Working in and around trenches is a regular part of many construction and utility projects. It’s so common that crew members can sometimes forget that working near trenches can be dangerous if the right precautions aren’t taken. The good news is that most jobsite accidents involving trenches can be easily avoided. Follow this guide to …
When you’re operating heavy equipment off road, there’s a possibility that at some point you could get stuck in the mud, especially on wet, soggy jobsites. Almost any type of equipment can be vulnerable to ending up in this situation, including skid steers, CTLs, wheel loaders, and excavators. Below are some procedures to follow to …
When it comes to transporting or lifting your equipment, supplies, tools, or other materials, you have to be sure you’re using the right chains to secure your load. How much a chain can hold depends on the type of material it’s made out of and how much stress it can endure before breaking. We’ve put …
Older engines may be vulnerable Does your diesel engine have a replaceable cast iron cylinder liner? If so, it may be vulnerable to accelerated corrosion as a result of liner pitting. Supplemental Coolant Additives (SCAs) are effective to prevent liner pitting when used in the cooling system according to recommended concentrations. SCAs form a protective …
Avoid hazardous situations and promote operator safety by following these OSHA guidelines for machine operation. Base equipment safety features Training Site Hazards
How to Avoid Fuel Contamination From Dirt and Dust Dirt and dust cause more than 85% of all failures in fuel systems and can reduce engine life by 50%. Even tiny amounts of dirt and dust in your machine’s fuel system can obstruct to the engine’s normal processes. Newer engines are even more susceptible to …
When using heavy machinery, certain practices can help reduce overall fuel consumption and costs. The following tips may help you save hundreds of dollars each year. Inspect air filters regularly Inspect your air filters every 50 hours to ensure maximum operating performance. If the pleats of your filter are clogged with dirt, it is time …
It is especially important to monitor fluid levels in your equipment during the summer months when temperatures are high. The summer heat will cause the engine to warm at a faster rate. As the engine warms, the machine’s fluids will suffer vaporization loss, eventually leading to a lower fluid level. Perform daily checks on the …
Properly managing equipment is crucial to maintain your return on investment. A general guideline to follow is replace equipment once maintenances costs exceed 30% of the machine’s resale value. Below are strategies to help keep your fleet productive for as long as possible. Proactive maintenance Enroll equipment into preventive maintenance contracts to ensure routine maintenance …
About Filters Changing filters regularly is essential for your equipment to perform its best. Recommended intervals for filter changes vary between 250 and 500 hours. It can be tempting to select a bargain filter brand, but an inferior filter can make a big difference in the long term health of your equipment. Saving a few …