Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008
People think that the work of a heavy equipment operator is limited to operating a heavy tipping truck or a bulldozer. This is not true. There are many other heavy machinery and equipment that a heavy equipment operator requires to be proficient in operating. In addition, the job is not gender specific, and this field offers employment both to men and women. If you are able to operate large and heavy machinery, are prepared to work in a team, have adequate communication skills, and are ready to accept suggestions for improvement, you can certainly be successful in pursuing a career as a heavy equipment operator.
The job of a heavy equipment operator does not fall under any designated profession or trade. A heavy equipment operator is required to operate, maintain and adjust huge and heavy machinery used mostly in the construction industry and also in several other industries like mining, fishing, logging etc. Operators also find work at freight jobs, travel, and refuse collection routes. Most heavy equipment operators get trained on the job.
A number of schools have come up in different parts of the country to cater to the educational needs for a career as a heavy equipment operator. These courses include basics of analytical and diagnostic techniques along with instructions for in-depth understanding of the principles of electronics. To cater to the demanding nature of the job, such courses also have a strong practical and hands-on training profile.
There are several sub-categories in the job of a heavy equipment operator, such as mechanics, repairers, collision repair technicians etc. Some of these require a certification, which is renewable every five years.
Apart from the educational requirements the most essential criterion of eligibility is possession of a CDL or commercial driver’s license. If you possess any experience in driving some type of construction machinery, trucks and tractors etc. it is an added advantage for employment. Other desirable attributes for employment include the ability to judge distances, work in a team, to be open to new ideas and suggestions for improvement, be ready for additional training and responsibility. Jobs as an apprentice are available for candidates having completed formal training programs in heavy equipment operations. However, salary for apprentices at best remains nominal for entry-level positions.
Heavy equipment operators are required to operate, maintain and adjust machines like excavators, bull dozers, loaders, shovels, heavy duty tippers, forklift trucks, graders, drilling machines, cranes, motor graders, asphalt pavers, vibratory road rollers, compactors, skid steer loaders, pipe layers, compactors, pile drivers etc. On junior operator levels the work consists of operating small equipment like small rubber tire loaders and monitoring equipment. Later on with greater experience moving on to heavier machines is possible. With ongoing training and promotions, it is possible to reach senior positions like foreman, trainer, safety officer, or superintendent.
The job prospects are quite good for heavy equipment operators. Nearly all towns and cities have manufacturing facilities and construction sites where heavy equipment operators need exist, so it is easy to relocate to a fresh location without much worry about finding a new job.
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Sunday, November 9th, 2008
With all the different skid steer manufacturers, like Mustang, Caterpillar, Bobcat, etc. you may find yourself wondering what is the best route to go. Here are some things you might want to consider when buying your next used skid steer for sale.
You first will need to decide whether your needs would be filled by a used unit or if you are at a point that a new unit would be best suitable for your needs, secondly you will need to determine the proper size machine for your application, depending on the type work you do, the largest or highest horsepower machine isn’t always the most efficient machine.
You will also need to decide if you were going to set a budget to spend or if you are going to be financing this unit. If you intend to purchase a unit outright, you will need to set your budget realistically. Some of the aggravation may stem from not being able to find a machine in the size range that also fit in the price range you are looking to spend. When shopping for a used unit, you must really pay attention to the unit, sometimes folks will let the glitter blind them, a machine with the best aesthetic value may not always be the best mechanical value. You need to look past shiny paint and new tires, you should do a complete evaluation on the machine, key points to check are as listed below.
1. Check for wear on key hinge point of the machine. Check for abnormal play in pinned joints on the boom lift arm. Check the bucket hinge pins and all bucket and lift cylinder pinned joints, always be sure to check both ends of the hydraulic cylinder ends.
2. Check for broken welds or cracks on structural components of the machine. You will want to inspect the boom lift arm, axle tubes and housings, check around hydraulic cylinder pinned joints.
3. Check for excessive oil or fuel leaks. Look over engine compartment, if accessible check under the cab of the unit as well. Don’t count on finding a used machine that is perfectly dry, but you don’t want oil standing in the belly of the unit either. Also keep in mind that just because the a unit has an oil leak doesn’t mean the unit has problems, it can be as simple as a lose hose fitting, or a failed
4. Check the steering and drivability of the machine. This could be one of the more important parts of the inspection, due to the nature of the problem these can be a more expensive fix and worse, it could be a safety issue as well. Drive the unit fully engaged forward, check that the machine tracks straight.
