Construction industry is a rewarding sector. One must simply stick to it

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Not many industries can reward you with a great career and one of the industry that can really offer all that we desire is the construction sector. It can offer you with plenty of money, goodwill in the industry, job satisfaction and a career that can set you apart from others working in some other domain. There are many other industries that offers good sum of money but they lack job satisfaction. Some even lack a long lasting career but construction industry is perhaps the only industry that one can be a part of as long as he wants. So earning a lot of money, having a good reputation with your peers and being completely satisfied with your job sounds so merry but it takes a lot of pain to sustain in this industry as you do not get much help from people wanting to keep your business alive.

One has to go through tremendous pressure if he is new to this business. It is so obvious that people will not want to have much competition and therefore the new guy has to find his way on his own. He has to learn from his mistakes and then be careful to not to commit the same mistake all over again. We would be discussing what one should do to stick to the business despite of all the problems one has to encounter.

It should be your business every time in your mind:-

Handling a stiff competition where people are eying your business and are always ready to take it over if they find a slightest of chance is never an easy task. Your business got to be in your mind all the time. This actually gives a kind of impression on people how serious you are with your business and if you are the guy who will be able to take the business to the next level. People who are completely focused with their work are liked by others and then you may find guys who will come to you with good advices. You may start getting guys who would want to work with you and be a part of a growing company that seeks no height as unachievable. Having constant focus on your business will give you the strength and capacity to fight back your competitors and will also help you to get businesses from new clients.

A good strategy is all you need to keep the business running:-

Having a good strategy in place will work as a roadmap for you. You only need to follow the plan and check if you are able to attain what you have planned on a regular basis. Just having a sound strategy may not be the only thing you need to be in the business but knowing how far you have been able to attain stuffs you have planned is of huge importance.  You should be ready to face challenges that comes up your way. At times, things may not move your way and you may have to change the strategy a bit. You should not be adamant and should be ready to bend a little when the situation needs.

Heavy equipment sell by performance or by mere brand name

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

One of the most important component that has the potential to keep the construction industry moving is heavy equipment. For a person who wants to buy a heavy equipment, he is often baffled with the question if he should be buying an equipment that has a history of good performance or something that simply has a good brand name to back it up. Not all the famous and big brands have produced the best of machines and not all the low market brands have manufactured vulnerable machine is a point worth noting. Though brands like CAT, John Deere, Hitachi and alike are famous for producing real good machines but there are not so famous brands that have produced some machines surpassing the ones produced by the famous brands. In other words, one must go by a brand name as that develops a kind of confidence in the minds of the buyers but simultaneously, if one gets to know that a local company has come up with a real good machine, then they should also show interest in buying that.

We will discuss how a machine with a brand name is an easier selling product than the one without the name of a famous brand.

Brand creates confidence and trust in the mind of buyers:-

What happens when somebody tries to sell you a product that you have not even heard of? The product may be exceptional in terms of quality and performance but you do not know that. This means that the product though being highly productive and excellent in quality lacks the most important feature which works as a constraint from getting it sold. The product lacks a brand and people buy things that has a brand name attached with it. The reason they go for a brand is that other have used the product of this brand and they are content with the quality which in a way suggests that this brand produces goods of high quality and one can easily lay their trust on it.

Brands give importance to the quality of equipment:-

Since brands know that people have huge expectations from their products, they will not want to play with the quality of the equipments. They will want to give the best to the clients. However, knowing the needs of the clients become a must. They can’t produce stuffs that are overtly expensive and that no one is ready to buy it.  They try to maximize the feature components in the machine and try to offer it to the buyers at a reasonable amount.

Performance is more important than just the name of the brand:-

Without a brand’s name, you will find it almost impossible to sell a heavy equipment. Similarly, one can also create a brand name by producing quality machines. It is not that the famous brands were born famous. They had to make their way in. If they stop manufacturing quality machines that gives importance to performance, you will soon find them to be history and they will be replaced by someone who sells machines based on its performance.

