Featured Post
By Excavator On January 8, 2009No Comments
There are many different opinions as to what machines should actually be classified as earth moving equipment. There are many different types of equipment that fall in this category, such as excavators, backhoe loaders, dump trucks, and even loaders.
The photo on the right is of just part of the largest excavator, earth mover, in the world.
See more here Large Excavator.
Other machinery that falls in between are articulated trucks, wheel and track tractors, and even scrapers. The thin line is normally drawn at motor grades, which are more than capable or light duty excavation, although they are mainly used to level lots and grade roads.
If you take a glance at any equipment literature from leading companies such as CAT, Komatsu, or Case, you’ll see right away that they believe the biggest and most important change over the last several years is increased productivity. This is normally followed by greater comfort and safety.
The increase in productivity is the result of many different advancements. CAT (Caterpillar) cites that more powerful engines with a faster rise in torque which allows machines to respond faster to increased power demands. Even though this new generation is far more powerful, it has a reduced impact on the environment as well.
Electronics
Most of the newer machines have electronic control systems that will optimize both engine and transmission performance, as well as fuel consumption and hydraulic system performance.
Take for example the CAT mid sized G series wheel loaders that feature electronically controlled powershift transmissions. Each and every transmission offers autoshift capabilities that ease the pressure on the operator, and an electronic clutch pressure control that smooth shifts the gears for longer life.
Comfort
In the industry, good operators are getting harder and harder to find. Manufacturers find themselves stressing that operator comfort and convenience need to be taken into account not only to make the job easier, but also more efficient and productive as well.
The new cab designs offer better visibility, reduced noise and vibration, and improved comfort as well. The new control systems will require low operator effort while also improving the control of the machine for both the experienced as well as the in-experienced operator.
Easier maintenance
Almost all new machinery offers electronic monitoring systems that will provide constant
information on the health of the machine for the operator. These types of systems provide information to technicians, including service modes that will help them to diagnose conditions quickly.
Now days, machines are designed to make routine maintenance easier. With CAT’s wheel loaders, regular service points are easy to access from ground level, with site gauges making it easier to check the fluid of the radiator, hydraulic oil, and transmission - without having to use dipsticks.
Changes for the better
If you compare the excavation equipment of today with the machines of the past, you’ll notice that the changes are better. The machines of the past relied more on operator skill and technique, as very few of them had electronic features.
Today, almost all types of heavy machinery offer electronic features. Electronics are a great thing, as they can make the life of an operator easier than ever. You don’t need to get out and check the fluids anymore, as all you need to do is take a look at your instrument panel, which can help to save you a lot of time.
Operators who have a lot of experience know first hand that machines of the past can’t begin to compete with machines of today. With technology always getting better, it just makes you wonder what is in the future for heavy machinery. Years from now, one can only begin to wonder just great heavy machinery will get - and what other features will make the life of an operator even easier than it is now.
Recent Posts
By Excavator On January 9, 2009
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The basic parts and descriptions of a common excavator.
Arm
This part functions the same as the lower arm from the elbow to the wrist.
Boom
This part functions like the upper arm from the shoulder to the elbow.
Main Cab/Compartment
The importand devices to make the machine move are stored here. They include fuel,oil,an engine, a motor, and a cab for controls for the operator.
Bucket
This part can be replaced with a drill type, scissors, or other attachments depending on the job.
Crawler
The crawler makes it posiible for the machine to literally “crawl”. It has no problem moving on tough terrain and roads.
By Excavator On January 9, 2009
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Are you operating your backhoe safely?
If you have a skid steer loader with backhoe attachment or any backhoe loader it can be very productive if it is operated in a safe, efficient manner. The best way to get the job done safely and efficiently is to know yourself, the job site, and your equipment.
No matter what type or model of backhoe, there will be safety features that include steps and grab handles for getting on and off of the machine. Backhoes also feature frame lock levers and attaching levers to keep the backhoe securely fastened to the loader frame during operation as well as transporting.
In addition to these standard safety features, there are some backhoes that provide a safety chain. The safety chain will prevent the backhoe mounting frame from rotating backwards and unexpectedly trapping the operator, which can result in serious injury or death. Therefore, it is always important to know and check all of the mounting and attachment points and the safety chain before you operate the backhoe.
After you have attached the backhoe to the loader, you should take a moment to inspect it and perform any necessary maintenance. Check for broken or damaged parts, also making sure to check for leaks, cracks, excessive wear, and check the control levers.
