Monthly Archives: July 2018

Excavator Checklists

How a Mini Excavator Can Increase Productivity and Efficiency

Kubota Mini excavator
Kubota Mini excavator

 

Even before the invention of the shovel, humans have always looked for ways to improve the efficiency of their work. With every new invention in the construction industry, it became possible for labourers to get more work done with less effort. Tractors revolutionised the agricultural industry by increasing the amount of land and work that could be handled by one person, enabling the global food system to feed billions of people. The mini excavator is the tractor of the construction industry, capable of performing dozens of tasks and drastically reducing the demand for unskilled labourers on site. In this article, we will expand on the wonders of this piece of machinery.

 

The Ultimate Multitasker

Mini-excavators are usually capable of being fitted with multiple attachments, often simultaneously as in the case of the Kubota K008-3, making them perfect for performing all kinds of jobs. Mini excavators are capable of swapping out the standard scoop for skidsteer buckets, forks, hydraulic rock grabbers, sieves and brush cutters, just to name a few. With blade attachments, mini-excavators can perform the work of bulldozers, levelling a site before utilising their hydraulic arm and the relevant attachments to begin excavations in earnest.

 

Amazingly Fuel Efficient

Large scale excavators are thirsty machines. Not only are they expensive to purchase and store, but their running costs are exorbitant due to the massive quantities of diesel they consume. Mini excavators, on the other hand, are much lighter and have the advantage of being refillable from the back of a pick-up truck. They can also be transported to and from building sites on normal sized trailers. Recent innovations in the industry have led to the development of auto-idling technology to reduce fuel consumption. Additionally, artificial intelligence underpinned by decades of data collection is making it possible to further refine the design and operation of these machines.

 

Zero Tail Swing Excavators in Tight Spaces

All of the benefits we have described so far are further multiplied by the capacity of certain kinds of excavators to work without any tail swing. The Kubota U Series is the pinnacle of this variety of excavators, with units such as the U35-4 able to perform the same work as other similarly sized units without having a tail that extends beyond the limits of its tracks. This is particularly important for working on highways and in tight spaces where this tail swing could cause serious problems.

 

AllClass Construction Equipment has Mini Excavators in Queensland

AllClass Construction Equipment have more than 20 years of experience as professional distributors of heavy machinery, engines and power equipment in Queensland. We specialise in new and used Kubota mini-excavators and a full complement of attachments. Talk to one of our professional consultants today by calling 1300 255 252. Alternatively, contact us online.

 

Posted by on July 25, 2018
Excavator Maintenance

Storing Your Construction Equipment Right

An excavator on a beach
An excavator on a beach

 

Good quality heavy duty machinery is expensive. For some businesses, an excavator might be the most expensive tool in their warehouse. As with any investment, it is important to protect it and ensure it remains functional for the longest possible time. There are a number of considerations when it comes to storing construction equipment, and not all of them are obvious. In this article, we will briefly describe some of the common threats to construction equipment, and how best to mediate these threats to ensure the longevity of your materials.

 

Clean and Dry

One of the most obvious, but also difficult, aspects of construction equipment maintenance is managing rust and corrosion. Producers of this equipment are aware of this challenge, and so they use strong, corrosion resistant and reliable materials. All of the best manufacturing in the world won’t stop the rain from falling, however, and corrosion is always a long term risk for metal components. Mud can be exceptionally damaging over enough time, while still being the bread and butter of what construction equipment is designed to deal with. The real dangers of mud and water are related to long term contact, not day to day exposure. For this reason, whenever you are storing your equipment it makes sense to put it away while they’re clean and dry to avoid potential dramas.

 

Service Regularly

Heavy machinery comes with guidelines on how regularly certain components need to be serviced and it is important to stick to these guidelines. Having components fail on you can cost exorbitant amounts of money to replace, particularly if the failure triggers a cascade of failures. Often those guidelines will include two numbers, like 3000km/3 years. This means that whichever one of those numbers comes first, it’s time for a service, even if your excavator has been sitting in the shed for two thirds of that time.

 

Preventing Theft

Thefts is often a secondary consideration when it comes to proper storage of construction equipment, but the unfortunate reality is expensive machines fetch a significant sum on the black market. It is well worth understanding that your super power generator, which powers entire worksites, could be adapted by someone else to power their off-grid home. Install security cameras, GPS tracking devices, extra locks and even 24/7 security patrols, which may be cost effective mechanisms for preventing theft.

 

Contact AllClass Construction Equipment for Servicing

AllClass Construction Equipment have more than 20 years of experience distributing heavy machinery across Queensland. We pride ourselves on our personalized service and have experience protecting and maintaining equipment. We have a fleet of service professionals ready to service your machinery. Talk to one of our consultants today on 1300 255 252 or contact us online.

 

Posted by on July 10, 2018