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5 Things To Consider When Buying A New Excavator

Here are the most important factors you should consider when buying a new excavator - and the right attachments - for your next job.
Excavators have been, and continue to be, one of the most important and sought-after machines in the construction industry. No matter the site or project, it is crucial to have a powerful excavator that can get the job done and be ready to go the next time you need it. Obvious as it may be, not all excavators are the same. Likewise, not all sites and projects are the same. While you can’t necessarily consider future site needs, it’s important to understand what excavators perform best for the work you are and will be doing. With all this in mind, here are the most important factors you should consider when buying a new excavator.

1. Excavation Needs
What do you specifically need from an excavator? This question may seem open-ended, but it is exactly the question you need to ask yourself when buying a new excavator. There are several different things to consider when evaluating your needs from an excavator:
Knowing the spec requirements for the job.
Determining if the excavator is needed for minimal or heavy use. Over usage of an excavator not designed to withstand that amount of work can lead to excavator damage or premature required maintenance.
Understanding the jobsite and the difficulties that may arise from it.
Considering what attachments you may need. Popular and versatile options include couplers, rippers, buckets and hammers.
These are all important factors when comparing excavator makes and models. Failure to take the above into consideration could result in excavator damage, poor performance, poor job efficiency and more.

2. Size
When it comes to excavators, bigger doesn’t always mean better. Understanding what size excavator you need, whether it be compact, standard or large, will be valuable to you and your operating staff. Purchasing an excavator that is too small will result in performance issues as compact excavators do not have the digging power or depth needed in jobs that require large excavators.
On the contrary, purchasing an excavator that is too large is considered overkill in every sense of the word. The amount of investment that goes into a large excavator, whether it be the machine itself, maintenance or means of transportation is substantial and should be carefully considered at every turn.
Fortunately for buyers, there are many different configurations available within each size
category, so it should not be a problem to narrow down your sizing needs.

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Aug 10, 2020 - 5 years ago
Terex Trucks TA300 Proves Top Of The Class On Texas High School Construction Projects

Five Terex Trucks TA300 articulated haulers are rebalancing almost 500,000 yd3 of material in heavy rain to prepare the ground for two major new high school construction projects in Houston, Texas.
It’s back to school for Franco Builders as the family-owned contractor takes on two major new high school projects in the Houston area – Alvin ISD (Independent School District) High School 4 and Fort Bend ISD High School 12. The 550,000 ft2 Alvin ISD High School 4 will accommodate around 2,500 students, while the 485,000 ft2 Fort Bend ISD High School 12 will provide space for 2,800. Both ISDs are experiencing unprecedented enrolment growth with at least 1,000 new students joining each year since 2014. The new schools will alleviate the overcrowding on existing campuses and help future-proof the districts as rapid residential development continues. They will incorporate academic, athletic and fine arts areas and are planned to open in time for the 2022-2023 school year.
Houston-based earthworks and underground utility specialist Franco Builders won the tender to prepare the building pads, as well as rebalance the soil across the entire campuses. “We have over a million truck yards of material to rebalance over each jobsite – it’s a massive undertaking,” says Jose Zuniga, who founded Franco Builders along with Manuel Franco in 2002. Helping Jose, Manuel and their team to complete the work is a fleet of five Terex Trucks TA300 articulated haulers, leased since March 2020 through local dealer Easton Sales and Rentals.

Competitive spirit
“We’ve rented TA300s from Easton for quite a few years now – we just fell in love with them,” Jose explains. “We even rented some for the first few months on the Alvin job but we still have over a year of work to do on the site, so it made sense to switch to a lease agreement.”
“Terex Trucks has a terrific lease program,” says Vic Palermo, Sales Representative at Easton Sales & Rentals. “Each hauler has guaranteed service and full warranty on everything so it’s a good business decision. It can save a lot of money for the contractor and can help them be more competitive in the bidding process.”