Related articles across the web

Crane Hand Signals on the Jobsite

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

It is not that the operator does all to operate heavy equipment. At times, it is also the guy who gives signals to the operator and asks him to do what he wants him to do. Especially when the operator is working on a crane, he is more dependent on signals coming from the man he can see. He has to work precisely on those signals and can’t afford to do things on his own. Therefore it is necessary that there is a good understanding level between the operator and the man who gives signals to him.

They should be in sync with each other and the operator should not have any problem in comprehending the signals he is getting from the man in front of him. He needs signals because it is not possible for him to judge things properly and for which he needs a helping hand. Now the helping hand need not be in the form of somebody working along with him inside the cabin. He requires someone who is outside the cab and guides him all along to do a particular job which he can’t do sitting alone inside the cabin.

Now when an operator does requires a man to give him signals. He requires him the most when he needs to either load or unload a heavy thing and his view is obstructed by an object. This means that he can’t see his intended path and therefore needs someone who can guide him there. The most common and preferred form of signal used is the hand signal. The operator in this case does not want to rely on any gadget and want a person to guide him. He may not be as comfortable with a gadget and if he is not comfy with something he can’t complete a critical thing with accuracy. Moreover, as mentioned earlier there needs to be a good understanding between the signaler and the receiver. If by any chance the co-ordination between them goes wrong, it may have serious repercussions.

At a point in time, there should be only one signaler. There should not be multiple people giving signals to the operator. He may get confused if there are multiple signals given to him and end up in a disaster. Also not any person should be given the work to give signals to the operator. Only a person who is qualified and knows which signal means what should be assigned this job. Different gestures have different meanings and the signaler should be aware of every signs. Also the operator should have thorough knowledge about signals so that he can comprehend it well and act accordingly.

If there is a change of signaler that should be informed to the operator and the signaler should also wear the badge which indicates that he is now authorized to give signals. Ideally, it is recommended to have one signaler for one operator. The operator should take one signal from no matter who gives it and it is the STOP signal. If the signals are followed religiously, then the chances of accidents happening will be drastically reduced.

Buying a trailer for hauling your heavy equipment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

A trailer is an unpowered vehicle towed by a powered vehicle. It is commonly used for the transport of goods and materials. There are different types of trailers for carrying equipment. The choice of trailer depends on the size and weight of the heavy equipment. While selecting the trailer one should also consider the purpose, type, brand, price, future maintenance and quick availability of replacement parts.

Hauling of heavy vehicles such as cars, trucks, bulldozers, excavators, and heavy equipment is not an easy task. It is necessary to choose the right type of trailer with a proper payload capacity. It requires careful planning and execution in order to be successful. If care is not taken then it will lead to accidents and loss of heavy equipment.

 

A special type of trailer called as Lowboy trailer (LT) is used in securing of heavy equipment. It is a low bed trailer or a semi trailer that has two height drops in the deck and sits very low to the ground. According to Entertainment Transportation Network Inc, a lowboy or double-drop trailer refers to a type of flatbed trailer that has a well or middle section that is of lower height. They are very low and flatter and, are legally allowed to carry load upto 12 ft in height. They are also called as Heavy Haul Trailers since carry bulldozers, industrial machines and other hefty material. They are popular in Canada, South Africa and Australia.

 

Lowboy trailer comes in several types for a wide range of tasks such as the Fixed Gooseneck (FGN), Hydraulic detachable gooseneck (HRGN), Mechanical detachable gooseneck (MRGN) and mechanical folding gooseneck (MFGN). Among these the HRGN is the fastest and easiest to detach and is most common and versatile of lowboy trailers. Thus, choosing from different types of lowboy trailers may be helpful for hauling heavy equipments. Some additional things may be also considered while purchasing a LT, such as the electronic brake controller, spare tires and tire carrier, lighting accessories, proper hitch hardware, trailer ball, taillight protector, trailer utility rack, ball mount, pin, clip, and coupler lock, and receiver tube.

