Category Archives: Buying 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.

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:

 

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

 

2. 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.

 

3. 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.

 

4. 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.

 

5. 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.

 

6. 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.

 

7. 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.

Mini excavators are the workhorses of the construction industry. Every construction firm has at least one. The major issue with these reliable and hardworking machines is transport. This makes a good trailer a must-have piece of construction equipment.

In this post, we’re going to give you some pointers about choosing the right trailer for your needs.

Trailer Essentials

Looking for a mini excavator trailer? You will need:

• A trailer with good carrying capacity above the weight of your mini excavator. This extra capacity means that your trailer is strong enough to handle the added stresses of road travel, moving around sites, and other strains.
• Preferably new: Trailers are placed under major stresses over their working life. Old trailers are OK for lighter workloads, but not for carrying important equipment like a mini excavator. You need a new trailer that which is in top quality condition, particularly if you’re on the road a lot, moving from site to site.
• Good wheels: A good trailer has at least four wheels supporting the tail of the trailer. This gives better balance on the road and improves steering by managing the load of the mini excavator more efficiently on the road.
• Solid carry frame: Whether you choose steel or alloy, the frame is a critical part of the trailer. The frame should also have a solid plate base for positioning your mini excavator with supports. This keeps the excavator steady and in place on the road.

Considerations: Safety, On Site and On Road Performance

You’ll have noticed from the above points that your choice of trailer is based on its ability to manage the load of your mini excavator on the road. This isn’t just common sense – it’s also a major safety issue.

Load movement and drift on substandard trailers are notorious for creating issues on the road. Heavy weights on trailers can cause significant performance issues for towing vehicles. Slow responses or wide drifting movement on a trailer is a recipe for trouble. A good trailer responds well to towing vehicle movement and doesn’t drift. This makes travel a lot safer and reduces the risk of accidents.

Performance problems with the trailer can also do damage to your vehicle. An erratic trailer can add strain to its steering, brakes, and suspension. That, in turn, can cause safety issues for the vehicle and added maintenance costs.

A good trailer is a useful asset for getting your mini excavator on the ground and working with minimal fuss. Get the advantage by choosing a safe, manoeuvrable trailer that can position your mini excavator wherever you want.

Ask Allclass Construction Equipment about Trailers

If you need a top quality trailer for your business in Brisbane, call Allclass Construction Equipment or contact us online and ask us about our trailers. We’re happy to provide you with any advice, guidance, and services you need.

If you’re in the construction industry, purchasing equipment is an ongoing evaluation of choices and costs. There is a vast amount of equipment available, all of which is a potential major asset. While this means plenty of choices for the consumer, it can also mean difficulty choosing appropriate equipment.

We’ve put together a checklist to make your purchasing decisions a bit easier.

Understand the Basics

Start at the beginning. What do you need? What’s your budget? What are your choices?

Let’s look at the absolute basics. There are two categories of must-have construction equipment:

• Essential construction equipment: What are your top priorities? Do you need an excavator, a stump grinder, a trench digger, an onsite power generator, or a mix of these things? Make a short list with your budget in mind.
• Attachments and accessories for your equipment: Will you need a hydraulic hammer, a trailer for travel, a palette fork, or other gear? To decide, stick to the attachments and accessories that are required for your work. Plan your purchasing strictly on a needs basis. If you don’t need something right now, it can wait.

Planning Your Purchases

OK, you’ve got your lists. Now you can assess what’s available on the market and break down your choices into simple but effective options.

For example – let’s assume you want an excavator. This is your checklist for the essentials:

• Suitable for your core work: This is a yes/no answer. Stick to the equipment that delivers the capacity you need. Check performance, product specifications, and all the other critical data to make sure.
• Able to carry all the attachments you need, like hydraulic hammers, etc.: Your attachments and accessories list simplifies your range of choices by eliminating unsuitable equipment. Ensure the attachments are suitable for your choice of machine and check their performance information as a guide.
• New or used? This isn’t entirely a cost issue. Sometimes used equipment is a very good option. If you find a reliable piece of equipment you know is good and can do the job, a used machine is likely to be a good choice. As long as you can get a used machine serviced, it’s a potentially viable option.
• Spare parts: If there’s any doubt at all about spares, forget about the purchase. All machines need spares. You should be able to access authentic parts, too, particularly for good brands.
• Servicing: Like spares, it’s essential that you understand the servicing schedule and the ease of servicing before you purchase. It’s not worth the frustration to buy equipment that might be hard to service. That can be expensive and it will risk significant downtime.

Call Allclass Construction Equipment

We hope you’ve found our checklist useful and informative. If you’re looking for any kind of construction equipment in Brisbane, call us or contact us online. We’ll be happy to find the perfect equipment for your business.

If you’re considering getting a new mini excavator, you may be wondering what the advantages are of steel tracks in comparison to rubber tracks. They each have their pros and cons and ultimately they have different applications depending on the nature and stage of each project.

