Recent content by John Calvin Lewis

Absolutely, tools like Buildertrend and CoConstruct have been game changers for us. They make it way easier to track budgets, manage schedules, and keep subs and clients in the loop without a ton of back-and-forth. Everything's in one place, which saves a ton of time and headaches.

Totally depends on the job, coz scissor lifts are solid for vertical work on stable surfaces, but boom lifts give you way more horizontal reach and flexibility, especially outdoors or over obstacles. If you're dealing with tight spots or elevation shifts, boom’s the way to go.

Yep, telehandlers are super versatile coz they can handle lifting, loading, and even light rigging if fitted with the right attachments. But when it comes to extreme height or heavy vertical loads, cranes still win, and forklifts are better for tight, flat indoor spaces.

Definitely test it out and check the maintenance records, with those two things alone can save you from a ton of regret later. And yeah, auctions can be tempting, but if you’re new to it, a dealer might be worth the extra peace of mind.

Definitely some solid points here! I’ve found that checking recent listings on auction and reseller sites gives a great real-time pulse on pricing. Also, don’t sleep on maintenance records—clean service history can really help justify a higher asking price. Curious, anyone had luck pricing based...

Hey everyone, I’ve been hearing both terms, cold planer and milling machine, being used pretty interchangeably on the job site, but are they actually the same thing? Or is there a real difference in how they’re built or what they’re best used for? I’m trying to figure out which one would be...

Hey Vaughn! A good starting point is checking recent listings on sites like Machinery Trader or Ritchie Bros to see what similar equipment is going for. Also, condition, hours of use, and brand can really swing the value, so be sure to factor those in when pricing!

Great question! Road reclaimers are seriously underrated, they pulverize the old pavement and mix it with stabilizing agents all in one pass, which saves a ton of time and cuts down on hauling costs. Plus, you're reusing existing materials right on site, which is a big win for both efficiency...

Lots of great suggestions here! I’m also curious about Westinghouse it seems like they’re gaining traction as a solid budget-friendly option. For job sites, I usually stick with Honda or Generac, but dual-fuel generators sound like a smart backup plan. Anyone have experience running one long-term?

hey @EB_Banawe, It really depends on the job! Front loaders are great for scooping and moving large amounts of material quickly, especially on construction sites. But if you're dealing with container loading or bulk material handling, a top loader might be the better choice. What kind of work...

Good points, Jack! I’ve heard a lot of people say CTLs are worth the extra cost for stability, especially on dirt work. Have you ever run into situations where a skid steer actually handled rough terrain better than expected? Also curious about what kind of track wear have you seen on CTLs? I’ve...

I get why a lot of people mix motor oil with gear oil for better cling, but doesn’t that just make a bigger mess in the long run? I’d argue that finding a single substitute that works well across different temps might be a better approach. Maybe a mid-weight hydraulic oil could do the trick...

Hey everyone, I hear you on distractions and speeding being huge risks, but I’d argue that complacency might be an even bigger issue. Some of the worst accidents I’ve seen weren’t from new operators but from experienced ones who got too comfortable and skipped basic checks. Training is great...

I’ve used a dual-fuel generator before, and having the flexibility is a game-changer! Diesel is great for efficiency, but propane’s long shelf life is hard to beat for emergencies. Definitely depends on the use case!

Interesting how IHI made such a big shift! It’s good to know KATO is behind them now. They’ve got a solid reputation in the industry, so I’m sure IHI excavators are still high quality. Glad to hear you got the info you needed!