Please pay close attention to all warning, safety signs, and instructional decals are very important and will help you to avoid injury. You should always take them seriously and replace any damaged or missing decals.
Quick tips to always follow are: Every 8 hours or so, you should grease all of the zerk fittings, and check the hydraulic fluid and oil and a daily basis. If the fluid is low, the backhoe will not operate. Therefore, you should always take the time to check your machine.
Each time you have to leave the operator seat of the backhoe, you should lower the bucket or attachment to the ground, always turn the engine off, remember to remove the ignition key, then exit the machine.
When it’s time to drive to the next job site, you should always make sure that you have fully raised both the front and rear stabilizers and make sure you’ve put the backhoe seat into the “down” position for better visibility. Before you drive off, make sure that you’ve installed the transport locking pin.
Here are some other safety tips to keep in mind:
- Always select the right size bucket for the job.
- Stake out the work area that is going to be excavated and use flags to mark the area.
- Never work in areas that have inadequate overhead clearances.
Remember its your job to always make sure that you keep bystanders or other workers out of the swing area. If anyone gets in the way of the boom swinging, they can very easily get injured. The machine has no feelings, therefore you should always be aware of who is around you and where they are standing.
By Excavator On January 9, 2009
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What is a skid loader? A skid loader is an engine powered machine that has a rigid frame. Skid loaders have lift arms that are used to attach a wide variety of labor saving tools or attachments. Skid loaders are normally four wheel drive with left side drive wheels that are independent of right side drive wheels. With each side being independent to the other, the wheel speed and direction of rotation of the wheels will determine which direction the loader turns.
Skid loaders are capable of turning in their own tracks, which makes them very maneuverable and valuable for jobs that require the use of compact, agile loader.
Unlike conventional front loaders, the lift arms lay beside the driver with the major pivot points located behind the shoulders of the operator. Due to the operator being in close proximity to moving booms and buckets, earlier models of skid loaders weren’t as safe as conventional front loaders, particularly during entering and exiting.
Skid loaders today have fully enclosed cabs and other safety features that will protect the operator from injury. Just like other front loaders, the skid steer can scrape material from one location to another, carry material in a bucket, or load material on a truck or a trailer.
Operating a Skid Loader
A skid loader can sometimes take the place of a large excavator by digging a hole out from the inside. The skid loader will first dig a ramp that leads to the edge of the hole. Then, the loader will use the ramp to carry material out of the hole.
The skid loader will then reshape the ramp by making it steeper and longer as the excavation gets deeper. This method is very useful for digging under an overhead structure where the overhead clearance doesn’t allow for the boom of a large excavator, such as those situations where you are digging a basement under a house.
The bucket of most types of skid loaders can be replaced with several specialized buckets or attachments, many of which are powered by the hydraulic system of the loader.
History of Skid Loaders
The first 3 wheeled front end loader was invented by two brothers, Cyril and Louis Keller in their machinist shop in Minnesota back in 1957. The Kellers built the loader to help a nearby farmer clean turkey manure from his two story barn. The light and compact loader, with the rear caster wheel, was able to turn around within the length of itself, while performing the very same tasks as conventional front end loaders.
Down the road, the Melroe manufacturing company in Gwinner ND, purchased the rights to the Keller loader in 1958 and hired the brothers to continue their loader invention. Resulting from the partnership, the M-200 self propelled loader was introduced at the end of 1958.
The loader featured two independent front drive wheels and a rear caster wheel, a 12.9 engine and a 750 lb lift capacity. Two years later, they ended up replacing the caster wheel with a rear axle and introduced the M-400 loader, which was the first four wheel skid steer loader in the world.
In 1962, the Bobcat name was added to describe the key features of the machine - touch, agile, and quick. The M-440 was powered by a 15.5 HP engine and offered a 1100 lb rated operating capacity. In the mid 1960s, the skid steer loader progressed with the introduction of the M600 loader.
Years later, the Bobcat skid steer loader experienced quite a few changes, including the development of a hydrostatic drive system, enforced cab structures, radius and vertical lift arm configurations, deluxe instrumentation, and even heating and air conditioning.
In addition to the rubber tire skid loaders of today, there are now all-wheel steer loaders and even compact track loaders. Compact track loads offer less ground disturbance and feature better traction and control in soft, muddy, wet, and even sandy ground conditions.
Skid Loader Stories
By Excavator On January 9, 2009
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Digging a trenche is one of the oldest types of excavatin work in construction of all types. Prior to World War 2, trenches were almost always dug by hand. As workers began digging the trenches deeper, the sides needed to be shored or supported, this kept the walls of the trench from caving in.