5. Check for engine wear. Keep in mind most skid steer loaders are powered by diesel engines, much different than conventional gasoline engine. Diesel engines are much louder than gasoline engines, they have a noticeable clatter at lower rpm’s.
6. Lastly, check the overall condition of the machine. This step of the evaluation is important in the sense that you will want a machine that looks professional and you will base a portion of your decision off your findings from this step. If you do purchase a used skid steer, if the paint and decals show a lot of wear, I would highly recommend a good touch up to the paint and replace the decals. This is usually inexpensive and will give your machine a better aesthetic value, especially important if you are a contractor, You want customers to feel confident in the equipment your using to complete their projects.
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Friday, November 7th, 2008
Heavy machineries are those equipments, which are concerned with large projects. These equipments help to carry out those works that would have been very dangerous and strenuous to perform without big machinery. With the hype of technology taking the world by sweeps, heavy machinery tends to be really efficient and outlast past models. Not only are there durable models but technically sound models that do a perfect job for you.
Heavy machinery should not be operated without the assistance of a licensed controller. They will have special knowledge concerning the running and maintenance of the heavy machinery so that there are no unnecessary accidents or disasters. Even the heavy machinery operators keep the construction sites safe by taking proper care of the heavy machinery. However, rented heavy machinery in affordable prices is also offered for carrying out required constructions.
Types of heavy machinery
Heavy machinery is always used for large scale manufacturing and construction work. The range of machineries include tractors, wheel loaders, track hoes, backhoes, payloaders, dozers, graders, dump trucks, excavators, logging equipments, skidders, skid steers, fellabunchers, freightliner trucks, log loaders, setout trucks, tractor trailers, slashers, low boy trailers, drop deck trailers, flat bed trailers, woodstar Harvester and others.
Almost all the heavy machineries have several parts like blades, backhoes, axle, heads, starters, hoods, radiators, engines, hoses, valves, multiple tanks, bud wheels, seals, clutches, pressure plates, steel frames, chrome bumper, heated mirrors, chrome exhaust, air horns and front/back seats.
Benefits of heavy machinery
The heavy machineries are very advantageous for people using it. Equipped with different modern parts, the machineries can do real fast work. They are durable and flexible. The flexibility in heavy machineries do not mean that they can be transferred from one place to another, but it means that they can used for multiple purposes at the same time. While the small machineries are often lightweight, the heavy machineries are quite heavy and should be installed at a proper place for efficient working systems.
Safety of heavy machinery
The heavy machineries perform a variety of tasks: construction, light transportation of building materials, small demolitions, digging holes, breaking asphalt, paving roads and powering building equipments. But the main thing in using heavy machinery is the safety factor. The heavy machineries should be operated by people who are well conversed in machinery parts and their functions. They should know about the dangers associated and the ways to avoid such situations. Others using the heavy machineries should be aware of different uses of the equipments.
Once you know more about the uses of the different heavy machineries you will be able to use them better and yield efficient results.
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Monday, November 3rd, 2008
Sometimes an excavator or a heavy loader is just more than you need for a job. That’s why the skid steer, which can perform similarly to an excavator or a heavy loader on a smaller scale, is a central piece of machinery to many construction, demolition, landscaping, and mining companies as well as a farms and other agricultural operations.
The kind of skid steer you need depends on the scope of your operation, but the best part about skid steers is that there are so many add-ons and work tools available, the skid steer is one of the most adaptable pieces of machinery in your inventory. If you’re in a business that requires the use of heavy equipment, you’re in a business that requires the use of a skid steer.
Perhaps you’re starting a business
and need a skid steer or maybe you need to replace a skid steer that no longer works. You might even have a used skid steer that you no longer need and want to earn back some of the purchase price by moving it off of your lot.
You can find a used skid steer for sale online for just $6000 if you know where to look! Online used construction equipment classifieds sites offer a variety of used skid steers, from New Holland to John Deere at low prices and even negotiable rates.
There are websites site that offer 100% free basic membership to all buyers, sellers, renters, and leasers. Members are typically allowed to post FREE For Sale, For Rent, and Want Ad postings each month at no charge. The ads allow for detailed descriptions, multiple images, and full contact information as well as a free company store link to showcase multiple heavy equipment pieces for sale at once. When a transaction is made, it stays between the buyer and the seller or the renter and the leaser.
