I'm making this page about excavation equipment because of the significant changes in the equipment and its uses.
Sights and sounds of Excavation Equipment
How The Equipment Has Changed
There are many different opinions as to whatmachines should actually be classified as earth
moving equipment. There are many different types
of equipment that fall in this category, such as
excavators, backhoe loaders, dump trucks, and
even loaders.
Other machinery that falls in between are articulated
trucks, wheel and track tractors, and even
scrapers. The thin line is normally drawn at
motor grades, which are more than capable or light
duty excavation, although they are mainly used
to level lots and grade roads.
If you take a glance at any equipment literature
from leading companies such as CAT, Komatsu, or
Case, you'll see right away that they believe the
biggest and most important change over the last
several years is increased productivity. This is
normally followed by greater comfort and safety.
The increase in productivity is the result of
many different advancements. CAT (Caterpillar)
cites that more powerful engines with a faster
rise in torque which allows machines to respond
faster to increased power demands. Even though
this new generation is far more powerful, it
has a reduced impact on the environment as well.
Electronics
Most of the newer machines have electronic
control systems that will optimize both engine
and transmission performance, as well as fuel
consumption and hydraulic system performance.
Take for example the CAT mid sized G series
wheel loaders that feature electronically controlled
powershift transmissions. Each and every
transmission offers autoshift capabilities that
ease the pressure on the operator, and an
electronic clutch pressure control that smooth
shifts the gears for longer life.
Comfort
In the industry, good operators are getting harder
and harder to find. Manufacturers find themselves
stressing that operator comfort and convenience
need to be taken into account not only to make
the job easier, but also more efficient and
productive as well.
The new cab designs offer better visibility,
reduced noise and vibration, and improved comfort
as well. The new control systems will require low
operator effort while also improving the control
of the machine for both the experienced as well
as the in-experienced operator.
Easier maintenance
Almost all new machinery offers electronic
monitoring systems that will provide constant
information on the health of the machine for the
operator. These types of systems provide information
to technicians, including service modes that will
help them to diagnose conditions quickly.
Now days, machines are designed to make routine
maintenance easier. With CAT's wheel loaders,
regular service points are easy to access from
ground level, with site gauges making it easier
to check the fluid of the radiator, hydraulic oil,
and transmission - without having to use dipsticks.
Changes for the better
If you compare the excavation equipment of today
with the machines of the past, you'll notice that
the changes are better. The machines of the past
relied more on operator skill and technique, as
very few of them had electronic features.
Today, almost all types of heavy machinery offer
electronic features. Electronics are a great
thing, as they can make the life of an operator
easier than ever. You don't need to get out and
check the fluids anymore, as all you need to do
is take a look at your instrument panel, which can
help to save you a lot of time.
Operators who have a lot of experience know first
hand that machines of the past can't begin to
compete with machines of today. With technology
always getting better, it just makes you wonder
what is in the future for heavy machinery. Years
from now, one can only begin to wonder just great
heavy machinery will get - and what other features
will make the life of an operator even easier than
it is now.
Great Links for Excavation and Heavy Equipment
- Heavy Equipment Industry Global Report
- The heavy equipment industry has been experiencing a near 6% growth rate worldwide for the past ten years. Included under the heading of heavy equipment are machines such as the backhoe, crane, wheel loader, grader, forklift, and bulldozer. This demand is fueled by the need for new construction to accommodate growth, for the refurbishing of old projects and buildings, and for increased mining activity to provide raw materials for industry. The spinoff has also meant an increase in available employment in construction jobs for heavy equipment operators and maintenance mechanics, growth for parts manufacturers and distributors, and an increase in agencies providing operator certification.
- Backhoe: Facts & Figures
- A backhoe is a machine designed for excavation. It consists of a scoop or digging bucket on an articulated arm (also known as a stick or dipper); this assembly is typically mounted on the back of a tractor or front loader, enabling the operator to do many different jobs without switching to another piece of heavy equipment. However, the backhoe is not so called because of its rear-mounted scoop; rather, it is called a backhoe because of the way it draws earth back towards itself, rather than pushing it like a bulldozer.