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Aug 10, 2020 - 5 years ago
Curb Roller Offers World’s First Battery-Powered Roller Screed

Curb Roller Manufacturing, the world leader in shaped concrete roller screeds, offers the Batt Screed 6000, the industry’s first battery-powered roller screed. The lightweight, versatile roller screed operates with no cords, hoses or fumes, offering unparalleled mobility, precision and efficiency to contractors of all sizes.
The Batt Screed eliminates the hassle of working around a cord and the added weight of an engine mounted on the screed. The unit gets its power from a removable and rechargeable 60-volt lithium ion DeWalt FLEXVOLT battery. Contractors may be familiar with this line of batteries and their versatile use in smaller or heavy-duty cordless tools like hammer drills or cutoff saws. One fully charged battery is estimated to screed off 1,800-2,500 square feet, depending on the slump and pipe length. By eliminating an auxiliary power source, the Batt Screed 6000 can be operated almost anywhere. Unlike gas, electric and hydraulic roller screeds, the Batt Screed eliminates exhaust fumes, power cords and the need for hydraulic power sources, making it ideal for indoor operation or use in tight spaces.
The Batt Screed easily accommodates jobs from 3 to 22 feet with expandable tube inserts, making it highly versatile. This flexibility makes it ideal for both small and large jobs including bike trails, golf cart paths, garage pads, shed floors, grain bin pads and parking lots.
“Our Curb Roller team is continuously looking to lead the industry with products that make customers more profitable,” said Seth Ulmer, Curb Roller Manufacturing sales manager. “We don’t design ‘me too’ products. We provide the tools that contractors want, with the features that allow them to get more jobs done.”
The Batt Screed provides a consistently higher-quality finished product than vibrating screeds or screed boards. It eliminates the need for back-breaking work, providing an ideal solution for contractors who want to get more flatwork done in less time — all with a better, flatter finished product.
Because roller screeds spin the concrete into shape versus vibrating the concrete, larger aggregate, and more of it, remains near the surface of the slab, providing increased structural integrity. Conversely, vibrating screeds use vibration to form the concrete which often causes the aggregate to fall to the bottom of the slab, leaving the concrete more open to spalling.
With a lightweight design and a folding handle, the Batt Screed 6000 is easy to operate and transport. The smart and simple design includes an adjustable right- or left-hand speed control, variable speed in both high and low ranges, and a three-position handle that allows for a more ergonomic operation for operators. The multi-position handle gives operators more versatility when it comes to obstacles or limiting factors during a pour. For example, if a contractor is pouring a driveway, they can position the handle outward to allow them to walk outside of the forms.
The Batt Screed design includes a heavy-duty kickstand that enables the operator to leave the screed free-standing during a pour. Other screeds that don’t have this feature risk being set in wet concrete or dust, which can be detrimental to the operation of the machine. The kickstand increases the cleanliness and longevity of the unit.
The Batt Screed’s kickstand and handle fold and lock away for compact and lightweight transport without removing the battery, reducing the risk of broken parts during transport. The Batt Screed features strong connection points that help prevent unnecessary wear or breakage.
The single pin connection on both ends allows the operator to remove the pipe from the handles in less than 60 seconds. The quick assembly and break down of the Batt Screed enhance productivity enabling contractors to complete more projects each day.
“Time is money on any construction project,” Ulmer said. “The faster a contractor can complete the job and get on to the next jobsite, the more profitable they can be. The Batt Screed addresses that challenge and so much more.”
The Batt Screed’s premier all-steel housing protects the motor and electrical components inside from moisture, concrete and accidental impact, and an access door protects the battery from dirt and debris.

About Curb Roller Manufacturing
Curb Roller Manufacturing has been the world leader in shaped concrete roller screeds for more than 10 years. With high-quality products for everyday concrete work, Curb Roller’s ergonomic machines not only make it easy to shape standard curb, gutter, and sidewalks, but also flume, v-gutter, swale, and other unique shapes. Their flagship product, the award-winning CRM4000 Curb Roller, opened the door for additional products like the Hydra-Screed and the battery-powered Batt Screed and corded Eel Screed. For more information: Curb Roller Manufacturing, 112 South Main, Fairview, Kan., 66425; 785-467-3132; [email protected]; www.curbroller.com; or on Facebook.

