STAY COOL — AND SAFE — THIS SUMMER

Posted by Wyoming Machinery Company Marketing on Jul 13, 2021 9:23:42 AM

As temperatures rise, chances are your workload will, too. Summer brings an influx of jobs to the construction industry, and that can mean long hours in the sun, heat and humidity for your team — and your equipment. Here are a few tips to keep both safe during the dog days of summer.

KNOW THE SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS

Heat-related illness is real, and if it’s not treated quickly, it can result in severe complications or even death. Let your team know you take it seriously — you don’t want anyone acting “tough” and continuing to work through symptoms like:

  • Excessive sweating, fatigue, thirst and cramps in the stomach, arms or legs. These are indications of heat cramps, the first stage of heat illness.
  • Fatigue, disorientation, nausea, headache, rapid heart rate and moist, clammy skin. These are signs of heat exhaustion, which can quickly escalate if ignored or left untreated.
  • Elevated body temperature, loss of consciousness, convulsions, vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms may indicate heat stroke, the most dangerous heat-related illness.

Keep a close eye on workers who are 65 or older, overweight or on medication — they may be more susceptible to heat problems than others.

 

KNOW WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU SEE IT

Train your team to recognize the warning signs in themselves and others. Victims of heat exhaustion or heat stroke aren’t always aware of what’s happening to their bodies, so urge your workers to watch for anyone exhibiting symptoms, alert a supervisor and call 911 if necessary. It’s also a good idea to move any affected individuals to a shady or air-conditioned area, lay them down and elevate their feet, remove any tight or heavy clothing and give them water to drink. You can also help cool them down using a fan or a spray mist.

 

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How To Inspect Used Equipment Before Buying.

Posted by Wyoming Machinery Company Marketing on May 7, 2021 2:00:00 PM

Buying heavy equipment is a big investment, and it’s important to ensure that you're making a reliable purchase every time. Used machinery can vary in quality depending on the provider you work with. That’s why the first thing you need to know as a fleet manager is what to look for in buying used construction equipment.

By knowing the exact condition of a used machine before you buy it, you could save both time and money down the road. Here are some points to keep in mind as you perform used equipment inspections.

 

Check for Signs of Wear

Extensive signs of wear mean that if you buy a machine, you may be looking at replacements and repairs in the near future. Why take that financial risk? Any repairs or replacements you make can add to the overall cost of the machine in the long run.

To reduce these risks, check your machine for signs of wear and corrosion before committing to a purchase. This might include inspecting tires, attachments, hoses and undercarriages to rule out any significant damage.

 

Look for Leaks

Fluid leaks could indicate larger issues that need to be addressed right away. Certain types of leaks can even present safety hazards at job sites if left unattended.

Before investing in a piece of construction machinery, verify that no fluids leak out the bottom while the equipment is running or at rest. Doing your due diligence will prevent you from buying used equipment with transmission, fuel or hydraulic fluid issues.

 

Get a Fluid Sample

Engine and fluid health is paramount to the efficiency and longevity of your equipment. If you’re able to get a fluid sample, having it tested is a reliable way to detect weaknesses early on. For example, the test results can tell you if there’s any oil contamination, which may point to a larger engine issue.

 

Make Sure the Engine Works

Above all else, it's important to ensure that your machine’s engine starts up when you buy it. Your equipment has to operate properly if you want to start using it right away, and a faulty engine could lead to otherwise unnecessary downtime.

While some worn out or damaged machinery can be repaired, you’ll need to ask yourself if that’s the type of investment you want to make.

 

Compare the Condition to Recorded Specifications

Doing research can also give you a better idea of what to look for in buying used equipment. If you come across a machine online that you want to learn more about, make sure that the real-life hardware matches up with the online descriptions and specifications. Any major disparities between the two could mean that it's time to look elsewhere for a solution.

