The construction business is booming and for many men and women it’s a perfect place to begin a career. There are many different job choices available in this industry and one is operating the large earth movers that pave the way for new homes and buildings to be built. If this is of interest to you, consider taking a course in heavy equipment training.
Most major cities are home to several companies that offer these types of courses. In fact, if you are interested in a position with a particular organization they may offer heavy equipment training as a bonus when you sign on for employment. They view this as not only a means to help their new recruits gain the knowledge they need to do an effective job, but the heavy equipment training is also a great way to avoid any future accidents that may occur.
Many incidents and accidents that do occur on the job site are caused by inexperience. When a person is responsible for operating a piece of heavy equipment and they lack the necessary knowledge, a problem can occur. This can lead to injury of the worker and their colleagues. Inexperience can also result in damage to expensive equipment.
A typical class that focuses on introducing individuals to the equipment and the operation of it will stretch over the course of several days or weeks. Although the equipment itself seems easy to operate, a big part of keeping everyone safe is dealing with any problems that may arise. Heavy equipment training includes instruction on any potential difficulties and how to best deal with them.
Part of the time spent in instruction will be practical and you’ll be able to operate the equipment with the instructor present. The other percentage of time is devoted to classroom instruction. They are both essential to understanding all of the mechanics of heavy equipment training. You’ll have the opportunity to ask the instructor any questions you have before you start working with the equipment at your place of employment. Many companies do still have a training period where a seasoned equipment operator works with new hires. This is helpful as well as it gives you time to understand your job responsibilities while at the same time having an experienced person nearby offering guidance.
Upon completion of the instruction you’ll receive a certificate. This is important as you can present it to any future employers to demonstrate that you have the fundamental skills needed to safely and effectively operate equipment in the construction industry. Heavy equipment training is essential if you are interested in a long and prosperous career in building.
Construction machinery performs multi various tasks mostly using hydraulic power. Some of the recent innovations in the construction machinery industry carry fully computerized hydraulic control systems, energy-saving measures and features needed for comfortable and efficient operation. With the current focus on environment, most of the construction machinery is geared to perform with less noise, less vibration and low emissions.
Mini excavators are meant for use in urban areas with a dense population. They are designed for efficient functioning in narrow jobsites with safety features such as tip-over protection, falling object protection to avoid the dangers involved in urban construction.
Large Excavators are mostly used in mining. In the mining industry, heavy loads are carried continuously, the large excavators are geared for non-stop performance with durability.
Cost-efficiency is one important factor in the mining industry, hence only an excavator that provides lowest cost per ton for material movement is ideal. To get significant savings, these large excavators need very low maintenance cost and a longer life.
Where mobility of operation is the important factor, wheeled excavators are the ideal construction equipment. They can work on any terrain and can be easily controlled in different terrains.
Wheel loaders come with various options which are designed for operational ease. The levers and pedals can be operated with minimum force to achieve better control. Visibility is the important factor for wheel loaders for comfortable operations. In construction sites, the hydraulic pump motor in the wheel loaders provides easy mobility.
Articulated dump trucks are mostly used in construction sites located in hilly terrains. Because of the sloping terrain, the operator in the cabin is provided with more visibility of the surrounding area. The truck comes with diagnostic display controls and warnings for malfunctions to provide safety.
Rubber crawler carriers are good for uneven and muddy construction locations. Even when carrying heavy loads, on soft ground conditions, these carriers should run smoothly to prevent accidents. At the same time when used on a paved road, they should not damage the surface of the road. Another factor to be noted is that the rubber crawler carrier should be able to pull out of hindrances and ditches in the construction site.
The backhoe loader is one of the most common pieces of heavy equipment on any size job site. The fact that it features two useful tools in one machine makes the backhoe loader a must-have for all kinds of construction and repair projects.
The standard backhoe consists of a diesel-powered, four-wheeled vehicle with the operator’s cab in the middle and a tool on each end. On the front, it has a loader: a wide bucket on dual arms that is used to either pick up loose piles of material or to push dirt back into a hole when a job is finished. The rear end has a backhoe — a hydraulic-powered digging scoop on a three-jointed arm, designed to dig through hard earth. The operator needs only to turn around in his seat to switch from digging a hole to filling it back up.
Digging and refilling holes and trenches is commonly required for all kinds of construction, utility work, and landscaping. The ability to exchange the backhoe or loader bucket for a different attachment gives you even more flexibility: crushers, retractable-bottom buckets, grinders, and other tools can handle a variety of other tasks. The combination of power, relatively small size, two common tools, and flexibility makes backhoe loaders extremely useful for contractors and construction firms of many types.
