Author Archives: Allclass Construction

Name: Allclass Brisbane
Address: 16 Parade Ground Place, Wacol, Brisbane, QLD, 4076, AU
Telephone: 1300 255 252
Price range: $$$

Latest Innovations and Technologies in Excavators

For thousands of years, humans did all of their excavation by hand. The agricultural revolution saw the advent of the plough, allowing working animals to carry the brunt of the work. More recently, the industrial revolution made it possible to mechanize work, resulting in tractors replacing working animals. In the mining and construction industries, digging by hand was still employed due to the cheap cost of labour, but machines were increasingly being brought in for the most demanding tasks. Today, modern excavators come with all kinds of technology to make them easy to use and remarkably efficient and productive. In this article, we will discuss some of these technological innovations and how they are changing the game.

Auto-Idling Technology

It is no surprise to anyone who are familiar with excavators that they are powerful machines. That power comes from the engine, which becomes increasingly large as the power demands of the excavator increase. Diesel is the most common fuel for these engines, and its price has been rising steadily for years. Recently, the clever engineers at Kubota have developed auto-idling technology, automatically reducing the RPMs and fuel consumption of their excavators when the control levers are neutral for more than four seconds.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence might seem like a strange phrase in the area of digging hole, but realistically, it is the biggest innovation in the industry for decades. It is the school of thought that’s developing driverless cars and medical robots, so the benefits to the construction industry will be incredible. While slow on the uptake, the momentum is sure to grow as prices fall and consumer appreciation grows. For some companies, artificial intelligence means developing autonomous equipment, while for others, it means collaborating with a human operator using laser-guided precision and predictive movements.

Mini-Excavators

Unless you are working on the mines or major large-scale construction projects, a full-size excavator is probably too big for your needs. The world’s largest excavator is nearly one million kilograms, and for most sites, an excavator could barely hold such a machine. Mini-excavators like the Kubota K008-3 are the machines for domestic and light commercial applications. Because mini-excavators are so popular, there is a lot of research going into reducing their tail swing and improving their overall operating efficiency.

Contact AllClass Construction Equipment for a New Excavator

If you are after an excavator in Queensland, look no further than AllClass Construction Equipment. We are leading retailers of new and used mini-excavators, as well as a wide range of construction and power equipment. Talk to one of our professional consultants today for personalized service. Call 1300 255 252, or contact us online.

Posted by Allclass Construction on September 10, 2018

The Quality that is Kubota – Why You Should Invest In It!

Kubota is one of the most well-known brands in heavy machinery, and with good reason. Kubota produces top quality products that serve a wide range of industries, from construction and mining to large-scale water processing and turf management. The company was founded in 1890 in Japan and over the last 120+ years has developed into a global brand. In this article, we will briefly discuss the history of Kubota, their current operations, and some of their best performing products.

The History of Kubota

The beginnings of Kubota started in 1890 in Osaka, where it was then known as the Oide foundry. Gonshiro Kubota started the company 1897 and changed its name to Kubota Iron Work, working in the production of pipes, fire-fighting equipment and taps. It wasn’t until 1922 that Kubota began producing engines, and not until 1953 that they entered the construction equipment industry. In 1962, Kubota began full-scale production of paddy field tractors for improving the efficiency of rice growing operations, and in 1963, production diversified further into vending machines. By this time, Kubota was a massive company, and by 1972 they had launched the Kubota Tractor Corporation in the US to become viable in the North American Market. In 2002, they produced more than 20 million engines, which gives a scope of their reach in the global machinery market.

Manufacture of Kubota Products

Different Kubota products are manufactured in different places. They are a global brand with products being sold and used in more than 110 countries. No matter where they are operating, Kubota abides by the laws of individual countries and regions, as well as global agreements and rules. Kubota places a strong importance on maintaining environmental sustainability and has always been focused on producing products that are conducive to a safe and prosperous future.