 

Only trained and experienced drivers should secure load safely and operate the hauling of equipment. The load should not exceed the trailer or the truck capacity. The load should be secured and distributed properly over the trailer before it leaves the place. In US, securing of heavy equipment falls under the regulatory requirements of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) when transporting across the borders. Hence, one needs to be familiar with regulatory requirements to allow smooth transport of the equipment.

 

Overall LTs are expensive and only fit to carry heavy cargo material. Hence rather than purchasing a new one, one can even buy a used LT. The price range for used LT is based on year of manufacture, make, size type and general condition. One should choose the right type of trailer to save money and time. It will make reliable business and lead to less of frustration in future.

Safety: Working around heavy equipment

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

Just like the owner of the construction company cares a lot about this heavy equipment, in the same way he also needs to care about the people who are working all day around the those machines. The operators are the ones who remain very close to the equipment. However, there are also other people like the construction laborers, engineers, site officers, and supervisors, who also remain in close contact with these machines. Though they not have any direct relationship with the machines but they all remain around the heavy equipment for most of the time during their working hours. Hence it is very crucial to ensure the safety of these men. Accidents of any sort should be avoided and there should not be any chance for anybody to not follow the safety parameters. The safety rules are meant for everybody who is inside the construction site and particularly close to heavy equipment and it also becomes the responsibility of the individuals who goes close to the machines to follow the safety rules religiously.

We will be discussing few very basic safety parameters one must be doing to keep himself safe while he is around heavy equipment.

Operators should always wear gloves and strong boots:-

Since operators are the one who always remain in close contact with heavy equipment, they must always ensure that they wear their safety gears at all times whenever they are in close distance with the machine. They must always wear gloves and strong boots that are not too heavy. Wearing gloves will protect them from any outer substance that has gone very hot and by coming in close contact with that substance they might injure their hands. Strong boots ensure that their feet are protected with any sharp element that may be present inside the cabin of the machine or anywhere on the site. They are the ones who are more prone to hazards and hence they should keep their safety gears on while working on the site.

Various safety sessions should be given:-

There are high chances that people especially laborers working on the construction site may not be aware of the importance of wearing safety gears when they are around heavy equipment. This is why they should be given different types safety lessons at regular intervals. The sole purpose of giving such trainings is to ensure that they do not injure themselves while at work causing problems to the project as a whole. Advanced safety training lessons should be given to the operators educating them to tackle situations. Also teaching them what to do in case there is a medical emergency on the site will help them to save a life of their colleagues. These types of sessions are very important as the availability of doctors can’t be always immediate. They would be the ones who will do the first aid and easing things for the doctor.

The construction company should make every attempt to ensure that the employees are following the safety parameters. This will all lead to a healthy working atmosphere in the construction site.

 

Resale of CAT heavy equipment can fetch higher price

Heavy equipment after a certain period of time needs to be upgraded and while you are in the mode of upgrading it, you either do away with your existing one or you install more features in it. Sadly, not all heavy equipment are compatible with upgrading feature and one has to eventually do away with it. But the question here is that once expensive heavy equipment which is now no longer in use for you, does it fetch any resale price for you and do you have a market where there are buyers who are ready to buy your heavy equipment which has perhaps now become almost redundant. Well, as we say there is a market for everything in this world. You only have to find the right channel to put it across. The next important question is at what price you should be selling your used and possibly redundant heavy equipment.

Heavy equipment of different companies have different rates. You sell a machine of a reputed brand and you are sure of the fact that you will get god money out of the transaction. However, if you have heavy equipment which is not of a famous brand then getting a decent price could be a problem. It is quite logical for anybody to not pay you more for a machine that does not have a good brand name attached to it. Therefore, the crux is to buy heavy equipment of famous brands so that when you have to sell them, you can expect a good price. Heavy equipment of CAT are famous for its quality, durability, high performance and low maintenance cost. So owners of CAT equipment ideally do not experience hardships in selling their machines at a price they want to. They normally get the amount they quote and also owners of heavy equipment of other top notch brands have an easy time selling their used ones in the second hand heavy equipment market.