Considerations to Sale of Backhoe Loader
Part of backhoe loaders’ popularity is based on the fact that they fall in the middle of a range of digging and loading equipment, bringing more power than compact machines without the expense of full-sized excavators. You should consider whether a backhoe loader is the right choice for the bulk of your digging and earthmoving needs.
For smaller jobs and increased flexibility, the combination of a skid steer loader with a standard bucket and a mini excavator can sometimes work faster than a backhoe loader. It can be cheaper to buy the two smaller machines than one backhoe loader, but you’ll need an operator for each one and you’ll have more transportation and maintenance hassles. These mini machines are most valuable in very crowded conditions, and recent trends have many contractors replacing at least one backhoe with a mini excavator.
For high-end digging power, full sized excavators are the best choice. These massive tracked machines are only worthwhile if your application calls for ongoing digging: building foundations, for example. However, their size makes them less useful on cramped construction sites.
Backhoe loaders fill a very important middle ground, where having an excavator and loading bucket on one relatively compact machine is essential. They’re also much better at moving around large job sites or between sites — you can drive a backhoe on the road if need be, while excavators and skid steers have to be moved on trailers.
Choosing a backhoe loader
The first consideration when choosing a backhoe loader is how deep you’ll need it to dig. Full-sized backhoes can usually reach down 14 to 16 feet; compact backhoes can typically dig around eight to 10 feet deep. For full size machines, 14′ depths are by far the most common. Compact backhoe loaders are great if most of your work is less than 10′ deep — they’re less expensive, easier to maneuver, and easier to transport than full-sized backhoes.
On the other end, reach can be important: if you need to load dump trucks of a certain size, make sure the loader has an appropriate lift height to do the job. Lift capacity is similarly important: you’ll need to know how much weight your machine can handle. Keep in mind that capacity varies for the two tools — loaders typically have much greater capacities than backhoes.
One spec that you shouldn’t put too much emphasis on is horsepower. Engine horsepower doesn’t directly impact the capabilities of the attachments: digging and lifting are powered by the backhoe’s hydraulic systems, not the engine. You should be aware of horsepower ratings when comparing different models, but don’t let them drive your decision.
Bobcat
Bobcat skid steers provide enhanced visibility from a deluxe, enclosed cab with high-tech instrument panel. Two-speed travel provides speeds up to 7 mph in low or up to 12 mph in high range. An advanced control system provides a choice between hand or feet controls. You can also choose between ISO or H pattern joystick controls. Other features include ride control and the Power Bob-Tach mounting system that allows easy utilization of more than 60 job-matched attachments.
Volvo Construction
Volvo skid steers incorporate a one-piece mainframe and heavy-duty endless drive chains for added durability. They provide greater breakout force, standard auxiliary hydraulics and added visibility. Additional features include a wider cab with adjustable seat, long service intervals and easy access to service points.
Thomas Equipment
Thomas Equipment manufactures a complete line of skid steers, as well as mini-skid and track loaders. The units incorporate heavy, rugged construction and are built to take the daily abuse of heavy-duty work cycles without complaint. All models feature Kubota diesel power, as well as high ground speeds and breakout forces.
Case Construction Equipment
The new Case 400 Series skid steers come in five radial- and three vertical-lift models featuring an extra heavy-duty design, Tier II-certified engines, improved reliability and efficiency and ease of service. Models 430 and above have a two-speed option for quicker travel around the jobsite. An easy-tilt ROPS/cab facilitates serviceability. Other features include low-effort controls, improvements in auxiliary hydraulics and improved instrumentation.
Komatsu America
Komatsu skid steers are equipped with the patented Automatic Power Control (APC), HydrauMind hydraulics and standard two-speed transmission. APC allows the operator to work at full power during any phase of the job without concern for engine stall-out. The HydrauMind hydraulic system allows simultaneous machine functions without sacrificing speed, engine power or performance. Various options and features are also available.
While most contractors are generally not directly involved with the financing of a construction project, understanding the process of financing and how it relates to a construction business is extremely important. The following outlines many of the most common sources for obtaining construction loans.
Commercial Banks:
Commercial Banks make single-family short-term and a limited number of long-term loans. They are generally the largest construction lenders on multifamily and commercial projects. They also make short-term loans to mortgage banks and to real estate investment trusts (REITs).
Savings and Loan Associations:
Savings and Loan associations are the largest of all lenders of both construction and permanent or long-term loans on single family housing. They also make a considerable number of construction loans for multifamily residences such as apartment houses and condominiums.
Mutual Savings Banks:
Mutual Savings Banks are generally located within the northeastern United States. Their mortgage investments are
generally concentrated in single family permanent mortgages. They tend to make only a limited number of construction loans, but do make long-term loans to mortgage bankers and to real estate investment trusts which in turn make construction loans.