Outstanding Mini-Excavators

Kubota produces some of the world’s best mini-excavators. These include compact multitasking machines and an extensive array of zero tail swing models that makes it easier to work in tight spaces. Because Kubota is dedicated to quality and consistent improvement, their excavators are persistently rated as some of the best on the market. Recent innovations like auto-idling technology and smarter hydraulic oil management systems have led to increases in efficiency, fuel consumption and productivity.

Contact AllClass Construction Equipment to Order Your Kubota Today

AllClass Construction Equipment are licensed distributors of Kubota equipment in Queensland. We specialise in new and used mini-excavators and offer a wide range of construction and power equipment. Talk to one of our professional consultants today for personalized service by calling 1300 255 252. Alternatively, contact us online.

Posted by Allclass Construction on August 22, 2018

Buying Equipment

History Archive: Historical Construction Equipment

It’s easy to forget that just a few hundred years ago Australia once had no skyscrapers or train lines, much like the rest of the world. The last hundred years has seen an exponential increase in the size, productivity and efficiency of earth moving equipment. Construction equipment has literally changed the shape of the planet; building canals, digging up mountains and flooding valleys with dams. In this article, we will discuss how construction equipment has evolved over time.

Before Modern Records

Nobody is quite sure who invented the shovel, the pickaxe and the hoe, but these instruments surely revolutionised the way work was carried out. There is even some evidence to suggest that these devices were invented in different places, at different times, in different iterations. The functions they provided would have drastically increased the efficiency and productivity of agricultural tasks, leading to increased yields and the ability to support larger populations.

The Days of Horsing Around

Historical records of Rome, and what is now called Europe, provides evidence of animal-integrated construction. Horses, donkeys and oxen were regularly employed to drag materials, assist in the construction of roads, and provide mechanical advantage to foundries and granaries.

Steam Changed Everything and Diesel Changed it Again

The first versions of the bulldozer, dump truck and tractor were horse-drawn apparatuses. Engineers were quick to realise the power of the steam engine, and it wasn’t long before work animals were replaced. Steam power ran across the world, bringing with it the power of the train and quickly opened new areas to agricultural and mining. The advent of the internal combustion, and eventually the diesel engine, revolutionised construction equipment once again, as it was much cheaper than petrol and provided easily portable power to machines around the world.

Caterpillar Tracks

As the power of engines and demands of industry grew, construction vehicles became bigger, capable of moving ever increasing loads. The rigid wheels of the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries were not well matched to handing the varied landscapes of the world, and frequently got bogged as a result. Caterpillar tracks hit the market through a series of innovations by different inventors around the world, and suddenly construction machines could go almost everywhere. Caterpillar tracks are still the popular choice for a lot of earth moving equipment, such as excavators.

For Modern Equipment in Queensland, talk to AllClass Construction Equipment

AllClass Construction Equipment are distributors of hard working heavy machinery equipment in Queensland. We specialise in new and used Kubota mini-excavators and offer a wide range of construction and power equipment. We offer a personalized service, and you will deal with a real person who cares about your satisfaction. Talk to one of our professional consultants today by calling 1300 255 252. Alternatively, contact us online.

Posted by Allclass Construction on August 10, 2018

Excavator Checklists

How a Mini Excavator Can Increase Productivity and Efficiency

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 Allclass Construction on July 25, 2018

Excavator Maintenance

Storing Your Construction Equipment Right

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 Allclass Construction on July 10, 2018

Excavator Maintenance

Power Equipment: Generators and Engines

The invention of the internal combustion engine revolutionised construction equipment. The following invention of the diesel engine made heavy machinery even more powerful and cheaper to run. Today, engines are continually being improved in many ways, and electric engines are beginning to find their way onto the market. In this article, we will talk about the variety of engines and generators on the market, as well as making some bold predictions for the future of the power industry.

Generators

Generators come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, serving a variety of functions for different jobs. Small, high-tech generators like the Kubota Workforce Series take advantage of all of the recent innovations in fuel efficiency and noise minimisation to provide reliable power. Of course, if you need more power for more machines, you will need a bigger, heavy-duty generator like the Kubota SQ Series, capable of producing single and three phase power with strict internal voltage regulation to protect your heavy equipment.