Since you’re sure to need a variety of skid steers for your farm or construction, landscaping, demolition, or mining business, you’re going to need to find a place that offers a variety of used skid steers at bargain prices. The best used heavy equipment classifieds Web sites don’t punish buyers or sellers by taking fees and they offer their members a wide variety of options when posting an ad. Sign up for a free membership at one of these sites and start browsing the used skid steer ads today!
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Monday, October 27th, 2008
The first skid steer loader, the Melroe M-400, was introduced more than 45 years ago and since its inception the compact equipment workhorse has evolved into a monster machine. Much more supreme than it’s 1960 self, the modern skid steer has evolved everything from its hand and foot controls to its overall brute strength.
Today’s skid steer loaders for sale are giving operators capabilities they have never before imagined, and they are doing it in style and comfort. While skid steers of the old ages caused aches and pains, modern loaders are smooth rides with easy-to-use joystick controls.
Keeping the customer in mind, skid steer manufacturers have developed a new pilot joystick control system. Before Caterpillar first introduced the new controls in Caterpillar equipments, operators had combination hand and foot controls. The hand levers would operate the movement while the foot pedals moved the bucket levers. With today’s system everything can be controlled with two joysticks.
There are two different control options available with the pilot joysticks, the ISO pattern and the H pattern. With the ISO pattern, the right joystick controls the attachments movement. Moving the joystick forward or backward will move the loader arms up or down, while tilting the joystick left or right will tilt the bucket up or down. With your other hand, the left joystick controls the movement of the machine. Pushing or pulling it will move the machine forward or put it in reverse, while tilting the controls left or right will rotate the machines direction.
With the H pattern, the loader arm and machine controls are split between the joysticks. To move the machine forward or put it in reverse you need to push or pull back on both of the joysticks at the same time. To rotate the direction of the machine push forward with one joystick and pull back with the other. To control the attachment, the right joystick moves the bucket (left or right to control the tilt) and the left joystick moves the loader arms (left or right to raise and lower them).
Some operators prefer the H and others the ISO, so to make it convenient some manufacturers such as Bobcat offer both, with their Selectable Joystick Controls you can change from the H to the ISO pattern with the flick of a switch.
Some manufacturers today make ride control a standard feature, it uses additional hydraulics to smooth the ride and keep the load secure, which allows the skid steer operator to drive a little faster thus increasing efficiency.
In today’s day and age luxuries are everywhere, and there is no reason to stop short with skid steers. Its understood by most skid steer operators that comfort goes together with productivity, because the more comfortable you are, the longer you are going to be able to operate the machine. Because of this many machinery manufacturers today offer cab packages that can give you any luxury you want. With features such as cooled glove boxes for a drink or boxed lunch, enclosed cabs with air conditioning and heat for extreme temperatures, deluxe suspension seats for bumpy rides and power outlets for music players or fans you might not ever want to get out.
In addition to this, cabs today are also much quieter than before because of sound insulation around fans and other noise generators. Some companies such as Mustang monitor noise levels in the cab before the loader ever comes off the production line.
With efficiency the number one factor behind the design of the industry’s compact workhorse, it’s understood that comfort and ability are compliments to the goal. What was once strictly a get-the-job-done machine has evolved to a first class comfort ride, and everyone is benefiting.
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Thursday, October 16th, 2008
A skid steer of Bobcat is a really flexible piece of heavy equipment for sale and if you have the correct skid steer attachment, then there is a great deal of different things that you are able to do with them. The angle broom is a very effective skid steer attachment, particularly if you are attempting to keep a site clean but don’t prefer the expense of employing a full size road sweeper. A skid steer is capable to do work in limited spaces and the angle broom skid steer attachment can also be utilized to keep every bit of the site clean, contrary to a regular road sweeper which is limited as to where it can go because of its size. There is also a water kit skid steer attachment available.
The brush cutter skid steer attachment is very useful if you might have to clear areas of brush. It is a very powerful saw that could quickly clear areas that are overgrown. This skid steer attachment also has a steel deflector as a safety attachment so that the operator is protected from the blades. The brush cutter skid steer attachment is also very useful for cutting fire breaks and clearing field edges.
A very useful skid steer attachment is the digger. This can be attached to the front of the skid steer and used to dig and move large quantities of earth or gravel or rocks. The digger skid steer attachment can also remove tree roots and loosen soil that is too hard to work. Using a skid steer attachment to do your digging can let you get a lot more work done and help you to finish jobs quicker. This is undoubtedly one of the most verstile of the skid steer attachment and will be useful to most people.
