Tag: fleet management: Page 2

How to do Everything Better

How to avoid caught-between accidents

OSHA says caught-between accidents are the fourth leading cause of death on construction sites. You can help prevent these accidents by taking the following precautions: Hazard recognition. Have your OSHA competent person do a hazard analysis and communicate the results to all crews. Equipment functionality. Make sure all machines are in good working order, all […]

July 29, 2019

How to do Everything Better

How to safely manage a burn pile on a construction site

Check with local authorities. You may need a permit. Wait for the right weather conditions. It should not be windy, and the area and vegetation should not be too dry. The site must be flat and free from overhanging trees or vegetation and well away from vehicles, homes, powerlines or other structures. Build the pile […]

July 29, 2019

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Top 10 signs of an embezzler in your construction company

You might want to take a closer look if the person who handles your finances shows these behaviors.

July 29, 2019

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6 habits of successful construction contractors

They spend more time in the office than the field. They’ve got an eye for talent. They take care of their people. They go above and beyond the specifics of a contract to fix problems for customers. They embrace technology. They are leaders. Dwight Eisenhower put it succinctly: Leadership is getting extraordinary results from ordinary […]

July 29, 2019

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8 marketing tips for every excavating contractor

Marketing isn’t just for big companies and consumer products, says Alisa Bennett, vice president of Bennett Contracting in Bradenton, Florida, and former Equipment World Contractor of the Year finalist. These eight tips will help position your company in the marketplace. 1. Clear, concise and consistent branding enhances your reputation: It’s critical to create a professional […]

July 29, 2019

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How to calculate your DEF use

Running out of diesel exhaust fluid is about as dumb as running out of diesel fuel. Engine manufacturers set DEF burn rates at about 2 to 5 percent of fuel burned. (For every 100 gallons of diesel a machine consumes, it will burn 2 to 5 gallons of DEF.) So multiply the fuel consumption of […]

July 29, 2019

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How to adjust the tension on your tracks

Almost all tracks are tensioned by pumping grease into a piston. The grease fitting is typically located behind a cover plate in the center of the undercarriage. This extends the piston and stretches the tracks. (You let grease out of the fitting to reduce tension on the tracks.) Your owner’s manual will give you specs […]

July 29, 2019

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How to repair a grease zerk

When a grease zerk won’t accept grease from your grease gun, the simplest solution is to unscrew the zerk, clean it out with a wire, brake cleaner or compressed air, reinstall the zerk and try it again. If it still won’t work, you have bigger problems and may need to call in a mechanic. As […]

July 29, 2019

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How to get a good oil sample on construction equipment

According to Dan Arcy, global OEM technical manager for Shell Lubricants, an engine oil analysis program requires users to follow a few fundamental procedures that often don’t get the attention they deserve. Some tips: • Provide a proper oil sample to the lab. If you take your sample when the oil is being drained, catch […]

July 29, 2019

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7 things to do before an equipment auction

If you want to get a good deal buying heavy equipment at auction, doing your homework – hours of homework – is essential. Things happen fast at these auctions and you can miss out on great opportunities or overplay your hand if you’re not ready. Here are some tips: Identify your needs. Make a list […]

July 29, 2019

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How to calculate construction owning and operating costs

Owning costs = purchase price of machine + financing + taxes – disposal price (what you get for that machine when you resell it). Operating costs = labor + fuel + maintenance + replacement costs of tires, tracks and other components + overhead. Add the owning to the operating costs and you have your O&O […]

July 29, 2019

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Make sure your load is secure

Moving heavy equipment safely is no small task. If not done properly, the results can be disastrous. During loading, keep the following in mind: Do not operate or load equipment that you do not know how to safely operate. When possible, place the equipment against a vehicle structure to help prevent forward movement – unless […]

July 29, 2019