- Crane: Facts & Figures
- The crane is a construction devise comprised of an arm, a winch, and a wire rope to create mechanical advantage and lift heavy objects. The arm may be hydraulically controlled and connected to a pivot point, or may consist of a vertical mast and a horizontal boom. Many different types of cranes exist, each tailored for a specific purpose, but they all work on the same general principles, particularly leverage.
- Wheel Loader: Facts & Figures
- The wheel loader, sometimes referred to as a front end loader, a bucket loader, or a scoop loader, is a modified tractor with a wide, tilting bucket on hydraulic moveable arms. Loaders may also be fitted with a Its primary use is for lifting material such as wood, earth, gravel, or debris, and loading it into trucks for removal or releasing it in a pile elsewhere. They may also be used for short transport of heavy materials such as piping or bricks across a construction site.
- Motor Grader: Facts & Figures
- A motor grader, sometimes called a blade or simply a "grader", is a heavy equipment engineering vehicle used to create a finish grade for roads, airstrips, or other large, flat surfaces such as soil foundation pads for building construction. They prepare and maintain gravel roads, which can degrade into a "washboard" after rains. In paving construction, they prepare the base course for asphalt. In colder climates they may be used for snow removal, while in grasslands they may be used for creating dirt tracks where the absence of trees means there is no need of a bulldozer. In some countries they may also be used to create shallow v-shaped ditches along roadways.
- Bulldozer: Facts & Figures
- The bulldozer, so called because of its pushing power, is a track-wheeled, driver-operated heavy equipment machine fitted with a broad flat blade. Its main purposes are for pushing large, heavy objects or piles, and for flattening and grading. Properly speaking, a bulldozer whose blade has been replaced with a hydraulic scoop is a tracked loader, not a bulldozer.
Renting Versus Owning Equipment
There are always going to be times when, no matter
how carefully an excavation company plans out a
project, there simply isn't enough equipment on hand
to handle the requirements of the project without
running out of time. The choices at this point are
clear - rent the machines you need or go ahead and
make the purchase.
It is however, not easy to make these types of
decisions, thanks to several factors that you'll
need to consider.
Rental pricing
Its no secret that rental companies make a killing
with the equipment they rent out. Most companies
will rent on a daily or weekly basis, which is good
for them but can be bad for you. Depending on what
area you work in, the price can be very high or
just right.
Depending on what type of equipment you need, the
price to rent will vary. Excavators and off road
dump trucks are among the highest to rent, as they
can cost as much as 12,000 dollars per month! This
may seem a bit outrageous at first, although if you
own a profitable company and are working on a big
project, you'll have problems meeting the price.
Buying
When you need more equipment and don't want to rent,
you can buy your equipment. Buying is the way to
go if you plan on using the equipment more. If you
work on large projects on a frequent basis, you may
want to look into buying the equipment you need
instead of renting.
Buying will save you money in the long run, providing
you are going to be using the equipment again. If
you need the equipment for one or two projects, you
may just want to rent. Sure you won't own the
equipment, although you certainly don't want to buy
something you won't be using.
Servicing
One of the great things about renting is the fact
that company you rent from is responsible for fixing
anything that breaks. Your company won't be responsible
for repairs, as you don't own the equipment. If
something breaks or goes wrong, simply call the
company and they will come out there and fix the
problem, as the price for repair is included in the
rental contract.
If you choose to go ahead and buy the equipment,
then your company will be responsible for the repair
of the equipment. As you probably know with owning
other equipment, you'll need to do regular maintenance
and service on the equipment.
Making that final choice on renting or buying is
ultimately up to you. You should always think about
finances, and if you can afford the machinery. If
you don't have the finances or capital to buy what
you need, you should go with renting. Either way
you go, you'll get the machines you need to complete
your job and stay ahead of schedule.
how carefully an excavation company plans out a
project, there simply isn't enough equipment on hand
to handle the requirements of the project without
running out of time. The choices at this point are
clear - rent the machines you need or go ahead and
make the purchase.
It is however, not easy to make these types of
decisions, thanks to several factors that you'll
need to consider.