Engines

Engines are the backbone of our modern world. Without engines, there’d be no planes, trains, automobiles, large ships or any of the frills that come with our interconnected world. Not all engines are made for the same purpose. Some are better designed for running pumps, running cars or running heavy machinery. Depending on your precise application, there is a different sort of engine that will be more suited to your needs, and it is recommended that you chat to a professional engine supplier before purchasing one.

The Future of Power Equipment

The future is green. Globally, climate change is recognized as the biggest threat facing humanity, causing scientists, engineers and inventors to focus on creating environmentally friendly products. As shown from decades of spin from extractive industries, there is no alternative to petrol and diesel, otherwise trucks in Australia will stop functioning. For a while, there may have been some basis for that spin, but recent innovations have seen the production of powerful trucks running solely on electricity. It might take a while, but it’s possible that a lot more power equipment will run off electrical power supplied by an increasingly renewably supplied grid.

For Generators and Engines in Queensland Contact AllClass Construction Equipment

AllClass Construction Equipment have more than 20 years of experience as professional distributors of engines, power equipment and heavy machinery in Queensland. We specialise in Kubota products and offer a full suite of services, from sales and consulting to servicing and maintenance. We pride ourselves on our personalized service and we take our client’s satisfaction seriously. Talk to one of our professional consultants today on 1300 255 252 or contact us online

Posted by Allclass Construction on June 25, 2018

Safety Checklist

Hot Weather Safety Tips for Construction Staff

Summer and other hot weather periods are seriously dangerous seasons for construction staff. Many of the dangers aren’t obvious and it’s worth taking the time to understand and avoid the risks. We’ve put together some tips for onsite workers to make summer a lot safer.

Understanding the Risk Factors and How to Manage Them

Heat can be debilitating. It affects your metabolism and over-exposure can cause heat stress and in some cases medical conditions.

These are the major risks and ways of managing them:

Hydration: The body uses up water much more rapidly in hot weather. If you dehydrate, you can experience serious issues like kidney stones, due to lack of water in the body. Lack of hydration can also affect salt levels, which can affect your digestion and bodily functions. Drink cool water, preferably not with sugar additives, regularly. Avoid excessive salty food, which can affect hydration levels.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol! Caffeine and alcohol speed up your metabolism and can cause runaway sweating, which is a hydration risk. Both are also well-known diuretics, causing water loss just when you need water most. Don’t drink either, particularly high caffeine drinks with a lot of sugar in them. Stick to water, which refreshes without side effects.

Heat exposure: The longer you’re out in the heat, the more you’re exposed to the effects. Don’t work in the hot sun for long periods of time and use shade to cover the workspace. Shade makes a big difference in hot weather, reducing heat exposure and improving working conditions. Use shade wherever possible to minimise the negative effects of heat. Use covered vehicles and schedule work in exposed areas for cooler times of the day. In extreme heat, there’s no safe level of exposure. Put your staff on other duties, out of the heat.

Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is caused by over-exposure to heat. The body may experience cramps, and in some cases, heat prostration or heat stroke. These can be serious medical conditions and there’s no good reason for risking them. These conditions are easily avoidable with simple precautions like managing shade, drinking water, rescheduling work and simply avoiding exposure.

Food risks: High protein and fatty foods affect hydration levels. The body uses water to process protein and fat generates high calories counts, which is also not good for your metabolism in hot weather. Eat vegetables like celery, tomatoes, and fruits, which have pure water in them and don’t add to the calorie count.

Glare and dust: These problems cause real fatigue, breathing issues, and generally reduce efficiency. It’s hard to focus when you’re being affected by glare and choked by dust. You have to work harder, which in hot weather means you get tired more quickly. Use proper sunglasses and masks to avoid these issues.