Put simply, rubber tracks offer more versatility while steel tracks offer greater durability. Below we’ll look at how these advantages apply to specific situations during construction projects to help make the decision easier.

Traction

Rubber tracks have a noticeable traction advantage over steel tracks on most surfaces. Rubber has a higher intrinsic friction and melds to uneven surfaces, increasing the overall surface area. On any relatively smooth, dry surface, rubber tracks will have the advantage.

Rubber tracks can operate over concrete and asphalt without wearing or damaging, something steel tracks cannot do because they are heavier and harder. This makes them ideal for construction projects that are in the late stages of development. Rubber track excavators can access job sites connected to finished landscaping or existing pavement.

Steel tracks gain a traction advantage over rubber in harsher types of terrain and environments. For example, steel tracks can bite and hold onto muddy surfaces that rubber tracks would simply spin on. The rigid steel can push a vehicle over extremely uneven surfaces where a rubber track would slip while conforming to it.

Durability

Steel tracks excel when it comes to durability. The strong, rigid material sheds off contact with the many sharp and hard surfaces normally found on a construction site. Steel tracks are physically resistant to environmental materials as well as being far less likely to be damaged from chemicals.

Rubber can literally be dissolved or damaged by many chemicals and materials found on the job. Even oil and grease can damage rubber tracks. Rubber tracks also require a lot more general maintenance in terms of checking and adjusting tensions and ensuring it’s clean. Unlike rubber tracks, steel tracks have slack in their system, allowing rocks and other debris to be naturally expelled.

Comfort

Rubber tracks flex and conform to the terrain, generally meaning the ride is a lot more comfortable for the operator. Steel tracks tend to cause far more jarring, which can fatigue the operator. Steel tracks are also very loud, which could be a positive in terms of warning work crews and passersby that heavy machinery is being operated, but it can also be bothersome for the on-site crew.

Choosing a Track

In most cases, there is a great deal of overlap in terms of what can be done with either rubber or steel tracks. In many cases, they’ll perform the same job with the same efficiency and quality. Choosing between them is a matter of judging which option suits the specific circumstances of your construction project.

If you’re working around particularly jagged rocks, mud and thick brush, the advantages of steel tracks are unquestionable. Steel track loaders are generally more expensive, while rubber track loaders are more commonly used and widely available.

For All Your Mini Excavators and Construction Equipment

If you need rubber or steel track loaders in Brisbane, get in touch with the team at Allclass Construction Equipment. We offer a range of high quality new and used construction machinery and can advise you about the best track type for your construction project. For new or used construction equipment, call us on 1300 255 252 or contact us online.

 

Construction projects require the use of complex and heavy machinery on a daily basis. Each project needs specific tools and equipment, many of which are bought or hired out from a construction supplier. Some procurement officers and engineers fail to select the appropriate machinery for the job, causing delays, creating an unsafe environment and adding unnecessary costs.

Sourcing your construction equipment from a reputable, reliable and knowledgeable supplier will help you avoid mishaps in your project. Here are some factors to consider when you’re looking for a construction equipment supplier.

Equipment Is Tested and Well-Maintained

A good construction equipment supplier will ensure any used machinery is in optimal condition and ready for safe use. They will also advise you about what machinery or equipment attachments are most suited to a project or conditions.

This is crucial when it comes to projects involving excavation and digging, where excavators must be well-maintained to safely transport debris. Quality suppliers will place importance on maintaining their machinery with genuine parts and have their equipment repaired by accredited centres.

Equipment Brand and Age

A reputable supplier will generally supply machinery and equipment from well-known brands like Kubota. Another point to consider is whether they are using new, up-to-date equipment, with a fresh inventory every four to eight years. Replacing machinery at the appropriate time helps prevent costly on-site breakdowns.

Whether a supplier is updating their inventory can be determined by the brand they use. Authorised dealers tend to get the latest machinery and technologies as they enter the market. Authorised dealers also attend product seminars and build specialist knowledge about a particular brand and their equipment.

Good Service

A good construction supplier should offer quality service, being able to deliver equipment in a timely, efficient manner to prevent on-site delays. They should make assurances that if any equipment breaks down on site, it can be promptly resolved.

Good service means your supplier is knowledgeable, responsive and supportive. They should be able to talk you through the needs of your project, give you advice on what kind of equipment you need and run you through all the necessary safety and prestart checklists.

Knowledge and Experience

Knowledge and experience are crucial in a supplier but this is something that can be overlooked at times. It can be easy to assume that stocking and selling equipment doesn’t require a vast amount of knowledge, but it’s necessary when you’re providing advice and properly maintaining, diagnosing and repairing equipment.

The longer they’ve been in the industry the better. They should also aim to continuously build upon their knowledge by attending product training seminars. Highly trained and experienced technicians mean your project will have strong after-sales support and reduced downtime.