After the World War, several innovations were made in backhoes, and trench digging by hand seemed to fade away as a profession. By 1950, hydraulically actuated backhoes were developed, which make it possible to rapidly dig very deep trenches. Resulting from the innovations with backhoes, and because there were no workers inside digging the trenches, the walls no longer needed to be shored.
All types of trenches have what’s known as a stand up time. This time is the amount of time that elapses from the time the ditch is dug until the time the trench walls start to collapse. The stand up time is dependant on many factors, which include the type of soil, water content, trench depth, weather conditions, and whether or not the soil has been disturbed.
The stand up time can be as short as zero seconds or as long as several months, as they are very difficult to predict. Before the trench can be dug, someone must take soil samples as way of estimating the stand up time. Keep in mind that the soil conditions can be dramatically different only a few feet from where the sample of the soil was taken.
After the trench has been dug, workers will go down into the trench, and perform whatever work is needed, such as laying pipe or installing telephone lines, welding pipe, or installing valves. If the trench walls aren’t supported, there is the possibility of the walls collapsing and trapping the workers in the trench. Throughout history, there have been 100 - 300 people killed in the U.S. each year due to trenches collapsing.
The public has become very aware that industrial progress will often have negative side effects as well. The place of engineers protecting the public from these types of side effects is a very controversial issue. The use of trench boxes on the site, will help to ease this debate.
The trench box, also called a trench shield, may be placed in the trench to prevent failures from injuring workers. The trench box consists of two large plates, normally made from steel, which are parallel to the walls of the trench, and horizontal cross members which will hold the two plates apart.
The lower edge of the trench box rests at the bottom of the trench, with the top edge of the box extending above the top of the trench. The workers will stay between the plates of the trench box, so that if the trench does collapse, the dirt will be stopped by the outside of the trench box. As the work progresses, the trench box is pulled
along in the trench with a backhoe or other machine.
When a project calls for a large excavation such as digging the foundation for a tall building, the supporting structure for the excavated walls will be specified in the plans. The big problem with not using trench boxes occurs in cities, when water or sewer lines are being installed or repaired. The engineer doesn’t specify for the trench box in the plans, but instead leaves it up to the contractor.
Anytime you are going to be digging trenches or working in them, you should always use common sense and take your time. Trenches can be very deadly, especially if trench boxes aren’t used. To be on the safe side, you should always use a trench box if you need to be in the trench. If you don’t need to be in the trench - do the smart thing and let the machines do all of the work.
By Excavator On January 9, 2009
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About construction and excavation equipment. The first thing to consider when buying construction equipment is how long it will last. Secondly, how much work can you achieve versus the price paid. We have compiled information about the best brands and types of equipment.
Always read independent reviews so that you are informed when making a desicion to buy any equipment.
Should You Rent or Buy Construction Equipment?
Excavation and construction companies often run into the problem of not having enough equipment on a job site. Planners underestimate the job or try to hard to keep the original budget and bids low which has the result of being short on equipment when needed.
They have two options to remedy the situation. You may rent machines and equipment or outright purchase the needed equipment. Of course, it is not simple to make this type of decision, and therefore, there are several factors that should be considered before the decision is finalized.
How Pricey are Rentals?
Most rental companies do not hide the fact that they do make a lot of money from companies that need to rent equipment. Face it, they know you are probably in a bind and are willing to pay the cost they offer. The rental companies generally rent the equipment on a daily basis or weekly basis, which does not usually work out to benefit the customer. Depending on the area you will be working, the price can range from pretty steep to nice and affordable.
Then the price will also vary due to the type of equipment you need to rent. Generally, machinery like excavators and off-road dump trucks are probably the highest priced for renting, and can have a rental price tag of as much as $12,000 per month. This may seem pretty steep, but if your company is a profitable one that has lots of big and good paying projects lined up, the price does not become an issue.
What Can You Expect When Buying?
If you are faced with needing more equipment, but you are not interested in renting, you can always make an investment and purchase the equipment. You will want to opt for buying the equipment if you have plans to use the machinery more often, not just for one project. Also, if you work on huge projects frequently, you will definitely want to consider making that needed piece of equipment part of your work force by making the purchase and not renting.
Often, buying the equipment will bring you financial savings in the long run, as you will have the equipment you need and allow you to take on more projects. Again, if you only require the machinery for one or two jobs, you should think about renting it; otherwise, you should consider purchasing it. So, just make sure that you will be getting good use out of your purchase.