So eventually, it is the brand name that plays a major role in getting a good resale value and CAT heavy equipment are undoubtedly the best. So there are more takers for that than machines of any other brands. The avenues where you can sell your used CAT heavy equipment are online, word of mouth and to companies who deals with second hand machines. When you sell it via word of mouth, you end up paying nothing to anybody for selling the machine but using any other mode apart from this will cost you an amount. If you try to sell the heavy equipment online, the website will charge you a nominal fee for listing the item and also an additional fee if it turns out to be a successful sale.

If you approach a company who buys your used machine and sell it after making some modifications, you only get the sales price and do not pay any sort of fees to anybody. In this scenario you got to wise enough as you are dealing with professionals who will try hard to negotiate with you and bring down the price of the machine. Stick to your price and you may see them paying you the amount you have quoted.

Heavy Equipment Transporter

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

It has always been a big challenge for the heavy equipment manufacturing companies to ferry their machines to the place from where it has been ordered. It is not a simple task as it may sound because here you are not dealing with couriering a small package but you will be ferrying an item that is quite big and weighs in tons. Moreover there is always a risk of the item getting damaged during transit. Heavy equipment if not loaded properly are prone to damages and also lead to unwanted accidents. Therefore it is absolutely important to load the machines on something that is bigger in size and can move on the roads with ease. This is given rise to heavy equipment transporter. It is just another form of truck. However, the only difference here is that it is way bigger than those normal trucks that you see on the roads and also it looks lot different.

Ideally, heavy equipment transporter is widely used by militaries of different countries all over the world. They are used to ferry tanks, at times war planes and stuff from one place to other. However, that has not restricted its use to only military purpose but is also used by industries that deal with heavy equipment. So, it is not just about the construction or mining industries but basically any industry that requires big machines. For instance, a company that is into producing iron bars may also need big heavy equipment or companies that require cranes in their factories will also need the help of heavy equipment transported to ferry the machine from the source to their place.

There are many companies who are involved in the business of ferrying heavy equipment and it is crucial that you understand their terms and conditions before you opt for their service. Some companies may charge you a fortune in the name of excellent service. No doubt you require good service from them but there has to be a limit in terms of its price. You just can’t pay anything that they ask you in the name of good service. Therefore, you got to be a bit cautious when you are dealing with such companies and check their reviews before you finally give your order. It will be prudent on your part to get the quotation of other companies as well and if possible try and see if you can at all negotiate the price with them. Price negotiation is always a possibility. It is also important to know the mode of payment. If you have to pay them via check or cash or do they accept card payment.

In many of the cases, it has been found that companies who are in the business of transporting heavy equipment like to deal in cash and not much with check or credit card. This means that you need to ensure that you have sufficient money with you to pay them. In case, if the seller is ready to pay the transportation charge then you need not worry or else you got to do all the research work.

 

The Most Revolutionary New Construction Technologies

By

Jason Hurdis, Sr. Market Professional, Caterpillar Inc.  (Guest Post)

Tim Crane, General Manager Safety Services, Caterpillar Inc.  (Guest Post)

 

The construction industry has transformed drastically over the past 20 years. Smartphone apps have enabled real-time information exchange; armloads of files and blueprints are being replaced by a few taps on a tablet. Technology is changing almost every aspect of the industry, and companies that refuse to adapt and implement it risk being outdone by tech-savvy competitors.

