Category Archives: Excavator Checklists

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

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 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

Excavator Checklists, Excavator Operation

Your Mini Excavator Prestart Checklist

It’s crucial to perform periodic safety checks on your equipment. Not only do daily inspections prevent accidents during machine operation, they also maximise efficiency and minimise costs.

To get you started here is our mini excavator prestart checklist.

Things to Do before Starting Your Mini Excavator

Walk around your mini excavator and look for cracks or dents on the exterior of the equipment.
Inspect various components of the excavator or mini loaderbody including the mounting holes, the bearing spacer, and the grease fitting. Keep an eye out for cracks or signs of wear and tear.
Search for leaks in the Hydraulic cylinder. Then, check the level of the engine oil, coolant, and hydraulic oil.
Remove the air and oil filters. Clean or replace them if required.
Check the area in front of the radiator. Dirt accumulates in this particular area and causes overheating problems.
Grease all hinge pins and bushings to cut down the cost of expensive repairs.
Make sure the mini excavator’s safety switches are in proper working order.
Next, get inside the cab. Always face the excavator and use the three-point contact to get in and out of the cab.
Turn on the equipment and listen for any unusual sounds or vibrations. The machine shouldn’t emit excessive exhaust fumes when it’s in operation.
It’s a good idea to look for leaks or emissions below the mini excavator or in the area in front of the operator’s seat.
Check the undercarriage components. Inspect the tracks, the drive sprocket, and the front idlers.
Check that the tracks have the right tension.
Test the indicator lights and the switches on the control panel.
Make sure there’s a fully operational fire extinguisher lying in the cab.
Clean the windshield and the heating and cooling vents.
Inspect the boom, arm, and bucket attachments for cracks or dents.
If the bucket teeth look worn out, replace the bucket. If you fail to do so, the mini-excavator will have to work much harder to perform everyday jobs.
Extend the arm and boom to determine if the machine is stable during operation. You must also lift the excavator blade and roll the machine forwards and backwards.
Perform a 360º rotation of the housing assembly.
Refer to the equipment’s safe working limits before beginning any new task.

If you perform these checks daily, you’re less likely to encounter problems when you operate your equipment.

More Information on Mini Excavators

If you’re looking for high-performing mini excavators for sale in Brisbane, get in touch with Allclass Construction Equipment.

We have a broad range of mini excavators and excavator parts and we have been selling excavators for the past 20 years.

With our modern excavator workshops and rapid response vehicles, we can also minimise machine downtime.

Call us on 1300 255 252 if you’re looking for new or used constructions equipment in Brisbane. Our qualified and knowledgeable sales advisors will help you pick the perfect excavator for the job.

Posted by Allclass Construction on December 28, 2016

Excavator Checklists, Safety Checklist

Excavator Safety Checklist – What to Do before You Start

Before your start operating any machinery, you must perform certain pre-start inspection checks. These checks can help you to prevent accidents on the work site and avoid unnecessary downtime. As well as this, they will enhance the overall life of your equipment!

As well as performing the necessary safety inspections, you should also maintain strict servicing schedules. Routine maintenance will prolong the life of your equipment and reduce operational costs. Always record the results of safety checks so you can refer to them if the need arises.

A Safety Checklist for Your Work Equipment

Walk around the equipment and check the work area. Make sure there’s enough space for the machine to carry out its work.
Before turning on the equipment, inspect the boom, the dipper arm, and the bucket. Look for any cracks or dents. Make sure the locking pin and the safety clip are in the right position.
Inspect the undercarriage area. Check the sprockets, idler wheels, track links, and rollers. Look for signs of wear and tear.
Next, check the hydraulic fluid and coolant level. Don’t forget to inspect the radiator and look for leaks.
Open up the engine bay and perform an oil check with a dipstick. You should do this after every four hours of operation.

Lubricate the bushings if required.
Get inside the cab to make sure the indicator lights and the controls are in proper working order.
Test the equipment by fully extending the boom arm and the dipper arm. Listen for unusual sounds.
Lift the boom arm up in the air and turn off the machine. Wait and see whether the boom arm moves downwards. If it does, you’ll know there’s an internal bypass in the cylinders.
Test the boom arm and bucket functions repeatedly to find out if there’s any excessive movement.
Check the levers and joysticks to ensure they’re working properly.
Be well aware of the safe operating limits of the equipment. If you’re not sure, refer to the manual or talk to the dealer.

Frequency of Inspection

If you’re operating your excavator under harsh conditions, service it more often. To determine the right service intervals for your excavator, refer to the owner’s manual and perform a proper risk assessment. If your equipment is showing signs of deterioration, pay closer attention during your inspections and shorten your service intervals.

Servicing for Your Construction Equipment

If you want to optimise your excavator’s performance, get in touch with the experts at Allclass Construction Equipment. We have a 5 star Kubota accredited service centre in Brisbane. We can help you to prevent machine downtime by servicing your excavators with the best tools.

We also sell genuine excavator parts. Whether you’re looking for filter kits, tracks, or rollers, you’ll find them on our shelves.

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need attachments or Kubota mini excavators. Our sales representatives will help you find a machine at an affordable price.

Call us on 1300 255 252 for an instant quote or get in touch with us online.

Posted by Allclass Construction on December 28, 2016