 

Ask for Inspection and Repair Reports

Most trustworthy dealers and equipment providers perform used construction equipment inspections to ensure the quality and safety of their machines. This means you can usually ask to see inspection and repair histories to learn more about a piece of equipment and its overall dependability.

Cat® dealers give you full access to these records, which helps make the purchase process as transparent as possible.

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Topics: Shop Talk

TRACKS VS. WHEELS: Choosing the right compact loader for your needs.

Posted by Wyoming Machinery Company Marketing on May 3, 2021 3:45:00 PM

Tracks versus wheels. It’s a common compact loader debate. Several factors come into play when choosing the right loader for your applications … the terrain, ground speed, traction, load-handling capabilities and the list continues. After receiving a ton of helpful feedback from our followers on social media, we decided to share some “food for thought” for any of you who are still grappling with the decision between tracks or wheels.

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Topics: Shop Talk

CERTIFIED USED EQUIPMENT: Confidence. Savings. Competitive Advantage.

Posted by Wyoming Machinery Company Marketing on Nov 16, 2020 4:45:00 PM

Reducing operating costs is a constant battle you fight to stay competitive. Because used equipment can offer you more features at lower cost, it is often worth considering.

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THREE TIPS FOR PREPARING COMPACT EQUIPMENT FOR COLDER TEMPERATURES.

Posted by Wyoming Machinery Company Marketing on Oct 27, 2020 2:00:00 PM

Keeping a construction business successful in a difficult economy often means working in any weather, despite the toll it may take on your fleet. Colder temperatures, sleet, snow and salt can all harm your compact construction equipment in winter — and failing to take adequate precautions can lead to excess wear and tear. Here’s what you need to know to prepare your compact construction equipment for winter:

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Topics: Insider

Next Gen Cat D6 Dozers.

Posted by Wyoming Machinery Company Marketing on Oct 24, 2020 8:00:00 AM

Power. Agility. Intelligence. You get it all with all-new Cat® dozers. Select the D6 for reliability, fuel savings and low maintenance costs or pick the D6 XE for best-in-class productivity and fuel efficiency from first cut to final grade. Whichever you choose, you’ll benefit from:

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LOOKING TO ADD MORE REVENUE? ADD AN ATTACHMENT.

Posted by Wyoming Machinery Company Marketing on Sep 23, 2020 8:15:00 AM

The search for more work is a constant challenge. An often-overlooked way to put more work on the books is to take a look at the selection of attachments available for your equipment. The right attachment can create a whole new line of business or expand jobsite capabilities. For example, maybe you’ve seen an increased need in your area for site clearing, demolition work or snow removal, just to name a few. Here are some quick questions to think about as you consider adding an attachment:

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Topics: Insider

COLD WEATHER IS ON THE WAY. TIPS TO KEEP YOUR FLEET IN TOP CONDITION.

Posted by Wyoming Machinery Company Marketing on Sep 16, 2020 8:15:00 AM

Whether you’re going to store your machines or use them to work through the winter, you want to make sure that when you’re ready to use a machine…it’s ready to go. Failing to follow recommended winter maintenance can result in damaged components and unexpected repair bills. Check out these tips for storage and winter operation to make sure you’ve got your fleet covered.

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5 Ways to handle you repair costs.

Posted by Wyoming Machinery Company Marketing on Sep 9, 2020 7:00:00 AM

Benjamin Franklin once said nothing is certain in life but death and taxes. Any heavy equipment owner would likely add repairs to that list, too. Just because they’re inevitable, though, doesn’t mean they have to break the bank. Here are five things you can do to keep your repair costs under control:

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MAKE YOUR SITE SAFER IN COLD TEMPS.

Posted by Wyoming Machinery Company Marketing on Sep 2, 2020 7:45:00 AM

Make your sites safer in colder temps
Winter brings a new set of safety challenges to construction. Ice, snow, wind, freezing temperatures, poor visibility—it all adds risk. As you get ready for the season to change, think about prepping three aspects of your business: your team, your equipment and your site.

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