Another very good skid steer attachment is the bucket. This means that you can carry much larger quantities and make fewer journeys to move the same amount of stuff. Saving time like this can help to increase profitability and allow you to get the job done more quickly. If you get the right one for your needs then a skid steer attachment can make a real difference to the way that you work. And the more time you save, more that you can do and the more money you make. There are a great many skid steer attachments that can make a difference to the way that you work and they can mean that you can work quicker and more effectively.
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Thursday, October 16th, 2008
CASE Construction Equipment launched new 400 series 3 line of skid steer loaders featuring more powerful engines, a redesigned cab and improved serviceability.
The eight-model series is powered by clean burning, Tier III certified turbocharged engines that provide increased horsepower, improved torque and enhanced performance across the line.
The 410 model is powered by a 2.2 litre engine rated at 37kW (49Hp), the 420, 430, 435 and 445 models are powered by a 3.2 litre engine and are rated at 42kW (56Hp), 55.2kW (74Hp), 54kW (72Hp) and 55.2kW (74Hp) respectively and the 440, 450 and 465 models are powered by a 4.5 litre engine and are rated at 61.2kW (82Hp).
Comfort, ease of use and visibility :
“Operator comfort is a big factor in productivity and is a key design imperative that underpins all of our new product development activity,” said Ian Johnston, CASE Construction Equipment Product Marketing Manager.
The new cabs available on all models feature a 7% increase in headroom and a 6% increase in lap-bar width, along with improved forward, side, rear and overhead visibility.
The 435, 445, 450 and 465 series 3 models offer a 20% increase in front glass area, while the 410, 420, 430 and 440 series 3 units feature an 81% increase.
On the interior, a suspension seat comes standard, while a new cushioned lap bar with arm rest and new ergonomically designed control handles provides more comfort and space when operating the machines.
The parking brake has also been relocated to the handle, and text labels for switches add to further ease of use. The foot throttle is also now standard on all models, allowing operators to easily control RPMs.
The hand throttle was relocated on the series 3 410, 420, 430 and 440 to be the same as the larger models. Also standard on the machines are the headliner, backup alarm and horn, footrest, 12V power plug, storage tray and cup holder.
On the exterior, ideal side lighting provides full visibility to the sides during night time operation. A standard overhead window with more punch-outs than previous models provides good visibility to the loader arms when the bucket is in the raised position.
The loader tower profile has also been redesigned to provide better visibility while operating. Meanwhile, ergonomically designed grab handles provide easier entry and exit from machines.
Pilot controls for all models :
Pilot controls are now available on all eight models in either H or ISO patterns. Factory-supplied accessory kits are also available through CASE Construction Equipment dealers to permanently change the pattern from H to ISO or vice versa.
With the H pattern, familiar to experienced Case operators, the operator uses the left-hand control to operate the left drive motor as well as to raise and lower the loader arms.
The right-hand controller is used to operate the right drive motor and the bucket curl and dump. The fact that the H pattern gives the operator independent control of the ground drives allows the operator to position the heavy equipment with greater precision. This is especially helpful when performing tasks such as fine grading.
With the ISO pattern, the drive functions are in the left controller, and the loader arm/bucket functions are in the right controller. This allows for one-handed operation.
Optional extras :
A variety of options are available for all models, including an optional pressurised cab with air conditioning on all models, ride control, two speed ground drive, hydraulic self levelling and high flow hydraulics.
The 450 and 465 are also available with a 310 bar (4,500psi) high flow kit that provides all the hydraulic horsepower required to run a one metre wide cold planer or any other attachment requiring high hydraulic horsepower.
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Monday, October 6th, 2008
Excavators include a wide assortment of heavy machinery for sale, including track hoes, bulldozers, skid steer equipments, Caterpillars, Engineered Motorized vehicles, civil engineered excavators, steam shovels, draglines, bucket wheels, etc. One can find nearly any type of excavators online. The excavators are available in many sizes, designs, etc. Mini-excavators are the compact and smaller machineries.
Various types of new and used excavators for sale are available online for sale, rent, or lease. Few of the types of excavators include the compact, wheel, walkers, hydraulic mining, and heavy excavators. The walker excavators are excellent choices of equipment. The excavator demonstrates slope equilibrium, as well as near to the ground force. The excavators are independently controlled outriggers, which include distant-base tires for good traction.
Excavators often have huge buckets, or track machinery. As well, excavators may often include attachments, which make it easy for operators to handle large and small tasks. Excavators are mechanical diggers, which include hinged metal buckets that attach to hydraulic arms. The motive behind excavators is to remove large quantities of soil, or lift heavy earth.
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