Rental pricing
Its no secret that rental companies make a killing
with the equipment they rent out. Most companies
will rent on a daily or weekly basis, which is good
for them but can be bad for you. Depending on what
area you work in, the price can be very high or
just right.
Depending on what type of equipment you need, the
price to rent will vary. Excavators and off road
dump trucks are among the highest to rent, as they
can cost as much as 12,000 dollars per month! This
may seem a bit outrageous at first, although if you
own a profitable company and are working on a big
project, you'll have problems meeting the price.
Buying
When you need more equipment and don't want to rent,
you can buy your equipment. Buying is the way to
go if you plan on using the equipment more. If you
work on large projects on a frequent basis, you may
want to look into buying the equipment you need
instead of renting.
Buying will save you money in the long run, providing
you are going to be using the equipment again. If
you need the equipment for one or two projects, you
may just want to rent. Sure you won't own the
equipment, although you certainly don't want to buy
something you won't be using.
Servicing
One of the great things about renting is the fact
that company you rent from is responsible for fixing
anything that breaks. Your company won't be responsible
for repairs, as you don't own the equipment. If
something breaks or goes wrong, simply call the
company and they will come out there and fix the
problem, as the price for repair is included in the
rental contract.
If you choose to go ahead and buy the equipment,
then your company will be responsible for the repair
of the equipment. As you probably know with owning
other equipment, you'll need to do regular maintenance
and service on the equipment.
Making that final choice on renting or buying is
ultimately up to you. You should always think about
finances, and if you can afford the machinery. If
you don't have the finances or capital to buy what
you need, you should go with renting. Either way
you go, you'll get the machines you need to complete
your job and stay ahead of schedule.
Caterpillar Equipment
Caterpillar Incorporated, also known as CAT is a
United States based corporation that is based in
Peoria, Illinois. The company commonly known as CAT
is known around the world as the largest manufacturer
of construction and mining equipment, diesel and
natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines.
Well known and famous for their products that feature
the Caterpillar track and distinctive yellow paint,
CAT produces a wide range of heavy equipment for
all types of jobs, including the very popular
Caterpillar D9 bulldozer.
History
The story of CAT dates back to the late 19th century,
when Daniel Best and Benjamin Holt were experimenting
with different ways to fulfill the promise that
steam tractors held for farm work. Prior to 1925,
the Holt family had pioneered track tractors and
gasoline powered engines. After the companies of
Best and Holt were merged, the company went through
several changes then at the end of World War 2,
they began to grow at a very fast pace, launching
the first venture outside of the country in 1950,
which marked the beginning of CAT development into
a big corporation.
CAT equipment ranges from track type tractors to
hydraulic excavators, backhoes, motor graders, off
road trucks, wheel loaders, tractors, diesel and
gas engines, and gas turbines. CAT equipment is
used in construction, excavation, building roads,
mining, energy, forestry, transportation, and
material handling companies.
Sales
Over half of CAT's sales are to customers in overseas
areas. CAT products are sold in almost 200 different
countries. The company has a worldwide network
of over 200 dealers - 63 in the United States and
over 150 in other countries. CAT equipment and
components are manufactured in 42 plants in the
United States and 58 plants in Australia, Belgium,
Brazil, Canada, England, France, Germany, India,
Japan, Mexico, and several other countries.
Labor
CAT almost went down in the early 1980s due to
the massive union strikes and a down turn in product
demand. At the time, several news reports indicated
that products were piling up so high in facilities
that temporary workers hired to work the lines
could barely get to their stations to perform their
jobs.
In the 1990s, CAT suffered yet another long strike
in which the company hired what it deemed to be
permanent replacements for union workers that
were on strike. During both strikes, jack rocks
were placed in the home entrances of many of
CATs top executives and employees, puncturing
the tires of their vehicles and making things
worse for the company.
Not long after the strike of the 1990s ended
and the economy started to get back up again, CAT
adopted the "6 Sigma" quality management program,
to help reduce costs and inventory and identify
and correct the defects in processes and products.
United States based corporation that is based in
Peoria, Illinois. The company commonly known as CAT
is known around the world as the largest manufacturer
of construction and mining equipment, diesel and
natural gas engines, and industrial gas turbines.
