Recent content by Luke Gibson

The Sierra 1500 4x4 definitely seems to be the fan favorite tough, timeless, and mod-friendly. Anyone here ever daily one, or is it more of a weekend rig for you?

Totally agree! Cat is a beast for durability, but I’ve also seen some Volvo R100s run smooth with less downtime. Anyone here tried the newer Komatsu electric-assist models?

Even a 2-degree slope can feel sketchy with a loaded crawler, especially if the ground’s soft. We always use inclinometers and do a soil compaction check before setup, it saved us more than once!

Absolutely agree! It’s exciting to see how far reclamation has come. We’ve started using it more on mid-size roads, and the results have been solid so far. Once the durability on high-traffic routes proves out, I think it’ll be a go-to method industry-wide.

Yup, and don’t ignore strange whining or banging noises, those can point to cavitation or pump issues. If your machine starts drifting when it shouldn’t, that’s often internal leakage in a cylinder. I always start with a temp gun on the lines and a quick check for metal shavings in the filter...

Hey everyone, I’m comparing Wirtgen and Roadtec cold planers and wondering which one tends to have lower downtime in real-world use. I’ve heard Wirtgen machines are super reliable but can be pricey on parts, while Roadtec seems easier to maintain. For those of you who’ve run both, how do they...

Leasing is great for short-term flexibility and keeping upfront costs low, but those usage caps and end-of-lease fees can be tricky if you’re not paying attention. Anyone had a lease deal that worked out really well?

Modular construction and just-in-time deliveries have saved us tons of space and headaches on tight city jobs!

Totally agree that BIM seriously ups coordination and helps catch issues early, which saves so much time and hassle on site.

Absolutely! Start with checking the transmission fluid level and quality because dirty or low fluid is the root of so many problems. Then listen for any odd noises or shifting delays that could hint at clutch pack wear or solenoid issues. Running a diagnostic scan is a huge time saver too...

For sure. Regular cleaning, daily checks, and staying on top of greasing are key, but I’d also say don’t overlook keeping your software and firmware up to date if your machines are tech-enabled. Telematics systems can actually help you track maintenance intervals, spot early issues, and keep...

Haha yeah, smoke or flames are definitely your "do not ignore" signs. I’d also add things like sudden drops in hydraulic pressure, inconsistent engine performance, or even odd smells, burning rubber or coolant can sneak up on you. Also, if your machine starts lagging on response time or throwing...

Good question! 3D modeling (especially BIM) is a game-changer. It gives you a full visual of the project before anything’s built, which means way fewer surprises on site. Clash detection alone saves tons of time and rework. Plus, trades can collaborate in real time off the same model, and...

Been there with my 430D it turned out to be a bad shift solenoid and a corroded connector. Swapped both and it was back to normal. Definitely check your fuses and wiring before tearing into the transmission. Sometimes it’s the small stuff causing big headaches. Good luck!

Absolutely! Track loaders are beasts when it comes to versatility. You’ll see them crushing it in demo work, land clearing, backfilling, and especially on job sites with soft, muddy, or uneven ground where wheeled machines would just spin out. Their traction and stability make them go-to...