Allclass Construction Suppliers in Brisbane

With more than 100 years of combined experience, Allclass Construction Equipment is the ideal supplier for construction projects in the Brisbane area. We’re authorised Kubota dealers and are rated as a 5-star service centre for this brand. Our sales advisors are driven by offering high-quality service and value.

For new or used construction equipment, call us on 1300 255 252 or contact us online.

Mini excavators, also known as compact excavators, are machines that demolish, dig and move large masses of land.  There are many factors you need to consider when choosing a mini excavator. The size, the features, and the price are few things that matter. You will also have to consider the needs of the project. That way you can find an excavator that will optimise your productivity.

Choosing the Right Mini Excavator

The Size

Review the needs of your project. If the machine has to handle hard substrate, you will need an mini excavator with higher horsepower. The machine should be stable and have a strong load-bearing capacity. If you’re working in confined spaces, you will have to measure the height and width of the excavator to make sure it can easily pass through narrow gates or pathways. Another important thing to measure is the swing radius of the excavator. Again, if you’re working in tight spaces, you’ll have to make sure the swing radius is small in size. This will help you to prevent swing accidents on the work site.

Electric vs. Diesel Fuel

You’ll find two types of mini-excavators for sale. The electric powered ones are often smaller in size, and they can’t dig as deep. Most of them come with short power cables.

Diesel-fuel mini excavators are the next alternative. They have a digging depth of 10 -14 feet. If you want an excavator with a higher capacity, you will have to look for a full-sized one.

Mini-Excavator Weight

To decrease the impact on your landscaping, consider choosing machines that weigh less. Mini-excavators weigh between one and 8 tonnes. They are better suited for smaller applications.

The Cabin

Check the cabin to make sure the operator will be comfortable on the job. Find out if the controls are well-positioned so the operator can efficiently carry out tasks.

The Attachments

Attachments do all the hard work, so make sure the excavator is versatile enough to handle different blades and buckets. If the excavator has a quick attach coupler, you’ll find it easier to switch between attachments.

Buying Used Excavators

If you’re buying a used mini excavator, inspect the arm, the bucket, and the boom. Also find out if the machine’s safety features are in proper working condition.

Whether you’re looking for new or used mini-excavators, find a reliable seller that has been in business for many years. The company should be able to offer your prompt service and repairs if the machine breaks down.

New and Used Mini Excavators for Sale in Brisbane

If you need high-quality construction equipment or excavator parts, get in touch with Allclass Construction Equipment.

If you’ve got a construction job to do, we’ve got the right tools and equipment for you. Choose from our range of high performing mini excavators, stump grinders, rock breakers and trenchers.

We have a team of professional and highly experienced technicians who can fix malfunctioning equipment without delay.

Call us on 1300 255 252 for an immediate quote. You could also visit us online to view our range of new and used excavators in Brisbane.

 

 

 

 

 

In today’s business environment, there is a great emphasis on reducing manufacturing costs. Companies go to great lengths to improve equipment and plant reliability but they often find it difficult to pinpoint exactly when their machinery needs to be replaced.

Business owners need to take several factors into consideration when deciding whether or not to replace old equipment. Let’s take a look at some of them now.

Should You Replace Construction Equipment?

If there’s a catastrophic failure of the engine, it’s a good idea to replace your equipment. Even if you employ a few mechanics, you’ll be better off asking them to work on daily maintenance instead of making them spend hours fixing a particular machine.

You also need to take machine downtime into consideration. If it’s going to take several weeks to get the equipment up and running again, you will lose revenue. You could, of course, hire equipment and bear the cost of rental fees. If you’re going to use the machine 60-70% of the time, though, it will be more cost effective to buy than rent. Besides, new or remanufactured machines come with extensive warranties, so you won’t have to worry about the cost of unplanned repairs. 

5 Tell-Tale Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Equipment

1. The equipment shows a marked decline in performance across many jobs
2. The equipment consistently takes longer than before to complete jobs
3. The equipment is outdated or not as productive as efficient and modern versions – new construction machines come with enhanced safety features and intelligent systems that make the job go much faster.
4. Your current fleet can’t handle the demands of the current project –investing in new equipment will help to maintain the reputation of the company.
5. The equipment poses a safety risk – if you run machines that are unsafe, you may sustain significant injuries. You may also encounter financial losses and legal issues.

Construction Equipment in Brisbane

If you’re looking for new or used construction equipment and spare parts, get in touch with Allclass Construction Equipment. We carry a broad range of mini excavators, track loaders, engines and excavator attachments in Brisbane. We have a rapid response service team and offer exceptional after-sales support.

Whether you’re looking for Kubota excavators,  TORO stump grinders or engines we have it all under our roof. We have three service centres, complete with the latest tools and spare part kits. We’ll keep your business on its tracks by offering prompt repairs and servicing.

If you need excavators or Kubota parts in Brisbane, call us on 1300 255 252. You can also visit us online to explore our range of construction equipment.