Well known and famous for their products that feature
the Caterpillar track and distinctive yellow paint,
CAT produces a wide range of heavy equipment for
all types of jobs, including the very popular
Caterpillar D9 bulldozer.
History
The story of CAT dates back to the late 19th century,
when Daniel Best and Benjamin Holt were experimenting
with different ways to fulfill the promise that
steam tractors held for farm work. Prior to 1925,
the Holt family had pioneered track tractors and
gasoline powered engines. After the companies of
Best and Holt were merged, the company went through
several changes then at the end of World War 2,
they began to grow at a very fast pace, launching
the first venture outside of the country in 1950,
which marked the beginning of CAT development into
a big corporation.
CAT equipment ranges from track type tractors to
hydraulic excavators, backhoes, motor graders, off
road trucks, wheel loaders, tractors, diesel and
gas engines, and gas turbines. CAT equipment is
used in construction, excavation, building roads,
mining, energy, forestry, transportation, and
material handling companies.
Sales
Over half of CAT's sales are to customers in overseas
areas. CAT products are sold in almost 200 different
countries. The company has a worldwide network
of over 200 dealers - 63 in the United States and
over 150 in other countries. CAT equipment and
components are manufactured in 42 plants in the
United States and 58 plants in Australia, Belgium,
Brazil, Canada, England, France, Germany, India,
Japan, Mexico, and several other countries.
Labor
CAT almost went down in the early 1980s due to
the massive union strikes and a down turn in product
demand. At the time, several news reports indicated
that products were piling up so high in facilities
that temporary workers hired to work the lines
could barely get to their stations to perform their
jobs.
In the 1990s, CAT suffered yet another long strike
in which the company hired what it deemed to be
permanent replacements for union workers that
were on strike. During both strikes, jack rocks
were placed in the home entrances of many of
CATs top executives and employees, puncturing
the tires of their vehicles and making things
worse for the company.
Not long after the strike of the 1990s ended
and the economy started to get back up again, CAT
adopted the "6 Sigma" quality management program,
to help reduce costs and inventory and identify
and correct the defects in processes and products.
Caterpillar D Series
Caterpillar D Series
The CAT (Caterpillar) 420D and 430D backhoe loaders
are the high performance machines in the D series
lineup. The 420D boasts 85 HP and a backhoe digging
depth of 14 feet when equipped with a standard
stick.
The 430D offers 94 HP and a backhoe digging depth
of 15 feet when it is equipped with a standard
stick. By using an extendible stick, you can
push the digging depth of the 420D to 18 feet and
the depth of the 430D to 19 feet, which is very
impressive to say the least.
Both D series machines are available in IT
(Integrated Toolcarrier) configurations for
applications that benefit from a parallel lift
loader linkage and the versatility of quick work
tool changes through the use of a versatile
hydraulic quick coupler. Applications include the
use of pallet forks, material handling arms,
brooms, and even buckets.
The new and improved pilot operated hydraulic backhoe
and IT loader controls will help to ensure smooth,
precise operation with reduced effort on behalf of
the operator. These backhoes use excavator type
joystick controls, and an optional pattern change
valve which allows you to select the patern of
control.
The 205 degree rotation that is offered by the
backhoe bucket linkage will make it easier to dig
vertical walls and clamp material when loading
trucks. The rotation with the D series is 40
degrees more than with the C series. Now, the
backhoe buckets feature a single pin position,
with the bucket link featuring an integrated
lifting eye as well.
The optional quick coupler you can get for the
backhoe will allow fast changes of working tools
for increased versatility and flexibility in
almost all applications.
Both of the D series backhoe loaders use the
turbocharged, direct injection, four cylinder diesel
engine, with a displacement of 4.0 liters. This
engine offers superior lug performance which is
mostly due to the responsive fuel injection
system.
The standard power shuttle transmission provides
four forward speeds and four speeds in reverse
as well. Fully synchromesh in all gears will
permit on the go shifting, while the forward and
reverse electric power shuttle will provide
instant direction changes through powered
clutches.