Mortgage Banking Companies:
Mortgage Banking companies make a significant number of loans for construction and land development but are mainly intermediaries between borrowers and lenders.
Life Insurance Companies:
Life insurance companies do a minimum amount of temporary construction lending. Their principle commitments are long-term loans on commercial and multifamily projects.
Real Estate Investment Trusts:
These trusts provide long-term mortgages on commercial and multifamily projects and a limited amount of construction loans.
Government Agencies:
Approximately every sixth house built in the United States is financed by the GI loan program. The Veterans Administration (VA) makes construction loans on housing for veterans, their dependents, and other beneficiaries of deceased veterans. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures mortgage loans made by approved lending institutions, however, FHA does not lend money.
Other Sources for Loans:
Finally, miscellaneous sources of loans which should not be overlooked include individuals, syndicates, service organizations, and Community Housing Authorities.
Lenders need assurance that a contractor is financially responsible, of good character and reputation, and able to carry out
the work stipulated in the specifications and construction documents.
A full financial statement from the contractor stating his or her assets and liabilities, investments, property owned, life insurance and other pertinent information, including a credit report is generally requested by the lender. In addition, a complete set of drawings, plans, and specifications as well as the names of all the subcontractors and their specific tasks are also generally required.
Finally, the lender appraises the site of construction and compares it with the contractor’s final cost estimate. Once this is in place, the lender submits the application to the loan committee for approval.
Some cost estimates for bidding on construction projects are made that do not contain errors of one kind or another. Too many errors on the plus side can be a major reason for a bid not being competitive. Too may errors on the minus side can cause the contractor to lose money if awarded the contract.
Below are some of the common sources of errors in construction cost estimating:
Errors in arithmetic: Estimates made on construction projects are arithmetical calculations of quantities and cost of materials and labor costs to install materials or perform various operations. In order to avoid errors in arithmetic, the estimator should use an electronic calculator with a recording tape, have the calculations checked by another person, and attach the tape to the estimate sheet for backup.
Taking Wrong Measurements from Plans and Specifications: Errors in measurements and dimensions taken from plans, drawings, and specifications result in corresponding mistakes in the cost of construction items based on those measurements.
Using the Wrong Wage Rates for Labor: Hourly labor wages for construction workers vary countrywide. You should
consistently verify current wage rates and fringe benefits for the building trades involved through local union offices, other contractors, supply yards, and other reliable sources. Overtime rates are generally one and one-half to two times regular rates depending on labor agreements and union rules.
Insufficient or Excessive Allowances for Labor: A frequent cause of error in estimating is allowing too much or too little for labor to do the job.
Materials and Supplies Improperly Priced: Always be sure that building materials and supplies are correctly described as to kind, quality, size, and dimensions. Also confirm that they are priced competitively.
Using Incorrect Units of Measure: Using a wrong unit of measure can result in substantial cost increases or decreases. For example, be careful not to record lineal feet for lineal yards, square feet for square yards or cubic feet for cubic yards, and so forth.
Including Poorly Maintained Machinery or Equipment: Machinery or equipment to be used in construction, and included in the estimate or bid, must always be checked for efficient serviceability. Preparing an estimate on a construction project and contemplating the use of poorly maintained machinery or equipment is unwise. Breakdown, repairs, and idle time can be costly, delay completion of the project and invite penalties.
Failure to Visit the Project Site: This souce of error might well be number one on the list because of its importance in the early stages of cost estimating. Visiting the proposed site of the project enables the cost estimator to inspect topography, check the soil by boring if necessary, determine if protection of adjacent properties will be needed, and check distances to railroad sidings, supply centers, and the proximity to sources of labor. If existing structures have to be demolished or
removed from the premises, the estimator is able to properly determine the probable cost.
Overlooking or Miscalculating Haulage Costs: The cost of hauling materials, supplies, machinery, and equipment to a project can be a very expensive item in an estimate. Access to the job site may be difficult because of poor roads or no roads, heavy traffic to and from supply sources, or the requirement to obtain permits, and so forth.
Failure to Review Building Codes, Permits, and Inspections: Cost estimates and bids on construction projects are subject to local, state and federal building codes, permits, and inspections.
The decision to bid or not bid a project is often times one of the greatest dilemmas a contractor faces following an inquiry to bid. Often times, the immediate temptation is to bid on most projects that become available in order to keep work coming in and avoid idle production.
Yet the decision to bid on a construction project which is not suitable for a particular company can have costly ramifications not only financially, but could just as well damage the future credibility of the company. Often times, passing up on the opportunity to bid on a project is the best decision a builder can make.
How then, does a contractor faced with this dilemma make an informed decision whether to bid the job? While there is no clear cut answer to this question, the builder should consider the following after receiving the bidding documents and reviewing the project:
Competition: Who else is likely to bid this job? How many bidder will there be? Are the bidders equal, or are they smaller contractors with lower overhead ?