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Aug 10, 2020 - 5 years ago
Survey Shows The Impact Older Trucks Have On Safety, Repair Costs And Fuel Economy

Fleet Advantage, a leading innovator in truck fleet business analytics, equipment financing, and lifecycle cost management today announced results of its latest fleet industry benchmarking survey showing the impact new safety technologies have had on transportation fleets, how many fleets are still driving older-model trucks, and the leading reasons motivating upgrade decisions. The survey also shows the continued low demand for electric and autonomous trucks. Click here to see the full infographic.

Fleets with Newer Trucks Benefit from More Advanced Safety Features
According to the benchmark survey, 71% of transportation fleets have implemented blind spot mirrors as advanced safety features, while 66% have implemented front and rear disc brakes. The survey also showed that 11% of transportation fleets estimate they have saved more than $1 million in crash avoidance by upgrading to newer trucks with advanced safety features. These types of safety technologies have led to safer roads for drivers, passengers and other motorists, and have lowered accident costs. This is especially important since trucking fatalities recently reached the highest level in the past 30 years, with the average cost of each heavy-duty truck crash reaching $17.5 million (1).
As fleets begin to realize these benefits, additional statistics prove new safety technology aided in roadway safety, reduced accidents and improved Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) scores(2). Sixty-one percent have implemented forward-facing cameras, and 53% implemented lane departure warning systems. While forward-facing cameras may not specifically prevent an accident from happening, this technology is helping to lower the overall costs involved in accidents and litigation. A University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute study(3) found that car drivers were assigned contributing factors in 81% of crashes involving large trucks, versus only 27% for professional drivers. Forward-facing cameras help offer critical evidence that protects truck drivers in these instances.

Maintenance & Repair Is a Another Significant Reason for Truck Replacement
The bottom line continues to drive many upgrade decisions, and fleet executives are paying closer attention to the costs associated with servicing an aging vehicle. Fifty-five percent of fleets said escalating maintenance and repair costs (M&R), and 47.3% of fleets said improved fuel economy are leading motivating factors for upgrading to newer trucks. This is consistent with the last few years when M&R (40%) and fuel (36.7%) were also top motivating factors. Other factors included driver retention and improved corporate image.
“There remains a distinct correlation between aging trucks resulting in higher service and repair costs, as well as reduced fuel economy,” Said John Flynn, CEO of Fleet Advantage. “This survey tells us that many fleets see these as critical areas in not only operating their fleets, but also the impact they have on an organization’s bottom line.”

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Aug 10, 2020 - 5 years ago
BC Mining And Exploration Community Raise $100,000 For Food Banks BC

