacity in Stock

Focus on work hours rather than units to evaluate how decisions affect fleet productivity.

Source: Construction Equipment

Keep Control When Utilization Changes

With costs accurately based on annual usage, month-to-month variances can't be allowed to affect machine management.

Source: Construction Equipment

The Intangibles of Fleet Average Age

Analysis will go only so far in determining how long to keep a machine; managers must also set and follow a style and philosophy.

Source: Construction Equipment

This Business of Risk Management

To some risk management is only insurance coverage. To others it's a useful management tool. Whatever your view, understanding what you're dealing with can keep incidents — and premiums — at a minimum.

Source: Construction Equipment

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Maintenance

12 Factors for Machine Life

Focus on machine management through maintenance, repair and rebuild actions.

Source: Construction Equipment

Computers Improve PM

Contractors tell how software and hardware make maintenance more consistent, with higher quality, at lower cost.

Source: Construction Equipment

Equipment Technology Challenges Repair Capability

Manufacturers wrestle with how to adequately communicate repair information on today's high-tech machines.

Source: Construction Equipment

How to Benchmark Repair Costs

Use historical data to create trends that help estimate operating costs.

Source: Construction Equipment

How to Keep Hydraulic Couplings Leak-Free

Match replacement fittings to ports on the machine and the hose used; then install assemblies properly to dry up costly drips.

Source: Construction Equipment

Inspection and Prevention Improve Reliability

Repair before failure, but ensure maximum component life, too.

Source: Construction Equipment

Reliable, Low-Cost Braking Is a Matter of Discipline

Maintaining the foundation brake is largely a matter of avoiding shortcuts and taking the time to inspect wheel ends thoroughly.

Source: Construction Equipment

Take the Risk Out of Mechanical Maintenance

Know machine history and condition because there is more at stake than just downtime.

Source: Construction Equipment

The Basics of Diesel-Engine Coolant

A few tips that may help you stay out of cooling-system trouble in a world that's working against you.

Source: Construction Equipment

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Management

A Matter of Trust

A strong relationship with your equipment dealers will keep the equipment triangle strong.

Source: Construction Equipment

Construction Industry Moves to Stem the Theft Tide

Insurance companies and machine-tracking vendors offer contractors incentives to stop equipment thieves.

Source: Construction Equipment

Focus on Functions to Improve Performance

Machine management is a multi-tiered role. Applying expertise to each individual aspect can ensure optimum execution.

Source: Construction Equipment

How to Make Internal Rates Work

Use these six pointers to minimize administrative malfunctions.

Source: Construction Equipment

Managers Are Trained Not Born

No longer is it enough to focus just on the mechanical aspect of fleet operations. Fleet managers now have to be versed in asset-management skills and computer technology.

Source: Construction Equipment

Six Functions of Machine Management

No two fleets are managed in exactly the same manner, but all successful operations include six key functions.

Source: Construction Equipment

Three Steps to Responsible Management

Equipment managers and field managers who understand the value of good numbers and excellent communication can ensure maximum performance for the company.

Source: Construction Equipment

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Parts & Accessories

Are You Managing Lower Tire Costs?

How to employ your dealer and their manufacturers' software to monitor tires and manage your second-highest operating expense.

Source: Construction Equipment

Shop "Referees"

The torque wrench is a super tool - a precision measuring device, but with the brute strength to put the lock on big bolts.

Source: Construction Equipment

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Regulatory Compliance

Aiming for Squeaky-Clean Stacks Off-Road

Regulations for off-road diesels lag those for on-highway just a bit, but the target is identical — huge reductions in NOx and PM emissions.

Source: Construction Equipment

Are You Ready For January '07 Engines?

New 2007 diesels will burn much cleaner, will run hotter, cost more, and need special fuel, motor oil and servicing.

Source: Construction Equipment

Diesels Lunge Toward the Emissions Goal Line

With 90 percent of pollutants removed from diesel exhaust, government and industry unleash an all-out effort to do away with the final foul fraction.

Source: Construction Equipment

Diesel's Partners in Reduction

Engines will only lower emissions so much, and the rest must come from advances in fuel, oil and aftertreatment.

Source: Construction Equipment

Volunteer Now Before You're Forced to Clean Fleet Exhaust

Better jump on today's incentives to clear diesel pollutants from your trucks and tractors before the regulators straightjacket your business with rules.

Source: Construction Equipment

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