Nature of the job: Is the firm capable of building the project? Has the company done any similar work in the past? Do the
firm’s superintendents and project managers have the right kind of experience to handle the job?
Market conditions: Is the job extended over a long period? Will there be many unknown factors such as labor rates, material prices, or other prevailing economic conditions which may upset the project?
Firm’s previous experience with the owner or architect: Has the company done any work with them in the past? Has the relationship been satisfactory? Are they a good client or a good architect? Would it be prudent to work for them again? Is the company obliged to submit a bid due to this past relationship?
Cost to prepare a proposal: Does the probability of getting the job warrant the cost of preparing the proposal? What are the chances of winning the job at a reasonable profit?
All of these factors should be considered in a logical way in order to reach a decision to bid or not bid a job. It is also important that the contractor pursue this thinking as early as possible and reach a firm decision in order to allow as much time as possible for the estimating staff to prepare an accurate bid.
Good planning and sound decision making during the bidding process can make the difference between a successful project and an unsuccessful one, but the decision to bid or not bid a project is arguably the most important factor in the success of a business
Changes in labor wages or productivity, labor shortages, increased cost of materials, delays in deliveries, accidents, weather conditions, etc., will affect both the cost and the original schedule. In all likelihood, both the cost and time will be greater than planned, scheduled, and estimated.
Bar charts or Critical Path Method planning systems are ideal for project control by timely updating. Maintaining a cost control system enables the contractor to analyze the productivity of workers, the performance and efficiency of equipment, and the proper allocation of overhead expenses.
Bar charts show the activities of work and a calendar covering the start and estimated completion dates of a project. Bar charts have been used for many years in scheduling construction, but are limited in clearly showing the relationship between activities.
The Critical Path Method is a more advanced system for planning and scheduling than using bar charts. It graphically
shows each activity and its interrelationship from start to completion with other activities. The CPM also shows the status of a project at any time.
Another major component in a project cost control system is an identifying set of cost codes for the many items of work that comprise a job. The Uniform System for Construction Specifications, published by the CSI serves as an ideal cost code system for both bidding and accounting purposes.
Cost control accounting and progress estimating are also necessary functions in project cost control. In addition to bookkeeping, including the recording of accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, taxes, and other financial accounts, progress estimating also requires the appointment of a responsible superintendent, regular job meetings to discuss problems and solutions, the determination of work quantities produced, a continuous analysis of project costs, and the filing o
f meaningful daily and weekly progress reports.
Job meeting reports allow for the documentation of daily activities of the work force, number of workers in each trade on the job, scope and quantity of work produced, recording of delays along with reasons why, materials and equipment deliveries including shortages, substitutions, or failures, and the recording of decisions made at the meetings or instructions received.
A reliable cost control system allows for changes as a project progresses. If construction costs are running higher than the bid estimate, or are different than scheduled, corrections can be made while the project is still in progress, therefore increasing the chances that a project will be financially successful.
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Locate a professionally accredited appraiser before disclosing any confidential or sensitive information. Ask other types of appraisers for references if necessary. Verify that the professional designation is the result of testing and other significant criteria, and requires continuing education. The designation is evidence that the appraiser is a professional and serious about his profession. Some non-professional appraisers provide this service only as a sideline or part time, and are limited in scope regarding valuation theory and methodology. Avoid an appraiser who implies advocacy, or who bases his fee on contingencies such as percent of value or outcome of transaction, as these are normally considered unethical within the profession.
Define the appraisal question, property to be appraised, premise of value, how the appraisal will be used, possible
implications to third parties, etc. A competent and accredited appraiser will maintain a professionally confidential relationship, so do not withhold information. If the appraiser is well informed, he should be able to provide a firm quotation and proposal prior to engagement.
Ask for a copy of his/her qualifications, looking for evidence of professionalism and experience in valuation. It is not always important that the appraiser have a track record with the specific industry or type of equipment, since his expertise is in valuation of machinery and equipment in general, not within a narrow specialization. It is not necessary to know how to repair or operate the equipment to estimate its value. It is possible that an estimate of value will be more objectively obtained if the appraiser must investigate the current market, versus using only his limited personal and possibly out-dated experience. However, an appraiser holding a professional designation within an area of specialty is advantageous, since 
the academic as well as technical aspects will be united. This would apply to such areas as aircraft, maritime, classic autos, etc.
Watch for and avoid the possibility of a conflict of interest. As an example, a used equipment dealer who might have a subject property owner as a present or potential customer may not be the best choice for an impartial opinion of value. A liquidator serving as an appraiser “guaranteeing” his appraisal could tend to be overly conservative due to anticipation of profiting from a future sale.