Association for Mineral Exploration (AME), in partnership with Integra Resources, is proud to announce a $100,000.00 donation on behalf of the British Columbia mining and exploration community to Food Banks BC. These funds will provide targeted relief to those living in rural, remote and Indigenous communities facing food security challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Launched in early June, over 50 donations (individual and corporate) were received as part of the #MiningFeedsBC Food Bank challenge, where participants were called on to share their favourite mining meal memory on social media and make a donation to Food Banks BC. A big thank you to Wheaton Precious Metals for their $50,000.00 donation as well as a personal donation by Wheaton’s President & CEO, Randy Smallwood.
“It is especially important during these challenging times that businesses come together to help those most in need. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, more families and individuals are facing financial hardship resulting in an even greater demand for basic needs such as food security. We are proud to do our part by accepting the #MiningFeedsBC Food Bank challenge and grateful for the overwhelming support for this cause by the mining and exploration industry. We also greatly commend the volunteers and employees at Food Banks BC for their dedication to supporting our communities.”
The Association for Mineral Exploration’s (AME) President and CEO, Kendra Johnston, noted, “Many of the communities supported by Food Banks BC are located close to our members’ exploration projects or mine sites. We are proud to see our members step-up to support a great cause and help those who are in need. When combined with essential supplies and PPE donations, as well as independent financial donations from various companies made earlier this year during the pandemic, our industry has made a significant effort to help our fellow British Columbians in what are challenging times for many. We are thankful to our members, corporate partners and donors for making a difference and making this possible.”
George Salamis, President & CEO, Integra Resources, commented, “During this time of immense challenge, we have an even more profound role to play to continue supporting our local communities and our country – both near our operations in Idaho and where we live, right here in BC. Mining and exploration has always been a resilient business. Seeing our industry be welcomed neighbours, offering a helping hand and working to build capacity and reduce burdens, is really powerful and inspiring.”
Executive Director, Dan Huang-Taylor Food Banks BC, said, “The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are being felt even more deeply among the tens of thousands of families and individuals who regularly turn to BC Food Banks for much needed support. And since the start of the COVID-19 emergency, more and more people have turned to food banks for help. Lineups for food are continuing to grow and resources are stretched even further under the increasing levels of demand across our province. Thanks to this significant donation from the BC mining and exploration community through the #MiningFeedsBC food bank challenge, we can provide much needed resources to BC Food Banks as they continue to support their communities and tackle hunger across our province.”

About AME
AME is the lead association for the mineral exploration and development industry based in British Columbia. Established in 1912, AME represents, advocates and promotes the interests of almost 5,000 members who are engaged in mineral exploration and development in B.C. and globally. AME encourages a safe, economically strong and environmentally responsible industry by providing clear initiatives, policies, events and tools to support its membership in delivering responsible projects that advance reconciliation and provide benefit to all British Columbians.

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Aug 10, 2020 - 5 years ago
Clear Rules Advance Cleanup Of Oil And Gas Wells