The auto shifting feature will automatically
shift between second gear and the highest gear
selected for ease of operation. The auto shift
feature has five forward and three reverse gears,
with a transmission kick switch on the lever of
the loader control.
With D series loaders, you'll also have the choice
of standard two wheel drive or all wheel drive,
which you can engage easily on the go, under
heavy load, by pressing a switch that is located
on the front console.
The D series loaders from CAT are very fast and
versatile as well, as they will move faster than
most types of backhoes on the market. The
diesel engines are very fast, while the machine
has enough traction and control to keep you
moving even in wet or muddy conditions.
The variable load sensing hydraulic system will
adjust the flow and pressure of the machine to
meet the demands of work with an increased
pressure of 3,300 PSI. The hydraulic system is
tuned to work efficiently with the engine, and
it provides full hydraulic force to the working
tool on hand at any engine speed you desire.
Unlike other backhoe loaders, the D series will
reduce demands on the operator, cut fuel consumption
in half, reduce wear on the engine, and allow
for quieter operation. To make a long story
short - the D series from CAT are among the best
backhoe loaders that money can buy - bar none.
The CAT (Caterpillar) 420D and 430D backhoe loaders
are the high performance machines in the D series
lineup. The 420D boasts 85 HP and a backhoe digging
depth of 14 feet when equipped with a standard
stick.
The 430D offers 94 HP and a backhoe digging depth
of 15 feet when it is equipped with a standard
stick. By using an extendible stick, you can
push the digging depth of the 420D to 18 feet and
the depth of the 430D to 19 feet, which is very
impressive to say the least.
Both D series machines are available in IT
(Integrated Toolcarrier) configurations for
applications that benefit from a parallel lift
loader linkage and the versatility of quick work
tool changes through the use of a versatile
hydraulic quick coupler. Applications include the
use of pallet forks, material handling arms,
brooms, and even buckets.
The new and improved pilot operated hydraulic backhoe
and IT loader controls will help to ensure smooth,
precise operation with reduced effort on behalf of
the operator. These backhoes use excavator type
joystick controls, and an optional pattern change
valve which allows you to select the patern of
control.
The 205 degree rotation that is offered by the
backhoe bucket linkage will make it easier to dig
vertical walls and clamp material when loading
trucks. The rotation with the D series is 40
degrees more than with the C series. Now, the
backhoe buckets feature a single pin position,
with the bucket link featuring an integrated
lifting eye as well.
The optional quick coupler you can get for the
backhoe will allow fast changes of working tools
for increased versatility and flexibility in
almost all applications.
Both of the D series backhoe loaders use the
turbocharged, direct injection, four cylinder diesel
engine, with a displacement of 4.0 liters. This
engine offers superior lug performance which is
mostly due to the responsive fuel injection
system.
The standard power shuttle transmission provides
four forward speeds and four speeds in reverse
as well. Fully synchromesh in all gears will
permit on the go shifting, while the forward and
reverse electric power shuttle will provide
instant direction changes through powered
clutches.
The auto shifting feature will automatically
shift between second gear and the highest gear
selected for ease of operation. The auto shift
feature has five forward and three reverse gears,
with a transmission kick switch on the lever of
the loader control.
With D series loaders, you'll also have the choice
of standard two wheel drive or all wheel drive,
which you can engage easily on the go, under
heavy load, by pressing a switch that is located
on the front console.
The D series loaders from CAT are very fast and
versatile as well, as they will move faster than
most types of backhoes on the market. The
diesel engines are very fast, while the machine
has enough traction and control to keep you
moving even in wet or muddy conditions.
The variable load sensing hydraulic system will
adjust the flow and pressure of the machine to
meet the demands of work with an increased
pressure of 3,300 PSI. The hydraulic system is
tuned to work efficiently with the engine, and
it provides full hydraulic force to the working
tool on hand at any engine speed you desire.
Unlike other backhoe loaders, the D series will
reduce demands on the operator, cut fuel consumption
in half, reduce wear on the engine, and allow
for quieter operation. To make a long story
short - the D series from CAT are among the best
backhoe loaders that money can buy - bar none.
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