Recent content by Kent-o-Kent

Hey @Dozerbuddy, I’ve been running excavators for over a decade now, and pay definitely depends on the job and where you’re working. Union gigs and heavy civil jobs pay best in my experience. I started around $22/hr years back, but now I’m pulling close to $40 with certs and GPS experience. If...

yep, it's all about the GVWR. If the truck is over 26k pounds, you’ll usually need a CDL, but some states throw in extra rules depending on use or attachments. Always good to double-check with your local DMV just to be safe.

I lean toward the Stihl MS 261 it's super reliable and handles tough cuts with ease.

Hey folks, what’s the best way to find union construction jobs in your area these days? I’ve been checking local union halls and job boards, but wondering if there are other go-to spots or strategies that’ve worked for you. Any tips or experiences would be awesome!

I’ve been running gas bucket trucks for years, but recently tested out an electric one on a short-term rental and honestly, I was impressed. Super quiet and smooth, and the lack of exhaust was a nice bonus on tight sites. The downside? Range anxiety is real if you're on longer jobs without...

great topic! I’ve been seeing a big push lately toward materials like cross-laminated timber and better energy modeling during design phases. Feels like sustainable building is becoming less of a trend and more of the standard, especially with tighter codes and clients asking for greener solutions.

Great question, @Eliezer Bodegas! One thing that’s really helped us is using fleet management software like Fleetio or HCSS, makes it way easier to track service intervals and get alerts before stuff gets missed. Also, don’t forget the small things like battery terminals and grease fittings...

Definitely don’t skip the seatbelt check! I mean, I’ve seen folks buckle up, but then forget to adjust the seat... might as well be driving a bumper car if you're not sitting right! And yeah, always check for debris, unless you want to experience a ‘sudden dance move’ while trying to step on the...

Hi, I’ve worked with drum mixers mostly, and they’re great for general construction, especially for medium-sized projects. The tilting models are handy for getting everything out easily. For bigger batches or more consistent mixes, a pan mixer might be the way to go. Definitely depends on the...

Agree with all of you! GPS tracking has really helped me keep tabs on everything, especially across multiple sites. Predictive maintenance has definitely saved a lot on unexpected breakdowns. As for telematics, I’ve been using Fleet Complete, and it’s been great for managing everything from...

Great question! Warehousing, food production, and pharmaceuticals rely heavily on electric forklifts since they’re cleaner, quieter, and safer for indoor use. Plus, lower maintenance costs make them a smart long-term investment!

Hey everyone, I’m trying to get a better understanding of how forklifts are classified. I know there are different types based on design, power source, and usage, but what are the key factors that determine their classification? For example: How do Class I to Class VII forklifts differ...

@John Davis and @bumble_bee123, you both bring up great points about forklift stability and training. But do you think hands-on training alone is enough? I’ve noticed that even after practical training, some operators still develop risky habits over time—like cutting corners, as @bumble_bee123...

Good advice here! I'd add that spending some time at the yard or shop can help too—hearing the lingo in action makes it stick way faster than just reading about it. Have you run into any terms yet that totally threw you off?

Good question!