Recent content by Michael Race

Nice score! Since it sat for a few years, I'd start with fresh fluids, filters, and those hoses. I'd also keep an eye on the hydraulic system for any leaks once you start putting it to work. Those old 555As are known for being pretty reliable. How many hours are on it?

Good advice.

I'd probably lean toward construction for the flexibility alone. The pay might not always beat mining, but being able to work on different projects and operate a variety of equipment can open a lot more doors over time.

Low-hour loaders disappear ridiculously fast

Yeah I’m with most of you

definitely check your OEM telematics first...you might already have the data you need without adding another subscription

Yeah once you ignore the fancy dashboards and just watch idle time and routes, GPS suddenly feels less like paperwork and more like catching who’s secretly running a fuel-burning break room 😅

Secure loose parts, document everything thoroughly.

I think shows like CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026 are definitely shaping expectations, especially with all the focus on tech and efficiency. Feels like late-model machines with those features will keep their value, while older units might see a bit more price flexibility depending on demand. Curious how...

Hey folks, how does equipment financing actually impact your business credit score over time? Does taking out loans or using auction financing help build stronger credit, or can it hurt you if not structured right? Curious to hear real experiences-good or bad-, and any tips on keeping your score...

Good tie-downs and an experienced hauler make the biggest difference in my experience, and a quick route check upfront saves a lot of headaches later.

Solid tips here-if you're unsure, checking recent auction results on sites like Ritchie Bros is a great way to nail fair pricing.

I'd probably lean toward IAA since they tend to move equipment fast and have solid buyer raech, especially for heavy gear.

Stihls been my go-to for anything gnarly ..haven’t touched the rakers yet but this thread got me curious

totally agree.. having all three options (keypad, Bluetooth, and manual override) would cover so many potential issues techs great but backup is a must when youre deep in the mud or out of signal range