Contact us for the Latest Equipment

Allclass Construction Equipment works with Australian businesses in all types of weather. We know how tough it can be working in a Queensland summer. If you’re looking for the latest construction equipment for hot weather, browse our range of fully covered mini excavators and other equipment. You can call us or contact us online to discuss your needs.

Posted by Allclass Construction on August 23, 2017

Excavator Attachments, Excavator Maintenance

Keeping Your Rubber Tracks Moving

Rubber tracks are used on excavators and other tracked vehicles to minimise ground damage. They’re very good in this regard and you can be sure that you won’t be leaving a wasteland behind your machine. The main issue, in fact, is keeping the rubber tracks in good working order.

These tracks take a lot of wear and tear when compared to steel tracks. Although they’re very durable, they need some maintenance and attention, preferably whenever there are time and space to do it. This regular care reduces overall maintenance time, taking care of minor issues to prevent a bigger workload later.

Rubber Tracks – Care and Maintenance Tips

To care for and maintain your rubber tracks, you need to know what to expect. Different types of terrain can cause different problems but can predict some issues before they happen and deal with them easily.

For example:

Mud and debris: Materials of this type are taken up by the tracks, which clogs them. It’s not good for the tracks over time. The easy fix is a thorough clean and removal of the mud, preferably ASAP.

Undercarriage and assembly: These areas, being under the vehicle, also take up a lot of mud, dust, and small debris. It’s best to check the undercarriage regularly and ensure that there are no significant deposits of materials on them.

Uneven wear: This type of wear is caused by more pressure being put on one track than another, often during repetitive work. The unevenness of the tracks affects performance. It’s best for operators to avoid the usual practice of locking tracks. Make turns with the vehicle, rather than locking, to avoid uneven wear.

Inspect the machine before operation: Your machine can start up and instantly have problems because of some minor difficulty with the tracks. It’s a good idea to check the rollers and driving sprockets for any issues before operation. Driving sprockets are also very prone to accumulating materials, due to their shape. Be patient, but quick, when fixing any problems.

Track tension: Over-tension in tracks can be a serious problem. The tracks, if stretched too tightly, react to pressures and impact much more than at a slightly loose tension. This can do damage to alignment and increase wear on the tracks. Stick to a specified level of tension and “track sag”.

Common sense: The other simple and very effective way to care for your tracks is to simply stay alert and be aware of any unusual movements or sticking, or similar behavioural issues. While it’s important to be vigilant, don’t try to DIY-fix anything that looks like a complex issue. Get it checked out by your service people for the best results.

Allclass Construction Equipment Are Your Track Specialists

Allclass Construction Equipment provides a full range of 5-star rapid response services for our Kubota tracked vehicles. We’ll be onsite ASAP to avoid downtime and solve your servicing issues right away. You can call us or contact us online to get expert help anytime.

Posted by Allclass Construction on August 23, 2017

Buying Equipment

7 Benefits of Using Mini Excavators

It’s fair to say that the introduction of mini excavators in the construction industry is a revolution. Mini excavators have become very popular in the extremely cost-conscious building trade and in other sectors. They’re well known for their high performance, reliability, and excellent business values. They’re also very practical options in many ways, reducing operating costs and delivering measurable values.

The 7 Benefits

These benefits are the reasons why mini excavators have taken over from larger excavators around the world:

Agility: Mini excavators are highly manoeuvrable on any work site. They can access all areas and reduce positioning time compared with large excavators.

Ease of training: Mini excavators are very trainee-friendly. It’s easy to learn how to operate a mini excavator, which also reduces training costs and time.

Better access onsite: Mini excavators can move into tight areas and operate with ease. The traditional access issues with large excavators make the bigger machines quite unsuitable for some sites. There’s much less need to demolish to obtain access, too.

Less damage to the worksite: These lighter vehicles don’t dig up the soil or turn worksites into quagmires when it rains. The mini excavators leave a very small footprint on operating surfaces, reducing risks to driveways, gardens, etc.