Alberta’s government is taking long overdue action to accelerate the responsible reclamation of oil and gas sites, ensuring a cleaner environment for current and future generations.
A new framework to manage oil and gas liabilities – which includes a series of mechanisms and requirements to improve and expedite reclamation efforts – will enable industry to better manage the clean up of oil and gas wells, pipelines and facilities at every step of the process, from exploration and licensing, through operations, reclamation and post-closure.
Setting clear expectations throughout the life cycle of oil and gas projects will provide certainty to industry and landowners, who will now have a defined opportunity to ensure the timely cleanup of sites on their property. Taken together, the new framework will shrink the inventory of inactive and orphaned wells across the province, ensure more timely restoration of land to its original state, and protect future generations from experiencing a backlog of sites needing cleanup.
“Alberta has a world-class oil and gas sector that takes responsible resource development seriously. This new approach will further ensure everyone who benefits from development also addresses their ongoing reclamation responsibility in a way that is fair and achievable. By clarifying the rules and improving the process, industry can confidently make long-term investment decisions, which will help the province’s recovery efforts and create jobs, putting thousands of Albertans and Canadians back to work,” said Sonya Savage, Minister of Energy.
“I’m pleased this government is taking action where governments in the past have failed to do so. Farmers and other private landowners deserve a voice in the reclamation process, to ensure industry brings their land back towards its original condition – enhancing safety and their ability to repurpose their land. This is a positive step forward on an issue that is important to many Albertans,” quoted Keith Wilson, QC, property rights lawyer.
“The Metis Settlements have long been advocates for responsible resource development. That means ensuring the work of ‘cleaning up’ is central to those operations. I am pleased to hear that Alberta will be taking the necessary steps to ensure that we not only practise responsible resource development but responsible reclamation. This work is critical to ensure our beautiful lands remain for future generations,” stated Roechelle Gaudet, vice-president, Metis Settlements General Council.
The new framework, which will be implemented over the coming months:
•   Upholds the polluter-pay principle, ensuring that industry is responsible for cleanup costs in a way that is fair and manageable.
•   Puts an improved system in place to assess the capabilities of oil and gas operators to meet their regulatory liabilities obligations, prior to receiving regulatory approvals.
•   Provides practical guidance and proactive support for struggling operators, helping them to manage and maximize their assets, and maintain their operations. Doing so will protect Albertans from the financial and environmental burden of more inactive or orphaned sites – while ensuring operators meet their environmental responsibilities.
•   Establishes five-year rolling spending targets for reclamation that every active site operator must meet. This initiative includes the AER’s area-based closure program, through which companies work together to share the cost of cleaning up multiple sites in an area.
•   Establishes a formal opt-in mechanism for landowners to nominate sites for cleanup. These sites must then be reviewed by the regulator, with operators responsible for justifying why a site should not be immediately brought through closure stages.
•   Implements a process to address legacy and post-closure sites – or sites that were abandoned, remediated or reclaimed before current standards were put in place, and sites that have received reclamation certificates and the operator’s liability period has lapsed. A panel will be established to consider how to address this gap, bringing these sites up-to-date with the current environmental requirements.
The growing inventory of orphaned and inactive wells is an issue across North America and the world, exacerbated in recent years by low commodity prices and the resulting economic downturn. Alberta’s current approach to govern the cleanup of these wells was put in place decades ago, when the oil and gas industry was largely focused on growing production and new infrastructure. As the province’s oil and gas sector has matured, a new approach is required to more actively manage reclamation of sites throughout their life cycle. This means working on the existing sites that require cleanup and keeping new sites from joining the inactive and orphan inventories in the future.
“From drilling through reclamation, it’s important that industry meets its obligations. Alberta’s Liability Management Framework will ensure oil and gas sites are cleaned up faster, reinforcing Alberta’s reputation as a leader in responsible energy development. The new framework provides clarity and certainty, which will help spur activity in the energy sector and put Albertans back to work when and where jobs are needed the most,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks.
“The new Alberta Liability Management Framework provides strong protections for Alberta to enhance the responsible reclamation of oil and gas sites, while ensuring responsible energy development can continue to produce high-paying jobs for Alberta workers and their families. This is an innovative and modern approach to ensure continued focus by companies on their responsibilities to local communities,” stated Tristan Goodman, president, The Explorers and Producers Association of Canada.
“PSAC welcomes the introduction of Alberta’s new Liability Management Framework that will provide certainty to industry and investors while easing landowner and public concerns of a growing inventory. The new framework will also provide the oilfield services sector that PSAC represents with a predictable and regular stream of closure activity, sustaining jobs and retaining key skills and expertise. PSAC has long advocated for mechanisms for closure activity of orphan and inactive sites to create jobs while providing positive environmental outcomes that demonstrate our responsible resource development. Alberta’s new framework will uphold that trustworthy reputation,” quoted Elizabeth Aquin, president and CEO, Petroleum Services Association of Canada.

Quick facts:
•   Under the Liability Management Framework, the Alberta government sets the policy direction and provides oversight, while the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is responsible for administration – including monitoring progress, working with industry, and enforcement.
•   As of July 2020, 456,729 licences have been issued to drill oil and gas wells in Alberta since the early 1900s. Currently, 96,969 wells are inactive, 70,785 are abandoned, 88,851 are reclamation certified, and 36,773 are reclamation exempt. Of the remaining wells, 162,530 are active and 821 have been drilled but are not producing.
o   Reclamation exempt sites are those that were reclaimed before the legal requirement for reclamation certificates came into effect.
o   Abandoned sites are those that have been permanently plugged, cut and capped and left in a safe and secure condition, with surface reclamation work required before the closure process is completed and reclamation certificates may be issued.
•   The framework includes the expanded role of the Orphan Well Association set out in The Liabilities Management Statutes Amendment Act, which came into effect June 15, 2020, enabling the association to better manage and accelerate the cleanup of wells, infrastructure and pipelines that do not have a responsible owner.

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Aug 10, 2020 - 5 years ago