One of the biggest fears construction company owners face when considering implementing new technologies is understanding what they do and how to use them effectively. Below are snapshots of some of the newest and most innovative construction technologies available to the industry:

 

  1. UAV Technology

 

Unmanned aerial vehicles or UAVs are a hot technology in several industries today because of all the different business use cases they can provide. In the construction industry, companies are sending camera-equipped UAVs into the air to take dozens — if not hundreds or thousands — of images. The pictures, which are linked to GPS data, can be stitched together with special software, transforming them into a 2-D or 3-D site model. The model can be used to:

 

  • Assess progress on a project — daily, weekly or at some other regular interval
  • Locate specific areas where work is falling behind schedule
  • Measure stockpile volume
  • Determine the amount of overburden that needs to be removed from an area
  • Monitor width and slope of haul roads
  • Analyze quarry faces and berms
  • Inspect hazardous areas
  • Confirm that employees are wearing protective gear and working safely
  • Get a high-level view of operator technique, load-zone placement, tire rotation and     other factors that affect efficiency
  • Show clients work in progress
  • Create images for marketing presentations and materials

 

These tasks and many others can be done quickly, accurately and economically with UAV systems — assuming you have access to the right technology, analytics and expertise. Caterpillar has a small team of UAV experts whose sole focus is determining how the technology can be used to improve site safety, efficiency and profitability.

 

Companies that are considering taking advantage of UAV technology need to be aware of the laws governing the commercial use of UAVs because they are different depending on where you do business. The United States has the tightest federal regulations in regard to UAVs, with new laws slated for 2016. We think UAVs are going to take off in the construction and aggregates sectors over the next few months and years. As this technology evolves, you’ll be able to combine machine data from your telematics systems with geo-spatial data from UAVs, giving you the power to take site efficiency to all-new levels.

 

  1. GRADE with Assist

Grading technology helps make excavators, dozers and motor graders more efficient because it allows operators to get to grade faster with less effort. Caterpillar’s precision grading system, Cat® GRADE, part of Cat Connect technology, can help both new and experienced machine operators deliver dramatic improvements in grading efficiency over a wide range of applications. GRADE with Assist, which adds automated grading sequences, is featured on Cat Excavators, is the most advanced worksite technology available. Among the benefits grading technology can provide:

 

  • Keeping people off the ground and out of trenches
  • Reducing the cost of staking and grade checking
  • Cutting grading time by up to 45%
  • Conserving fuel and materials when you finish in fewer passes
  • Saving time and costs related to rework
  • Helping less experienced operators work like pros

 

Grading technology, like Cat GRADE, enhances jobsite safety, improves reliability and adds to the machine’s value, both on the job and at resale. Just to show some real-life examples, below are 10 things you can do faster and more efficiently with grading technology:

 

  1. Dig a basement
  2. Build a detention pond
  3. Put in a sewer line
  4. Dig foundation footings
  5. Cut a drainage ditch
  6. Prep a commercial site pad
  7. Build an access road
  8. Install underground utilities
  9. Slope an embankment
  10. Construct a retaining wall

 

  1. Workplace Safety Technology

 

Several new technologies have become available to safeguard worksites and better manage risk. One of the most common accidents in the construction industry is being struck by or trapped by equipment or vehicles. Blind spots and backing up accidents account for between 25 and 50 percent of the total. One in 10 construction workers are injured every year, so worksite safety is paramount. Here are some of the newest worksite safety technologies that can help prevent injuries:

 

  • Object Detection technologies
    • Complete object detection systems include back-up cameras and pulsed-radar object detection. Cameras give operators a view of what is typically their biggest blind spot, and radar identifies objects and people hidden from the operator’s view and sounds an alarm.

 

  • Fatigue Detection technologies
    • A camera installed in the cab that monitors pupil size, blinking and how long eyes stay shut determines fatigue detection. If the system senses the operator is falling asleep, an alarm sounds and the seat vibrates.

 

  • “Smart” wearables
    • Safety gear with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), sensors and bio-monitors has all hit the market within the last several years. The most common are RFID systems that alert workers and equipment operators when they are both moving through a work zone.

As it becomes more evident that technological innovations will shape the future of the construction industry, it’s up to you to determine if your company is going to embrace these new construction technologies or be left behind. We here at Caterpillar encourage you to re-think the process of using, managing and owning heavy equipment by incorporating these new technologies to help make your equipment more productive and efficient, and your business more profitable.