Transport: The much smaller mini excavators are easy to transport by trailer, eliminating the expensive logistics of moving large excavators while delivering the extra benefits of their size and agility.

Multi-functionality and high productivity: One area where mini excavators truly excel is in their versatility and ability to deliver multiple onsite services using attachments. A mini excavator can actually do more than a large excavator in this regard.

Lower operating costs: Mini excavators save money in all areas of operation compared to big excavators. They can do the same work at a lower cost while delivering the same performance as large excavators in many different roles.

Business Benefits

The 7 benefits above all add up to a further, ongoing major benefit in the form of much better cost values for businesses. If you’re considering your options for buying a mini excavator, there are some added points for consideration

A mini excavator will deliver:

Reduced operating costs
Lower training costs
Improved functionality and versatility
No major access issues
Better transportability and logistics
Improved profitability through lower costs
Very high values in onsite performance across all types of work
Much better operational efficiency onsite

These net values, applied to a construction company over any period of time, equal major dollar values for businesses. A mini excavator is as much an investment as a piece of equipment. You can reduce overheads, improve performance, and add a range of capabilities to your business.

Brisbane’s Home of Mini Excavators

Allclass Construction Equipment has an impressive range of new and used mini excavators. If you’d like to find out more, call us or contact us online and discuss your needs with our mini excavator experts. We’re happy to assist and provide any guidance you require.

Posted by Allclass Construction on July 28, 2017

Excavator Attachments, Excavator Checklists, Safety Checklist

Safety Chains & Excavator Trailer Safety

Trailer safety is not a compromise, especially when you’re towing a trailer with an excavator. While it might seem like common sense to drive safely when towing, there’s a lot more to it when you’re carrying a heavy load. We have some tips and pointers for you to help you manage your trailer safely on the road.

Critical Safety Tips

The bottom line with trailer safety is making sure your trailer is secure and safe on the road. You need to cover all the angles:

Safety chains: Whatever load you’re carrying, you may need one or more safety chains depending on the loaded weight of the trailer. Chains must comply with Australian Standards as specified under relevant regulations and guidelines from the state traffic authority. Safety chains must be connected to the towbar.

Towbars: Towbars must be rated to at least the weight of the load. Underweight towbars are major risks on the road; they can’t manage the heavier load and may even detach while driving.

Braking systems: Braking systems may or may not be legally required for lighter weight loads, but they’re good value for safety on the road. Best practice is to have a braking system that is operable from the driver’s seat.

Towing vehicle requirements: The vehicle must not carry loads over the manufacturer’s rated towing capacity and the trailer’s towing capacity. If you try to haul a trailer over either the vehicle or the trailer’s capacity, there are very serious risks of instant failure.

Rear marker plates: If your trailer is over 7.5m long, you must have a Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle plate attached to the trailer. This is also a useful reminder to following vehicles that you’re driving a long trailer with a turning curve slower than they are, so it’s well worth fitting these plates.

Safe Towing: Things to Look Out for on the Road

Anyone who’s ever towed a heavy load will tell you that you can actually feel load problems within seconds of starting. The above points are the simplest ways to ensure that your vehicle and trailer perform well.

Major issues with a towed load include:

The sluggish or erratic performance of a trailer on bends in the road: This indicates that the trailer is lagging behind and that it may drift outwards or inwards towards traffic or the road edge. The trailer can also act as a counterweight, pulling against or away from the direction of your vehicle’s movement. At the first sign of performance issues, check the trailer.

Steering issues caused by the load: If the towing vehicle isn’t responding properly to steering, the load may be unsafe. The risk is that you may not be able to respond quickly enough to traffic movements or sudden events. Don’t take any risks with an unpredictable steering situation; you need a bigger, better trailer to manage the load.

Talk to Allclass Construction Equipment

If you’d like some expert help with trailer safety, or you’re looking for a new trailer to upgrade your mobility, Allclass Construction Equipment is your local source for top quality trailers. Call us or contact us online and speak to our experts.

Posted by Allclass Construction on July 28, 2017