How to do Everything Better

How to Do Everything Better: 21 Ways to Improve Your Construction Business
Whether you’re a construction novice or veteran, you’re always looking for ways to do things better. Toward that end, the Equipment World staff has compiled this broad range of tips, instructions and advice from experts on technical, business, safety and other topics to help you grow your business or become more proficient in your current […]
September 12, 2019
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How to not tick off the old guys on the construction site
Are you a young man or woman new to the wonderful world of construction? You may have noticed there are a lot of older guys working in this field. To stay on their good side, we offer the following advice: Show up early – 15 minutes will do the trick. Remember: Early is on time, […]
July 29, 2019
How a new construction worker can stay on the good side of older workers graphic
Make sure your porta-potty meets OSHA regs
Yes, OSHA has regulations even for that, and if you pride yourself on following the letter and spirit of the agency’s law, here are the most important details: One toilet for 20 or fewer employees. If you have more than 20 employees, one toilet seat and one urinal per 40 employees. One seat and one […]
July 29, 2019
Porta Potty Construction Site Graphic
Why turning your truck bed into a pool is a terrible idea
It might be tempting, but the physics of it are not on your side.
July 29, 2019
Truck Bed Swimming Pool Graphic
How to know if you have a Sasquatch working on your construction crew
Instead of jumping in a truck and driving off at the end of the day, he just kind of fades into the woods. Instead of packing a lunch, he kills a squirrel and roasts it on a stick over the burn pile. Instead of using the ladder, he places tools and materials on the roof […]
July 29, 2019
Sasquatch on your construction crew graphic
5 tips for staying cool in the heat for construction workers
When the temperature and humidity rise, so do the risks of heat-related illnesses and even death. In fact, heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 39 workers died of heat-related illnesses in 2016. Here’s what you can do to stay cool in the […]
July 29, 2019
How construction workers can stay cool in the heat
How to avoid caught-between accidents
OSHA says caught-between accidents are the fourth leading cause of death on construction sites. You can help prevent these accidents by taking the following precautions: Hazard recognition. Have your OSHA competent person do a hazard analysis and communicate the results to all crews. Equipment functionality. Make sure all machines are in good working order, all […]
July 29, 2019
Caught Between Accident in Construction
How to safely manage a burn pile on a construction site
Check with local authorities. You may need a permit. Wait for the right weather conditions. It should not be windy, and the area and vegetation should not be too dry. The site must be flat and free from overhanging trees or vegetation and well away from vehicles, homes, powerlines or other structures. Build the pile […]
July 29, 2019
Safely Managing a Burn Pile on Construction Site
Top 10 signs of an embezzler in your construction company
You might want to take a closer look if the person who handles your finances shows these behaviors.
July 29, 2019
Signs you may be being embezzled
6 habits of successful construction contractors
They spend more time in the office than the field. They’ve got an eye for talent. They take care of their people. They go above and beyond the specifics of a contract to fix problems for customers. They embrace technology. They are leaders. Dwight Eisenhower put it succinctly: Leadership is getting extraordinary results from ordinary […]
July 29, 2019
Habits of Successful Construction Contractors
8 marketing tips for every excavating contractor
Marketing isn’t just for big companies and consumer products, says Alisa Bennett, vice president of Bennett Contracting in Bradenton, Florida, and former Equipment World Contractor of the Year finalist. These eight tips will help position your company in the marketplace. 1. Clear, concise and consistent branding enhances your reputation: It’s critical to create a professional […]
July 29, 2019
Excavating Contractor Marketing Tips Graphic
How to calculate your DEF use
Running out of diesel exhaust fluid is about as dumb as running out of diesel fuel. Engine manufacturers set DEF burn rates at about 2 to 5 percent of fuel burned. (For every 100 gallons of diesel a machine consumes, it will burn 2 to 5 gallons of DEF.) So multiply the fuel consumption of […]
July 29, 2019
Pouring DEF — Diesel Exhaust Fluid into equipment
How to adjust the tension on your tracks
Almost all tracks are tensioned by pumping grease into a piston. The grease fitting is typically located behind a cover plate in the center of the undercarriage. This extends the piston and stretches the tracks. (You let grease out of the fitting to reduce tension on the tracks.) Your owner’s manual will give you specs […]
July 29, 2019
Adjusting Track Tension Graphic
How to repair a grease zerk
When a grease zerk won’t accept grease from your grease gun, the simplest solution is to unscrew the zerk, clean it out with a wire, brake cleaner or compressed air, reinstall the zerk and try it again. If it still won’t work, you have bigger problems and may need to call in a mechanic. As […]
July 29, 2019
How to repair a grease zerk
How to get a good oil sample on construction equipment
According to Dan Arcy, global OEM technical manager for Shell Lubricants, an engine oil analysis program requires users to follow a few fundamental procedures that often don’t get the attention they deserve. Some tips: • Provide a proper oil sample to the lab. If you take your sample when the oil is being drained, catch […]
July 29, 2019
Construction Equipment Oil Sample
7 things to do before an equipment auction
If you want to get a good deal buying heavy equipment at auction, doing your homework – hours of homework – is essential. Things happen fast at these auctions and you can miss out on great opportunities or overplay your hand if you’re not ready. Here are some tips: Identify your needs. Make a list […]
July 29, 2019
Construction Equipment Auction Bidding
How to calculate construction owning and operating costs
Owning costs = purchase price of machine + financing + taxes – disposal price (what you get for that machine when you resell it). Operating costs = labor + fuel + maintenance + replacement costs of tires, tracks and other components + overhead. Add the owning to the operating costs and you have your O&O […]
July 29, 2019
Calculating Owning and Operating Costs for Construction Company
Make sure your load is secure
Moving heavy equipment safely is no small task. If not done properly, the results can be disastrous. During loading, keep the following in mind: Do not operate or load equipment that you do not know how to safely operate. When possible, place the equipment against a vehicle structure to help prevent forward movement – unless […]
July 29, 2019
Trailer Excavator Tie Down
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