By

Jason Hurdis, Sr. Market Professional, Caterpillar Inc.  (Guest Post)

Tim Crane, General Manager Safety Services, Caterpillar Inc.  (Guest Post)

Determination is the key when it comes to construction industry

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

In almost every industry, in order to attain the highest level, a person needs to be highly determined to reach till there. Skill also plays a pivotal role in his success but it seems that determination to succeed is the key when it comes to the construction industry. Construction sector is a highly competitive sector and one may have to experience a lot of ups and downs when they are a part of this industry. Many a times they are subjugated by their competitors and at times have to work at their whims and fancies so that they can simply survive in this sector. The big players hold a major share of the market and in order to just stay in and survive, small time companies often have to comply with the orders of the big companies. Other than that, there are different kinds of lobbies that one has to get associated with, without which it will be really difficult for them to carry on in this sector.

In this midst of all these hassles, there is one thing that keeps most of them going and that is the zeal, the determination to make it big in this sector. There are few things that one must do to keep that flare on.

Always think about your goal and move in that direction:-

This is pretty tough to do. However, it really pays you off handsomely. The only think that should be there in your mind is your business. This will help you to keep getting different kind of ideas, plans in your mind that you can make use to expand your business. You will undoubtedly be experiencing many other issues that will be other than your business. However, that should not affect your business plans and your intention to grow. Having said this, you should not mix your business life and your personal life together. This is real tough to do but you got to learn this with time. People may give you some advices. You may check if any of them actually works for you and in case if any of their advice works for you, then you can follow that whenever a crisis of that sort appears. The key is to just keep your focus intact and move in the same direction. Some problems or the other will always keep on surfacing. It will be ultimately your talent how you handle them and continue to move in the path you have chosen.

Always follow the guidance of a mentor:-

The construction industry is a highly complex industry and time and again you will come across issues that you may find new and may not know how to deal with it. This is when you require a mentor, a person who will guide you all the way through, a person whom you can trust and you know that he will never give you any wrong advices. While working in such a multifaceted industry, having a mentor who will help you to be focused is very essential.

 

 

Youths making their way in the construction domain

Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

We all have the wish to set up a company of our own and be our own boss but very few are indeed able to fulfill this dream of theirs. It is often the level of competition that weeds out the new talent and also the lack of preparedness on the part of the youngsters before they begin with setting up their business. One such industry that has given the wings to fly is the construction sector but the sort of competition one gets to experience in this industry is enormous. There is a rat race that exists in this sector. People are expected to do everything to just get a deal. It is not that getting work is way harder. It is just that people for some reason do not have the patience to wait for the right deal to come by.

Youths in particular who aim to become a part of this industry needs to take care of many things. Firstly they should work on their knowledge on this industry. This sector is pretty vast and involves lot many things that affects it on an everyday basis. So having a fair amount of idea often helps while taking the right decision. You should not want to see yourself lost when you get to know some common stuff about the industry that you are a part of. Therefore keeping your eyes and ears open and accepting new things from others should be your mantra to learn things.

Heavy equipment play a pivotal role in the construction segment. It is said that the companies who have the best machines and backed with a better workforce can stand tall at all times. So just having modern heavy equipment is not going to help you. You also need to back it up with efficient workforce who knows well how to work on those machines or else it is futile to have them in the first place. Simultaneously, not all machines that have the modern look over it should be purchased. You may never need that stuff in your entire project work and hence there is no need to possess that in your arsenal. The better way to work it out is first know your requirements and then go for the purchase. Also, purchase of heavy equipment should be done after thoroughly scrutinizing your finances. Heavy equipment are expensive metals and you may not want to spend your money on something that you may not use for the time being.

Last but not the least; keep a tab on your finances. If you do not do that, then you will not know when you have exhausted all your resources in the spree of buying heavy equipment and stuff that you feel is important but now you do not have any money left to run the business. Many young entrepreneurs have gone through this situation and they have to ultimately take loans to run the business or simply give away the idea to continue any longer.

Related articles across the web