Servicing the Equipment
A benefit of renting the equipment you might need is that the rental company is responsible and in charge of fixing and maintaining the machinery. Since you do not own the machinery, your company will not be responsible for the repairs. If and when something goes wrong, you will simply have to call the rental company and have them come out to the site and fix the issue because part of the rental price includes maintenance and servicing agreement, which is further noted in the rental contract.
Once you have decided to purchase the equipment, you and your company are responsible for any maintenance and repair the machinery will need. You are probably already aware of the fact that owned equipment will need to have routine maintenance and check ups in order to keep them working efficiently.
In the end, choosing to rent the equipment or buy the equipment will come down to your needs. You, of course, will have to consider your finances, and the affordability of renting versus buying. If you do not have enough capital to make a purchase, considering rentals is probably a more sound decision for you. Either way, you and your company will be able to get the equipment you need in order to finish or take on a job, and allow you to stay on task.
By Excavator On January 9, 2009
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When trenchers were first introduced to the residential and commercial contractors, they rapidly became the backbone of the crew. The time and labor trenchers saved when they replaced the pick and shovel was simply incredible. The contractor was able to double the number of jobs his crew could complete in the same amount of time - or less.
The standard types of trenchers, whether dedicated units or attachments, they are versatile machines for contractors to have with them on the job. They can be used for many different purposes, from digging valve box holes to trenches for drain pipes. In
areas that contain rocky soil, large roots, or other problems where the other machinery can’t access the soil, the trencher will minimize downtime that was once spent digging by hand.
The many types of vibratory plows will offer even more labor saving options. These plows eliminate the hand labor of having to lay the pipe and backfilling on numerous jobs. Even though vibratory plows have taken their market share and are great for pulling pipe, trenchers are still very important for many different types of applications.
The impressive company Bobcat offers three different trenching attachments that are designed for use on the smaller skid steer loaders. The attachment models LT102, LT203, and LT304 all have digging depths from 2 - 4 feet.
Mini Trenchers
Mini-Trenchers ar a good things in a small package. There’s no substitute for mini-trenchers when it comes to light trenching jobs The mini trenchers have been re-designed and finely tuned from the same concept that made standard trenchers so popular. As the name suggests, they are lightweight, with the largest models weighing less than 400 pounds. They are also compact, allowing you to put them in the back of an average pickup truck.
They will also dig a trench around 4 inches wide, and up to 13 inches deep, neatly laying the soil on side of the trench. Without any trouble at all, you can cover pipe with the backfill, leaving a barely visible seam in the soil.
With time being money, these types of mini trenchers are the answer when working in tight or small areas, or on jobs that have a lot of trees or shrubbery. Mini trenchers have a turning radius of less than two feet and they will easily fit through most garden gates. Jobs that would normally need a lot of manual labor will now save you a lot of time
and man power.
If you do construction or excavation work, even gardening, you’ll find trenching and plowing equipment to be essential to your work. If you’ve never used these types of equipment before, you’ll be amazed at just how much time you can save.
If you are just starting up your business, you’ll find this type of equipment to be just what you need. You won’t need a lot of labor with a trencher, as you can do most of it yourself. For saving time, money, and effort, trenching and plowing equipment is the way to go.
Plowing Equipment Articles
By Excavator On January 8, 2009
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A photo of the Largest Earth Mover in the World - The Ultimate Earth Mover.
This is the largest earth mover in the world which was built by the German company, Krupp. It is seen above crossing a Federal highway in Germany on the way to its destination, an open-pit coal mine. It is actually cheaper to move the large excavator than to try to reconstruct or reassemble the eart mover onsite.
Earth Mover Specifications:
- The mover stands 311 feet tall and 705 feet long.
- It weighs over 45,500 tons
- Cost $100 million to build
- Took 5 years to design and manufacture
- 5 years to assemble.
- Requires 5 people to operate it.
- The Bucket Wheel is over 70 feet in diameter with 20 buckets, each of which can hold over 530 cubic feet of material.
- A 6-foot man can stand up inside one of the buckets.
- It moves on 12 crawlers (each is 12 feet wide, 8′ high and 46 feet long).
- There are 8 crawlers in front and 4 in back. It has a maximum speed of 1 mile in 3 hours (1/3 mile/hour).
- It can remove over 76,455 cubic meters each day. (100,000 large dump trucks at 40yds. each)
More photos of the Krupp Earth Mover
It is quite an amazing excavation machine.
This is currently the largest earth mover in the world.
