The Ultimate Guide to Using Small Articulated Loaders in Snow Removal
Small articulated loaders are nimble, capable machines well suited for snow removal if they are properly configured. Here’s how to do that. Cold Weather Maintenance Start with a late-season inspection before the cold weather arrives. Check all fittings,…
Tips for Renting Portable, Trailered Compressors
When you need a compressor, nothing else will do. We spoke with two industry professionals to give you the information you need to get the most value when renting a portable, trailered compressor. Our experts were Jerel Cole, senior product manager,…
Why Some Technology Just Isn’t Meant for Compact Equipment
Tech That Probably Won’t Trickle Down Anytime Soon to Small Earthmoving Equipment We covered trickle-down tech recently, features that start out on larger machines and make their way to the compact versions of those machines over time. But not all…
Hydrogen Combustion vs. Fuel Cells: Where Small Construction Machines Fit into the H2 Movement
Will Hydrogen Ever Power Compact Equipment? There are two primary ways of using hydrogen (H2) to power compact equipment. The first is as a replacement fuel for internal combustion engines — H2 ICE. This is touted as the more feasible of the two hydrogen…
Lesser Specs: Understanding the Numbers that Define Your Machine’s Power, Performance and Limitations
Horsepower. Lift capacity. Price. Maybe hydraulic flow and pressure. These are often the only specs that potential buyers ask their equipment dealers. If they’re the only specs that matter, why do OEMs list so many other specs? And how does a savvy buyer…
Skid Steer Concrete Mixers Have Great ROI and Are Less Niche Than You May Think
Skid steer/track loader concrete mixers bring great value to their customers. We spoke with two key manufacturers about these attachments to learn more. Bob Shoop, product consultant, and Scott Britton, attachments marketing manager at Caterpillar,…
The Advantages of Drop Hammer Attachments for Efficient Demolition
“The drop hammer is, in my opinion, very much underappreciated.” So says Travis Kidder, product manager, Bobcat attachments. It’s hard to argue the point. Drop hammers are simple to own and operate and are a cost-effective way to break up concrete slabs.…
Trick-Down Tech: The Impressive Automation, Analytics and Operational Systems Migrating to Smaller Machines
It takes money to develop technology, and those R&D costs are better applied to large equipment that costs more. Eventually the R&D investment is amortized and the cost of adding the feature drops significantly. It’s still not zero dollars…
How Protecting a Mini Excavator’s Residual Value Enhances Profitability When Reselling
Making Money with Mini Excavator Upkeep Residual value can be overlooked when calculating life-cycle owning and operating costs for compact excavators, but taking steps to maximize residual value is a good way to boost your company’s overall profit.…
Let’s Examine Bobcat’s Just Announced MT120 Stand-On Mini Track Loader
Bobcat Co. just dropped news that it’s growing its mini track loader lineup. The MT120 will soon be Bobcat’s most powerful model to date. That power comes from a 1.2 liter diesel engine rated at 24.5 hp that does not require a diesel…
The Vanishing Act of Compact Backhoe Loaders: Where Did They Go and What’s Left?
Compact backhoe loaders — those units below 14 ft of maximum digging depth — used to be quite popular. Ten years ago, Kubota offered 20 models alone. Twenty years ago, the market supported brands like Terramite and Allmand Bros, but today the compact or…
How to Choose a Compact Wheel Loader with a Telescoping Boom
Compact wheel loaders are appealing for their small footprint, which combined with excellent maneuverability, makes them suitable for confined workspaces. But “compact” also refers to their lift and reach, and that trait is not so desirable. The answer?…